It seems the best food isn't cooked much or is cooked in a plain
manner. Oatmeal is just oats plus water. Likewise, Shredded Wheat is
only whole wheat with no added sugar, etc. Add a few blueberries,
strawberries or banana to that and it makes a very nutritious
breakfast. Lactose-free fat-free milk adds essentially no fat. You
don't need to add salt either. Salads and fruit are best just as they
are without adding dressing or cheese or croutons.
Most people agree that a potato is good food until you fry it or mash
it and add salt and butter and milk to it. Then it becomes high
calorie, high fat and probably less healthy. It is better just
microwaved, boiled or baked, period.
Part of the problem seems to be that people understand that simple
unprocessed food is best, but there are social pressures especially
within families to eat otherwise. When your wife/husband prides
themselves as a cook, it becomes a personal insult to them if you do
not eat their food, never mind the fact that everyone in the family is
overweight. Kids feel cheated if you do not take them to McDonalds,
etc.
Groups like this have great intentions. Sharing recipes, etc. That is
part of the live to eat mentality however. I'll say it anyway. A
simple, vegetarian, low-salt, low-fat, low calorie diet high in whole
grains, fruit, vegetables and fiber is the healthiest way to eat. This
involves almost no cooking at all.