Anonymous
09/03/2025 11:34
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So we're thinking of experimenting with eliminating ultra processed foods, as described in the Wall Street Journal.
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/my-family-went-off-ultra-processed-foods-for-a-month-the-results-surprised-us-ac8015b1?mod=lifestyle_trendingnow_article_pos1
We already do pretty well but there are a few items in regular rotation that I think will have to go, for a while anyway, and I wondered if folks had come up with good replacements.
Buns: we turn lots of things into burgers-- beans, lentils, ground turkey-- and we love brioche buns
Lunch: gotta be quick! and portable! No more frozen pizza
Snacks: I love cheese and crackers. But I think both cheese and crackers are UPFs
Breakfast: Cold cereal has to go. Steel cut oats seem minimally processed, but they take so long to cook. How about rolled oats?
Tl;dr: What substitutions have you made that worked to remove highly processed foods from your kitchen?
Less than 5 minutes, what are you talking about?
Were these magic grits?
No self-respecting southerner eats instant grits!
Anonymous
09/03/2025 11:22
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Make your own brioche buns. I do it every week and it's easy with a zojirushi breadmachine to do half the work. Stop eating deli meat--have a salad or a cup of veg soup, or some yoghurt with granola. Easy peasy.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 11:13
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the desire to avoid processed foods. Do you avoid medicine, too? What other scientific advances do you shun?
Oh come on. You know darn well many 'food' items are not food at all and contribute significantly to disease which makes you need medicine.
NP. I am also a bit confused by what people are hoping to achieve by avoiding processed foods. Processed foods span a huge range of food types. I completely understand ruling out fast food and Doritos, but the posts on this thread seem to be going in a more extreme direction.
People are talking about "ultra processed foods," which have generally been defined as foods with ingredients that would not be used in a home kitchen (such as foods loaded up with additives, preservatives, fake sweeteners, other chemical names rather than food descriptors). Typically if you can recognize the names of ingredients, the item is not considered UPF. That said, I think a more tenable goal is to reduce, rather than entirely eliminate, UPFs.
I'm intrigued by this conversation because as a home cook who cooks 95% of what I eat with next to no takeaways and restaurant meals, and who proactively eats a healthy diet with plenty of greens and vegetables, it's the default for me to approach the meal planning without thinking about reaching for the box of frozen packaged food from the freezer or whatever (though I still have the occasional frozen pizza). But that does not translate into OMG must bake my own breads and crackers and eat lentil soups and steel cut oats or I'll never have healthy skin and will die prematurely of heart disease! I've had plenty of lentils and steel cut oats, they're typically quite dreary, but more to the point, no, you don't have to eat them to have a healthy diet either.
Ironically, some of the most unhealthy looking people I know are people who are obsessed with being vegan and cutting out any fats and processed foods in their diets. They look like waifs and drug addicts, certainly not people with healthy glowing skins!
It is unhealthy to cut fats and nutrients out of your diet. Vegan/low-fat is not the same as whole/unprocessed.
It sounds like eating mostly unprocessed is working for you, which is good. If you are healthy then I would keep doing what you are doing. Often when people have already tipped into metabolic disarray or systemic inflammation, they would benefit from being more extreme for a while to correct those problems. Research supports this.
And…glowing skin is not in itself a reason to eat healthy. The point is that many people see reduced inflammation when they cut out processed foods. It can be seen in improved skin but that is literally just the surface. It is an indicator that positive changes have occurred.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 11:04
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree that snacks and packed lunches are hardest. I still eat things like yogurt and hummus that are technically processed, otherwise I would not be able to get enough food volume.
I recommend getting a cookbook for inspiration and ideas.
Snacks are the easiest! Only eat fruits and veggies.
For blood sugar and hormone balance as well as satiety, I try to have a balanced snack with protein, carb and fat. So, while it may include fruit or veggie, that won’t be the only thing I eat for a snack. Also, veggies aren’t necessarily easy, they require prep!
If prepping veggies is hard, I don't know what to tell you.
Ok, explain how chopping veggies is left effort than opening a bag of Doritos. Make sure to include the part where it is easier to buy, store and keep fresh produce on hand. You’ll solve the obesity crisis. Can’t wait to hear your Nobel winning explanation.
I mean, if you're so lazy that you're not willing to put in a couple of minutes of work, you'll remain unhealthy. No skin off my nose. But that still doesn't make them difficult. If you want to throw money at the problem, buy pre-cut.
I eat a ton of veggies and that’s how I know it takes effort to have them available.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:58
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the desire to avoid processed foods. Do you avoid medicine, too? What other scientific advances do you shun?
Oh come on. You know darn well many 'food' items are not food at all and contribute significantly to disease which makes you need medicine.
NP. I am also a bit confused by what people are hoping to achieve by avoiding processed foods. Processed foods span a huge range of food types. I completely understand ruling out fast food and Doritos, but the posts on this thread seem to be going in a more extreme direction.
People are talking about "ultra processed foods," which have generally been defined as foods with ingredients that would not be used in a home kitchen (such as foods loaded up with additives, preservatives, fake sweeteners, other chemical names rather than food descriptors). Typically if you can recognize the names of ingredients, the item is not considered UPF. That said, I think a more tenable goal is to reduce, rather than entirely eliminate, UPFs.
I'm intrigued by this conversation because as a home cook who cooks 95% of what I eat with next to no takeaways and restaurant meals, and who proactively eats a healthy diet with plenty of greens and vegetables, it's the default for me to approach the meal planning without thinking about reaching for the box of frozen packaged food from the freezer or whatever (though I still have the occasional frozen pizza). But that does not translate into OMG must bake my own breads and crackers and eat lentil soups and steel cut oats or I'll never have healthy skin and will die prematurely of heart disease! I've had plenty of lentils and steel cut oats, they're typically quite dreary, but more to the point, no, you don't have to eat them to have a healthy diet either.
Ironically, some of the most unhealthy looking people I know are people who are obsessed with being vegan and cutting out any fats and processed foods in their diets. They look like waifs and drug addicts, certainly not people with healthy glowing skins!
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:56
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree that snacks and packed lunches are hardest. I still eat things like yogurt and hummus that are technically processed, otherwise I would not be able to get enough food volume.
I recommend getting a cookbook for inspiration and ideas.
Snacks are the easiest! Only eat fruits and veggies.
For blood sugar and hormone balance as well as satiety, I try to have a balanced snack with protein, carb and fat. So, while it may include fruit or veggie, that won’t be the only thing I eat for a snack. Also, veggies aren’t necessarily easy, they require prep!
If prepping veggies is hard, I don't know what to tell you.
Ok, explain how chopping veggies is left effort than opening a bag of Doritos. Make sure to include the part where it is easier to buy, store and keep fresh produce on hand. You’ll solve the obesity crisis. Can’t wait to hear your Nobel winning explanation.
I mean, if you're so lazy that you're not willing to put in a couple of minutes of work, you'll remain unhealthy. No skin off my nose. But that still doesn't make them difficult. If you want to throw money at the problem, buy pre-cut.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:51
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Lunch is a bun with deli turkey and cheese for my kids. I can make my own turkey but I'm keeping the cheese. Maybe changing to a less processed bun/bread.
I'm trying to limit tortillas but kids really do eat better when we have things in wraps. They will wrap meat and roasted veggies.
I didn't think cheese was ultra processed. Who is saying this?
I think it depends on the cheese.
I agree with this. High-quality aged cheese is totally fine. Kraft slices absolutely not. THat's not even cheese.
I think any cheese that doesn't have to be labeled "cheese product" is fine.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:48
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:if it says “cheese product”. It’s definitely ultra processed.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Lunch is a bun with deli turkey and cheese for my kids. I can make my own turkey but I'm keeping the cheese. Maybe changing to a less processed bun/bread.
I'm trying to limit tortillas but kids really do eat better when we have things in wraps. They will wrap meat and roasted veggies.
I didn't think cheese was ultra processed. Who is saying this?
I think it depends on the cheese.
or if you can squirt it out of a can.
I don't know anyone using spray cheese to make sandwiches. Spray cheese is for your Doritos.
Velveeta and American cheese are processed. Cream cheese. Etc.
Velveta and American cheese are ultra processed. Cream cheese is processed.
Velveta and American cheese have emulsifiers to help with texture.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:46
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the desire to avoid processed foods. Do you avoid medicine, too? What other scientific advances do you shun?
Oh come on. You know darn well many 'food' items are not food at all and contribute significantly to disease which makes you need medicine.
NP. I am also a bit confused by what people are hoping to achieve by avoiding processed foods. Processed foods span a huge range of food types. I completely understand ruling out fast food and Doritos, but the posts on this thread seem to be going in a more extreme direction.
People are talking about "ultra processed foods," which have generally been defined as foods with ingredients that would not be used in a home kitchen (such as foods loaded up with additives, preservatives, fake sweeteners, other chemical names rather than food descriptors). Typically if you can recognize the names of ingredients, the item is not considered UPF. That said, I think a more tenable goal is to reduce, rather than entirely eliminate, UPFs.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:40
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree that snacks and packed lunches are hardest. I still eat things like yogurt and hummus that are technically processed, otherwise I would not be able to get enough food volume.
I recommend getting a cookbook for inspiration and ideas.
Snacks are the easiest! Only eat fruits and veggies.
For blood sugar and hormone balance as well as satiety, I try to have a balanced snack with protein, carb and fat. So, while it may include fruit or veggie, that won’t be the only thing I eat for a snack. Also, veggies aren’t necessarily easy, they require prep!
If prepping veggies is hard, I don't know what to tell you.
Ok, explain how chopping veggies is left effort than opening a bag of Doritos. Make sure to include the part where it is easier to buy, store and keep fresh produce on hand. You’ll solve the obesity crisis. Can’t wait to hear your Nobel winning explanation.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:29
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree that snacks and packed lunches are hardest. I still eat things like yogurt and hummus that are technically processed, otherwise I would not be able to get enough food volume.
I recommend getting a cookbook for inspiration and ideas.
Snacks are the easiest! Only eat fruits and veggies.
For blood sugar and hormone balance as well as satiety, I try to have a balanced snack with protein, carb and fat. So, while it may include fruit or veggie, that won’t be the only thing I eat for a snack. Also, veggies aren’t necessarily easy, they require prep!
If prepping veggies is hard, I don't know what to tell you.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 10:26
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So we're thinking of experimenting with eliminating ultra processed foods, as described in the Wall Street Journal.
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/my-family-went-off-ultra-processed-foods-for-a-month-the-results-surprised-us-ac8015b1?mod=lifestyle_trendingnow_article_pos1
We already do pretty well but there are a few items in regular rotation that I think will have to go, for a while anyway, and I wondered if folks had come up with good replacements.
Buns: we turn lots of things into burgers-- beans, lentils, ground turkey-- and we love brioche buns
Lunch: gotta be quick! and portable! No more frozen pizza
Snacks: I love cheese and crackers. But I think both cheese and crackers are UPFs
Breakfast: Cold cereal has to go. Steel cut oats seem minimally processed, but they take so long to cook. How about rolled oats?
Tl;dr: What substitutions have you made that worked to remove highly processed foods from your kitchen?
Less than 5 minutes, what are you talking about?
I use my Zojirushi rice cooker at least once a week, and it’s awesome for steel cut oats (which definitely take more than five minutes, PP). Set the timer the night before and they’re ready when you wake up.
I'm the one who said it takes less than 5 and I stand by it. I make steel cut oats every single morning. Boil the water, toss the oats in, feed the dog and maybe wash a pot or two from the night before. Boom! Oats done.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 09:58
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Omg the latest fad.
It's not a fad. Most of the world has never (and still doesn't) consume the ultra processed stuff the way we do in the US. I grew up in a different country and even though we were poor we ate much, much healthier. My mom and grandmother made most of the stuff from scratch out of necessity.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 09:54
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Omg the latest fad.
Anonymous
09/03/2025 09:52
Subject: Eliminating ultra processed foods per WSJ
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So we're thinking of experimenting with eliminating ultra processed foods, as described in the Wall Street Journal.
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/my-family-went-off-ultra-processed-foods-for-a-month-the-results-surprised-us-ac8015b1?mod=lifestyle_trendingnow_article_pos1
We already do pretty well but there are a few items in regular rotation that I think will have to go, for a while anyway, and I wondered if folks had come up with good replacements.
Buns: we turn lots of things into burgers-- beans, lentils, ground turkey-- and we love brioche buns
Lunch: gotta be quick! and portable! No more frozen pizza
Snacks: I love cheese and crackers. But I think both cheese and crackers are UPFs
Breakfast: Cold cereal has to go. Steel cut oats seem minimally processed, but they take so long to cook. How about rolled oats?
Tl;dr: What substitutions have you made that worked to remove highly processed foods from your kitchen?
Less than 5 minutes, what are you talking about?
I think you are confusing rolled oats (flakes which are basically instant) with steel cut oats, often called Irish oats. They are shaped like hard little nuggets and take longer to cook -- 35 to 40 minutes.
You can buy quick cook steel cut oats. We make that almost every day.