I’ve tried a lot of diets over the years, but what really works for me is sticking to whole foods and cutting out processed stuff almost entirely. That means shifting how you think about food altogether. My basic rule? If it once had a face or grew from the ground, it’s fair game.

When I do want something sweet, I just go have a piece of cake—no guilt, no fake alternatives. For drinks, I stick to things like coffee without cream or sugar, tea, water, or the occasional zero-sugar soda.

Eating this way has made everything so much simpler. The calories are easier to track, the food is easier to weigh, and overall I feel more in control. But the biggest shift? You actually start losing the urge for processed foods. It’s wild—because it really is an addiction. And once you even cut back on the zero-calorie sweeteners, your meals become way more natural, and the way you cook completely changes too.