It started as a reset.
Winter had thrown me off. My energy was lagging, my cravings were in control, and my healthy habits felt a little… dusty. I didn’t need a crash diet or a full-body cleanse—I needed a reminder of what my body feels like when I treat it well.
So, for the last 30 days, I cut out processed foods. Not a trendy challenge. Not a perfectionist pursuit. Just a personal commitment to see how my body and brain would respond if I filled my plate only with whole foods—foods my grandma would recognize, foods that didn’t come from a bag or box.
And the results were powerful.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
I’m already a fairly healthy human. I train regularly, eat mindfully, and generally feel good. But when I took processed foods out of the equation, things got even better—quickly.
- Average Sleep Score: went from a 76 to a 91 (thanks, Garmin).
- Resting Heart Rate: dropped 6 bpm.
- Weight: down 7 pounds without trying.
- Energy: through the roof.
- Mood: steady, happy, and bright.
- Motivation for life: up in ways I can’t measure—but definitely felt.
So What Did I Eat?
I kept it simple: real food.
My staples included sweet potatoes, kale, beef, eggs, chicken, pork, salmon, avocado, potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, beets, bananas, apples, spring mix, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
And yes, I included a few minimally processed items that made this journey more sustainable: Greek plain yogurt, cottage cheese, butter, mustard, primal kitchen BBQ sauce, and ground peanuts. Nothing with added sugar, seed oils, or junk. And no, I didn’t touch any processed sugars (except for maybe a touch of honey in the BBQ sauce).
Water and coffee were my drinks of choice. I used LMNT for electrolytes—which some would call processed—but hey, this was my experiment.
The Unexpected Wins
There are things a watch can’t measure, and those changes were just as powerful:
- I felt full sooner.
One week in, I couldn’t finish the massive portions I used to crush. My body was satisfied sooner—and for longer. - I stopped craving snacks.
I didn’t obsess over food between meals or rummage around the kitchen for “something sweet.” I simply ate, felt full, and moved on. - I had clarity again.
My brain felt sharper, less foggy. There was more mental space. More energy to focus on things I cared about. - My relationship with food got simpler.
I wasn’t micromanaging macros or counting calories. I just focused on quality. Whole foods. Real nourishment.
But Let’s Be Honest… Will I Stay Here Forever?
Probably not. But I won’t go backwards.
Why didn’t I try it with No mustard? No Greek yogurt? No LMNT? That’s a level of discipline that might cross the line into misery—and I’m not here for that. I believe in sustainable over strict. This wasn’t about proving something. It was a reset.
A reset to get back to the version of me I like best—the one who sleeps hard, thinks clearly, and wakes up ready to move through the day with purpose.
Some things will come back in. But not everything.
The nightly bag of popcorn? Gone.
The 3 to 6 “healthy” snack containers of Mush? Not making a return.
The tablespoons of honey that somehow always snuck into my evening yogurt creations? Bye.
The three tortilla shells when one would’ve been plenty? No thanks.
I’ve learned too much. And honestly, I felt too good to just go back to old habits.
Here’s the Truth… You Could Do This Too
This wasn’t about perfection. It was about intention. You don’t need to eliminate everything. You don’t need to track every gram. You just need to start.
Pick 30 days.
Define what processed means for you.
Stick to it.
And pay attention—not just to your weight or your energy, but to your life.
Take note of your cravings. Your sleep. Your motivation. Your mood.
And then take what works, and keep it.
Because a 30-day challenge isn’t about “making it through.”
It’s about learning something that changes the way you show up after.
Final Thoughts
When I’m off track, I miss my clarity. I miss good sleep. I miss big, colorful salads. I don’t miss ice cream. I don’t miss late-night snacks. I don’t feel left out at the dessert table.
There’s a difference between what people think you’re missing out on and what you actually are.
This experience reminded me of what I truly want. And that’s more energy, more joy, and more life. And if you want help starting your own nutrition reset—I’d love to be a part of it.
Ready to Make a Change?
If you’re curious about your own reset, reach out. I offer personalized nutrition coaching that helps you create your version of success—whether that’s cutting out processed food, managing sugar, or building meals that actually satisfy you.
Let’s do this together.