Bad Actors

 It's nearly the end of week 1 of avoiding UPFs, and a useful place to sum up my wins and fails. Because I feel there may have been fails, and failure thy name is Thatcher's Gold Cider.

I finished reading Food For Life by Tim Spector and I feel I have a really good overview of what nutritional science is and why the advice you read in the media keeps changing, and why the general NHS advice which may not be quite right for everyone hasn't been updated in years. Quite a lot of bunkum and vagueness out there, sponsored by Danone or basically any food brand that wants to add health claims on the label. Many clinical trials are not sufficiently robust or repeatable, and humans are terrible people for under-reporting data in trials they're taking part in. On the other hand, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants" seems like pretty good advice and probably the best thing to do is just eat loads of veggies and not worry too much. 

Yeah, because I can totally walk away from obsessional thinking...

In the meantime, I have noticed a fair amount of snark happening online in response to Dr Chris Van Tulleken's book and I will put my detective hat on for this.

1. A group of online pals really hate Michael Moseley. I don't think he's that bad, but there's no way I am following his crazy low calorie diet plan again as it affected my eyes for days and I couldn't read. I'm not interested in causing ketosis, or body hacking. I also agree with this group that has a cultish following. Asparagus dipped in boiled egg is very nice though. 

Anyway, they're claiming CVT is the new MM. Book out, BBC shows... Fairish comparison?

2. Somebody reviewed the CVT book in The Times and though it was behind a paywall the gist was that some UPF swaps you could do were, like, a £7 loaf and £4 yoghurt from Waitrose or M&S or Ocado - where the rich shop. Therefore CVT is basically bating the poor. 

I think you'll find actually (pushes glasses) it's a critique of the current food system where healthier food is out of reach to a lot of people. And whoever put the article together basically wrote an advertorial for those supermarkets.

3. In the group includes a chef who wrote a book based on his blog where he argues a lot that it's okay to eat donuts and stuff about genetics. He does work for a big food manufacturer though who might make those things. 

4. Also in the group is a food journalist who is one of the people at IEA. An awful group of people who like to argue for freedom of choice and against health initiatives, basically because they have fingers in smoky, boozy pies. They are the "think tank" people who get places on debate shows to push buttons for the Culture Wars - the made up annoying thing that splits families and political allies alike. 

Be wary when you see bad actors engaging on social media. I see CVT is stirring up a nest of wasps...

Well, I'm not poor, but I'm not stinking rich either and having bought sourdough from Aldi for £1.50 less 30% from the sticker, that's just about affordable for me but the hubby is still getting lightly seeded UPF bread for his sandwiches. 

Speaking of which it was his birthday this week so I tried to reproduce his favourite dinner from when we were in Ibiza. The most expensive steaks in Aldi at £9.49!!! Flipping worked though.

Please excuse my terrible Eighties brown kitchen, and the chipped plate but that's a medium rare ribeye with chargrilled veggies and tarragon spuds. 

Plus I made a cake! At 8am!

Whipped cream too! I can't quenelle it. 

No UPFs so yes, this is diet food. LoL!

Yesterday I did have a bit of trouble with the whole thing. Went to the market to buy nice veggies and meat, so no problem there. My husband wanted a milkshake, and I just had a cup of tea, no problem there. But then we went to the pub for a couple. I don't know if ciders are okay. I imagine scrumpy is, but they can also be lethal. So we got home late for Eurovision and slightly tipsy, so getting the bingo cards quickly done I ordered a takeaway. I know, I know... But does it help if I say I ordered a David Bowie curry?

Oh little chana dahl!

Surely that can't be too bad?

Anyway, well done Sweden with your unnerving nails!

Great job on the commentary Mel Giedroyc!