Topic: Ultra Processed Foods

[Dull Tools]

^ there seems to be a lot of resistance (in the comments section) to the general gist of these UPF articles in the Guardian for some reason, I suppose labeling something as addictive is quite a powerful statement.

Anyway

I did it 
I found it relatively easy but I got a lot of family support and I don't have a very time consuming schedule so I'm lucky in that regard.
I also ate pretty much the same thing every day for 30+ days to make it easier (also I had no big social events or work dinners etc), I also gave up booze except for a couple of vodka-sodas on Saturday night, you get a right buzz on when you haven't had a drink all week 
So I lost 5kg - and my body fat went from 27% to 21%  (in 40+ days because I've continued into October).

I find it weird when people push so hard against this stuff when a lot of it is common sense.

The best thing that happened to my diet was having a kid and seeing lots of recipes that are just basic ingredients. It showed me it isn't that hard or time consuming to do. It just isn't the norm of what we have been brought up with any more.

[thejbs]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/28/ultra-processed-food-32-harmful-effects-health-review?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Largest review of UPF to date links it to multiple illnesses and conditions.

[killer-heels]

Thats vegans fucked then.

[Red-Soldier]

Thats vegans fucked then.

I don't think tofu and beans/pulses, are ultra processed.

Certainly, some of the meat alternative stuff, would be questionable, I think.

Not many vegans in the Fast Food thread, it seems.

[killer-heels]

I don't think tofu and beans/pulses, are ultra processed.

Certainly, some of the meat alternative stuff, would be questionable, I think.

Not many vegans in the Fast Food thread, it seems.

The meat alternatives are Ultra, ultra processed.

[Draex]

The meat alternatives are Ultra, ultra processed.

Yeah but veg and fruit aren't, most vegans I know don't buy the "like meat" stuff.

[Elmo!]

Yeah but veg and fruit aren't, most vegans I know don't buy the "like meat" stuff.

Same, vegans and vegetarians I know don't eat that stuff at all really, it's people who eat meat but are trying to cut down on it that do.

[Crosby Nick]

We’ve all got to die of something. Might as well be a Gregg’s steak bake (and post snack doorway session) that finishes me off.

[Nobby Reserve]

First step to tackling this is surely to make it easier to identify what is a UPF and what isn't?

I'm reasonably clued-up on food and nutrition, but there's far too many grey/no idea areas between what I 100% know are absolutely not UPF and 100% know are.

WRT to, say, ready-meals, there's a huge difference along the scale of these. Some won't be UPF.

[killer-heels]

Yeah but veg and fruit aren't, most vegans I know don't buy the "like meat" stuff.

Love a good Pepper main.

[killer-heels]

I actually think its quite easy not to eat ultra processed foods regularly. The only issue is there are some sneaky bastards in there, like supermarket bread.

[Nobby Reserve]

See, bacon is classed as 'processed' but not 'ultra-processed'. Yet ham is classed as ultra-processed.

Sausages are lumped in with 'ultra-processed' yet not all sausages are equal.

[rob1966]

We’ve all got to die of something. Might as well be a Gregg’s steak bake (and post snack doorway session) that finishes me off.

My first boss in IT had that attitude, had a heart attack and died on his office floor at 54. Reckon I'm on the same path unless I join a gym asap

[Nobby Reserve]

My first boss in IT had that attitude, had a heart attack and died on his office floor at 54. Reckon I'm on the same path unless I join a gym asap

My advice to you, Rob, would be to join a gym asap


(and my advice to myself would be to do the fucking same!!)

[killer-heels]

My first boss in IT had that attitude, had a heart attack and died on his office floor at 54. Reckon I'm on the same path unless I join a gym asap

Was his office a Greggs as well?

[killer-heels]

See, bacon is classed as 'processed' but not 'ultra-processed'. Yet ham is classed as ultra-processed.

Sausages are lumped in with 'ultra-processed' yet not all sausages are equal.

I just assumed all sausages were ultra processed no matter the meat content.

[rob1966]

I eat homemade bread, but I've started to buy sourdough, from the shops.  It's really nice and doesn't bloat me out.

