I think roasting or air frying is the way to go. How about something with roasted potatoes (or other veggies, like cauliflower), or roasted legumes?(roasted chickpeas tend to be popular!)

I agree, it has to be a lifestyle change NOT a temporary change. However, at the same time I find that I often don't crave those foods as much the less I eat of them. For example pizza or Oreos went from maybe once a week to maybe once a month or less. While it usually tastes good in the moment, I have been trying to focus on how I feel afterwards. Eating "healthy" (lots of vegetables/legumes in general) and exercising has actually helped me reduce or eliminate a lot of the random aches and pains that I associated with getting older. As soon as I notice myself slacking off a bit and eating more sugar or processed foods I start to feel it in my joints. Pain (or lack thereof) is really good incentive for me!

I had issues accessing both of those articles but this one from NPR seems similar for anytime else in the same boat: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/05/25/1178163270/ultra-processed-foods-health-risk-weight-gain

It makes a lot of sense- those foods are often engineered to be irresistible/cravable, much more than "natural" foods are. If they are easy to digest without a lot of fiber, it also likely affects our microbiome.

I did a 106 mile charity ride about two weeks ago (Chicago to Michigan). That was super fun and had great SAG stops. I don't have any other long rides planned for a while but later this summer or early this fall I'd like to ride along the I&M canal trails and possibly camp overnight before returning (~70 miles one way, some gravel some paved trails).