UPF Discussion Thread

[sunlovingcriminal]

Hi all, wondering whether any of us here would be up for a UPF discussion/support group?

We recently watched the panorama documentary on UPF, as well as reading the ultra processed people book- and have decided to make a lifestyle change for our family.

So, out with the cereal, fruit yogurts, packaged breads, squash and pre-made sauces

And in with the homemade everything...

It is taking a lot of prep and cooking. We're both a bit exhausted and overwhelmed but quite determined.

We have 3 teenage boys- so it's going to be interesting seeing whether we can get them to enjoy both the cooking and eating.

We're one week in and I do already feel better. I am not as hungry- my urge to snack has gone- and my reliance on artificial sugar fixes seems to have diminished.

Still on the hunt for alternatives to stock cubes though! Other than making from scratch (which I fear may be inevitable!).

Would be great to hear some inspiration from others, or great non-upf swaps!

@FootSoreandFamcyFree - yes of course. I try and use little and natural where possible. Have for years

i watched something on cooking oils last night and am thoroughly confused . What are people using for cooking and has anyone found a reputable source of info about the risks .

Personally, I’m mainly trying to avoid UPF food stuff for health reasons. I’m post menopausal and have had a BMI of 26/27 most of my adult life, so as the saying goes, I’m aiming to add years to my life and life to my years.

That said, I also think avoiding UPF and buying better quality meat and fish when budgets allow, means treading a little lighter on the planet and as a part of a lifestyle overhaul, I am shopping more thoughtfully.

Truthfully, makeup, shampoos, and household cleaning products aren’t a priority for me right now, but I’m aware that they cause can damage and expect to make changes over time, although the environmental reasons will drive me as much as any health concerns.

Virgin olive oil whenever possible

Cold pressed rapeseed when olive oil doesn’t work (making mayo)

Duck or goose fat for spuds

Lard for yorkshires

Butter on bread.

Simple and less processed is my aim.

I would agree with @doingthehokeykokey's list except that I usually cook Yorkshire's & roast potatoes in olive oil as I rarely have lard or goose fat in.

I've also yet to crack mayonnaise (see previous posts on this thread) but at least rapeseed oil tasted better than EVOO.

This article has some useful information on smoke points.

www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-is-the-healthiest-cooking-oil

The smoke point in domestic cooking was discounted by Tim Spector I believe. It’s about industrial settings

Do you think Stokes mayo is ok in small quantities?

	Rapeseed Oil (75%), Free Range Pasteurised Whole <strong>Egg</strong> (12%), Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil (5%), Unrefined Raw Cane Sugar, Acid: Acetic Acid, Sea Salt, <strong>Mustard</strong> Flour

Thanks all - I’ll read that link

I was considering getting the Stokes mayo - it doesn’t look too bad - reality is we can’t make everything from scratch

I've been making my own Mayo with a stick blender recently. It's a piece of piss and takes literally 10 seconds to blend honestly. About a minute overall.

Wide jar (tiny bit wider than your stick blender)
100ml light oil (I use olive oil)
1 whole egg
Seasoning
1 tsp Dijon
Juice of half a lemon
I also press in a clove of garlic

Chuck it all in, the oil will rise to the top, blend starting from the bottom and slowly pull it up. Tastes delicious.

Is anyone else struggling without Diet Coke? I know it’s really not good. I gave up completely for a few weeks but any really struggling to not have it now the sun is out and it’s a treat for me. Any good alternatives?

It's not diet but I like Gusto Organic Cola (and cherry cola) as healthier alternatives.

These are the ingredients for the Gusto Cola.

Thanks @Bearpawk for the Mayo recipe. I had been planning to try a whole egg as my next experiment, so will try your method. I’ll report back at some point.

Thanks tipster100 I will check this out

@Bearpawk can I ask how much that recipe makes?

It has a high percentage of Rapeseed oil which is UPF. Block butter or don't bother

@FootSoreandFamcyFree it's about 200ml (just eyeballing it as my jars are all grams!)
The trick is that the receptacle you blend it in needs to be a snug fit with the stick blender (I.e. not too big) so I usually use a mug which is a perfect fit - and start it on a low speed.
Lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge.

I use similar recipe. But I use cold pressed rapeseed oil. And I like to use my microwave soup cup/bowl. Perfect size for my blender. Then I have a lid. And sharpie for date. Jobs done.

I use that mayo recipe too. It’s a piece of cake to make, but receptacle size wrt the blender head is important too.

New to upf but thought I was getting the hang of what was/ wasn't Upf even if I haven't completely stopped eating them - but today I have come across Waxy maize starch in a seedy/ berry mix I sprinkle on yogurt/ smoothies etc - does that make it upf? 😫

If you can tell me what waxy maize starch is, we’ll let it through 😂 <not helpful>

Happy to report that @Bearpawk's mayonnaise recipe works.

I must try this!

How long does it last in the fridge?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/4863785-ama-with-dr-chris-van-tulleken-expert-on-ultra-processed-food-and-award-winning-broadcaster

Get your questions answered by the man himself.
MN has is concealed under some abstract title.

Thanks for the heads up re the CVT thread. It looks like it is being postponed.

@MNHQ please could you give us a heads up over here when you get a new date - I don't want to miss it. Thanks 🙏