We're the same now since the wife bought the lad a breadmaker for Christmas, they eat white bread, I make my own wholemeal bread.

I just assumed all sausages were ultra processed no matter the meat content.

You can get proper sausages made in a butchers from fresh meat, I wouldn't class these as ultra processed

[killer-heels]

I eat homemade bread, but I've started to buy sourdough, from the shops.  It's really nice and doesn't bloat me out.

Yes I was going to get a bread maker. Mentioned it to the other half and he said he would get me it for Christmas but then I told him to fuck off if that was going to be my present.

[rob1966]

Yes I was going to get a bread maker. Mentioned it to the other half and he said he would get me it for Christmas but then I told him to fuck off if that was going to be my present.

[Draex]

Love a good Pepper main.

Yeah making tasty vegan food is a lot of effort, my misses has tried so many and half are horrible, my sister is a full vegan and they make a full fish and chips, mushy mint peas using banana blossom which is really good.

We're trying to eat more veg, less meat and reduce our processed food. I've dropped a stone since Jan just making my own lunch rather than buying something from the shop.

I won't go full vegan though, love burgers far too much 

[Crosby Nick]

My first boss in IT had that attitude, had a heart attack and died on his office floor at 54. Reckon I'm on the same path unless I join a gym asap

Keep it light Rob.

[[new username under construction]]

I assume when they say ham they mean the sliced packaged ham in supermarkets...the "sandwich" ham, not the sliced ham from the butcher type as that's literally a bit of animal right there in front of you

[Indomitable_Carp]

Yeah making tasty vegan food is a lot of effort, my misses has tried so many and half are horrible, my sister is a full vegan and they make a full fish and chips, mushy mint peas using banana blossom which is really good.

We're trying to eat more veg, less meat and reduce our processed food. I've dropped a stone since Jan just making my own lunch rather than buying something from the shop.

I won't go full vegan though, love burgers far too much 

There's loads of tasty stuff you can make. But if you are trying to make vegan dishes to resemble meat or fish, you are onto a loser. Try Ottolenghi's recipes (https://ottolenghi.co.uk/recipes/aubergine-recipes). I swear every single one I try is a winner, and they embrace vegetables for what they are (vegetables, not meat). A lot of them do require a bit of time though.

I'm not a full vegan, or even a vegetarian, but the majority of what I cook at home is either vegan or veggie. I eat meat out (I also love a burger!).

[LuverlyRita]

Yeah making tasty vegan food is a lot of effort

It doesn't have to be. We make a lot of (roasted) tray bakes. You just have to chop up the veg and everything gets done in the same tin/casserole dish. If you need some protein or you're not strictly vegan then you can add beans or chopped haloumi or fling on a fish steak for the last 20 minutes. There's something about the roasting process that make the veg extra tasty (I think it does something to the natural sugars). Onions and tomatoes are particularly yummy when roasted and if you fancy spicing it up, I'd recommend spreading harissa paste over some of the veg or the haloumi.

[LuverlyRita]

There's loads of tasty stuff you can make. But if you are trying to make vegan dishes to resemble meat or fish, you are onto a loser. Try Ottolenghi's recipes (https://ottolenghi.co.uk/recipes/aubergine-recipes). I swear every single one I try is a winner, and they embrace vegetables for what they are (vegetables, not meat). A lot of them do require a bit of time though.

I'm not a full vegan, or even a vegetarian, but the majority of what I cook at home is either vegan or veggie. I eat meat out (I also love a burger!).

We were given one of Rukmini Iyer's books which I would also recommend.

[killer-heels]

It doesn't have to be. We make a lot of (roasted) tray bakes. You just have to chop up the veg and everything gets done in the same tin/casserole dish. If you need some protein or you're not strictly vegan then you can add beans or chopped haloumi or fling on a fish steak for the last 20 minutes. There's something about the roasting process that make the veg extra tasty (I think it does something to the natural sugars). Onions and tomatoes are particularly yummy when roasted and if you fancy spicing it up, I'd recommend spreading harissa paste over some of the veg or the haloumi.

Is Harissa paste ultra processed?

[LuverlyRita]

Is Harissa paste ultra processed?

