I ate no ultra-processed food for 12 months — life changed in four big ways

By Steffan Rhys – Surrey Live

It’s been 12 months since I decided to stop eating ultra-processed food and refined sugar. Like many, I start the new year with various resolutions to improve my health, usually while feeling sluggish, tired and bloated after over-indulging in food and drink in December.

Those ambitions have normally failed by February. But 2024 was different and I think that the changes I made 12 months ago will stay with me for the rest of my life. They are sustainable, enjoyable and I’ve learned a lot about food (and the people who make them) in the process. Far from feeling restricted or that I’m depriving myself of delicious food I have instead significantly broadened the range of foods I eat and I’m finding the process rewarding and informative. And as a result, I’ve realised my life has changed in several big ways, including: