THIS WAY OF EATING BOOSTS WELL-BEING AND ENERGY, ACCORDING TO A RECENT STUDY

There are a thousand and one ways to take care of yourself, some of which seem to have an almost magical effect on our energy. A British study has just confirmed that returning to a less processed diet not only benefits your figure, but also your mood and energy. The good news? No need to count calories or deprive yourself.

A result that gives you energy

In this study, participants who chose to reduce their consumption of ultra-processed foods—while favoring simple, homemade products—lost, on average, twice as much weight as those who continued to eat mainly processed foods. Most importantly, they maintained their muscle mass and felt more vital on a daily basis.

And while weight loss may be a goal for some, remember: your body is already worthy of love and respect, no matter the scale. This approach can be helpful in a medical or health context , but it should never become an injunction or a dictate.

Why aim for fewer ultra-processed foods?

It's no secret that ultra-processed foods—prepared meals, industrial biscuits, and savory snacks in sachets—often contain a cocktail of additives, hidden sugars, and fats of questionable quality. These elements can affect satiety and, over time, tire the body.

On the other hand, returning to raw foods—vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains—is giving your body what it really needs: fiber, vitamins, minerals, and good fats. More nutrients, fewer mysterious components, and above all, more authentic flavors.

Pleasure above all

Adopting this way of eating doesn't mean living in a bubble without any culinary pleasures. A square of dark chocolate, a homemade pizza with crispy crust and roasted vegetables, a cake made with simple ingredients... all of these are perfectly suited to a balanced diet.

The goal is to regain control over what we put on our plates and rediscover the taste of food in its most natural form. It's not a race to lose weight; it's an invitation to treat yourself —inside and out.

An anti-yo-yo lifestyle

One of the benefits highlighted by the study is stability: fewer sudden weight fluctuations, more consistent energy, and fewer uncontrollable cravings . By fueling your body with satiating, nutrient-dense foods, you avoid the spikes and drops in blood sugar that can leave you feeling exhausted by 3 p.m. The real benefit is feeling healthier, more focused , and more connected to your feelings.

How to get started?

There's no need to change everything overnight. Here are some simple ideas for incorporating more whole-foods:

• Replace a super-quick breakfast (cookies, candy bars) with a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit and nuts.
• Prepare meals in advance: A large platter of roasted vegetables, a lentil salad or homemade chili can be stored and reheated easily.
• Read labels without obsessiveness: If the ingredient list reads like a chemist's riddle, it might be time to look for a simpler version.
• Relearn how to cook: even a few basic recipes are enough to gain independence and enjoyment.
• Color the plate: the more natural colors there are, the more variety there is in nutrients.

Selflove above all

It's important to remember that this type of diet isn't a magic wand to achieve an imposed ideal. Your worth isn't measured by your weight , your figure, or your ability to follow a perfect plan. Taking care of yourself also means respecting your desires, accepting that your body changes over time, and eating kindly.

Diet culture and the obsession with thinness have long dictated what we "should" eat or how we "should" look. It's time to take back control, not to fit a standard, but to nourish our bodies in ways that make us feel good, strong, and fulfilled.

The British study shows that reducing ultra-processed foods and favoring homemade products thus brings concrete benefits , both for physical health and for energy and morale. This is not a diktat, but an avenue to explore if you want to support your well-being – and, in some cases, your health – without sacrificing pleasure.

2025-08-18T04:41:34Z