No idea! We buy the spices and make up the paste with olive oil and a bit of tomato puree. Not sure if the tomato puree is ultra processed 

[TepidT2O]

My head still rings massively with the issue of confounding variables here.

Let’s look at red meant consumption. Red meat is bad for you right?  Possibly, but there’s no good evidence for that because we can’t separate out the confounding variables.

[Draex]

We were given one of Rukmini Iyer's books which I would also recommend.

We're working our way through two of them currently! I'd say 50/50 hit and miss, although halloumi makes any meal decent, untill I found out how unhealthy 1 block is!

[thejbs]

I have quite a few vegan friends and most are UPF free by default. They generally hate those fake meat products.

[Sangria]

It doesn't have to be. We make a lot of (roasted) tray bakes. You just have to chop up the veg and everything gets done in the same tin/casserole dish. If you need some protein or you're not strictly vegan then you can add beans or chopped haloumi or fling on a fish steak for the last 20 minutes. There's something about the roasting process that make the veg extra tasty (I think it does something to the natural sugars). Onions and tomatoes are particularly yummy when roasted and if you fancy spicing it up, I'd recommend spreading harissa paste over some of the veg or the haloumi.

One of the most underrated foods, probably because of folk memories of it being boiled to death, is cabbage. Lightly roasted or baked, it really develops the sweetness and savoriness. Also kale, although as most of the flavour is in the stalk rather than the leaves, it's not quite as good as cabbage (which has more body where the flavour is).

[BarryCrocker]

One of the most underrated foods, probably because of folk memories of it being boiled to death, is cabbage. Lightly roasted or baked, it really develops the sweetness and savoriness. Also kale, although as most of the flavour is in the stalk rather than the leaves, it's not quite as good as cabbage (which has more body where the flavour is).

A roasted wedge of cabbage, drizzled with good EVO and sprinkled with fennel seeds is a thing of joy. Especially if you get some nice caramelisation on it.

[Studgotelli]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/feb/28/ultra-processed-food-32-harmful-effects-health-review?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Largest review of UPF to date links it to multiple illnesses and conditions.

Surprised a study like that would be released. The food industry has made a killing for these pharma companies through the illnesses caused by some of the garbage they sell that they call “food”. Glad to see there’s a bit of an awakening.

[thejbs]

One of the most underrated foods, probably because of folk memories of it being boiled to death, is cabbage. Lightly roasted or baked, it really develops the sweetness and savoriness. Also kale, although as most of the flavour is in the stalk rather than the leaves, it's not quite as good as cabbage (which has more body where the flavour is).

Yes! I was put off so much veg growing up because it was boiled mush. Sprouts, broccoli, kale and cabbage are all delicious roasted/pan-fried. Especially when you add garlic and a bit of seasoning.

[Kenny's Jacket]

Yes! I was put off so much veg growing up because it was boiled mush. Sprouts, broccoli, kale and cabbage are all delicious roasted/pan-fried. Especially when you add garlic and a bit of seasoning.

Or Franks Hot sauce which is quite low in carbs

[thejbs]

Or Franks Hot sauce which is quite low in carbs

Awh, it’s great on everything! Cauliflower hot ‘wings’ especially. And it’s not UPF either.

I love sprouts roasted in olive oil with garlic, fennel seeds, chilli flakes, salt and a wee bit of honey.

[Kenny's Jacket]

Awh, it’s great on everything! Cauliflower hot ‘wings’ especially. And it’s not UPF either.

I love sprouts roasted in olive oil with garlic, fennel seeds, chilli flakes, salt and a wee bit of honey.

Yeah its fantastic, all natural ingredients and spices up veg a treat, I get through a bottle a week

[Kenny's Jacket]

I use my wok for cooking, every day.  Loads of veg and different spices, with a bit of soy sauce.

You put any carbs (rice or noodles) with it ?

[Draex]

I use my wok for cooking, every day.  Loads of veg and different spices, with a bit of soy sauce.

I have some oil, 3 eggs, frozen mixed veg and a packet of rice for my lunch every day!

[redbyrdz]

I have some oil, 3 eggs, frozen mixed veg and a packet of rice for my lunch every day!

I don't know. Frozen veg and dry rice. I'd try and cook that in some way.