I'd like to talk about my cousin, Callum, who has completely cut out ultra-processed snacks and ready meals from his diet over the past four or five years.
His daily meals consist almost entirely of whole foods prepared from scratch. For breakfast, he usually has rolled oats with fresh berries and seeds, whilst his lunches and dinners are based around lean proteins, pulses, and large portions of seasonal vegetables. He completely steers clear of fizzy drinks, crisps, and takeaway meals, opting instead to drink herbal teas or plain tap water. When he wants something sweet, he simply reaches for fresh fruit rather than biscuits or confectionery.
To be honest, sticking to such a disciplined routine in today's fast-paced world isn't easy, but he manages it through meticulous planning. Every Sunday afternoon, he dedicates a couple of hours to batch cooking, preparing hearty vegetable stews, soups, and roasted grains for the working week ahead. He also packs his own lunchbox every single day and carries small containers of raw nuts or dried fruit in his rucksack so that he is never tempted by vending machines or high-street fast-food chains when hunger strikes.
As for why he adopted this lifestyle, it was primarily driven by a health scare in his mid-twenties. He used to work very long hours in an office, constantly relying on microwave meals and sugary energy drinks, which eventually left him feeling utterly drained and suffering from digestive troubles. After consulting a nutritionist, he decided to overhaul his eating habits completely. He often tells me that the change was transformative; not only has his energy skyrocketed, but his concentration has improved dramatically as well. I really admire his willpower, especially when everyone around him is tucking into takeaway pizza.