In a world where supermarket shelves groan under the weight of colourful packages and ready-made meals, it’s getting harder and harder to tell what’s truly nourishing us… and what’s just weighing us down—in every sense of the word. But sometimes, it turns out, a single simple move can bring back lightness and energy—no calorie counting or complicated spreadsheets required.
The Inspiring Story of Steffan Rhys
Meet Steffan Rhys, a journalist from Wales whose journey shows just how impactful one change can be. In March 2024, Steffan made a bold but refreshingly accessible choice: he waved goodbye to ultra-processed foods. No more sugary snacks, mass-produced cookies with unpronounceable ingredients, or ready meals whose labels read more like a chemistry equation than a recipe.
And the result? In just two months, Steffan lost 5 kilograms (that’s almost 11 pounds!)—with no restrictive diet, no tracking apps, no digital scales cluttering up the kitchen. Best of all? He found himself in better physical and mental shape.
What Does “Ultra-Processed” Really Mean?
Don’t get carried away, though: Steffan didn’t eliminate everything. Bread, plain yogurt, cheese… all stayed on the menu. These foods are processed, yes, but not ultra-processed—and that little word makes all the difference. Plain yogurt, for example, is simply fermented milk with bacterial cultures. But add sweeteners, modified starches, or artificial flavours, and suddenly, things get a lot more complicated.
Keeping It Real (and Simple)
What makes Steffan’s approach so inspiring is its sheer simplicity. No need to go “full green” overnight or become a chef extraordinaire. The focus is just on home-style eating, using simple or minimally processed ingredients. That doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking hour in the kitchen, either. Steffan still buys convenient items, he just takes a moment to read the labels and looks for products with shorter, more straightforward ingredient lists.
His favourite trick? Swapping out microwave meals for simple combinations, like:
A tin of lentils
A handful of fresh or frozen vegetables
A drizzle of olive oil
Give it all a quick toss, and you’re done. Add an easy protein—think eggs, canned sardines, or leftover roast chicken—and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal, with zero weird additives.
Progress Over Perfection
Most importantly, don’t strive for perfection. Even Steffan admits he sometimes slips up. What matters is the general trend, not sticking rigidly to the rules, day in, day out.
“Regaining energy, lightening up—physically and mentally—without deprivation or tracking every single calorie, is possible. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective: paying attention to what’s actually on our plates and choosing food that’s simpler, clearer, more authentic. Maybe that’s the real key to lasting well-being?”
Web writer and food enthusiast Mathilde shares accessible recipes, practical tips, and creative ideas to inspire kitchen fans everywhere. Her passion lies in celebrating the joy of cooking and the pleasure of sharing it with others.