I read an article in the Wall Street Journal this weekend by Michaeleen Doucleff that struck me: a family decided to go off ultra-processed foods for 30 days. The results? More energy, sharper focus, calmer moods. You can read it here.
What really resonated with me was how quickly their taste buds adapted. Fresh food started to taste better. That’s something we see every day at Gardenuity: when you snip basil you’ve grown yourself or add fresh mint to your water, you savor it in a way no packaged snack can match.
The Experiment
For one month, the family swapped packaged foods for whole, minimally processed ingredients. Fresh produce, simple grains, lean proteins — nothing from the ultra-processed aisle.
The Results
- More Energy: Clearer mornings and less fatigue in the afternoons.
- Improved Mood: A sense of calm and focus replaced the highs and crashes of processed snacks.
- Family Connection: Cooking and eating together became a central part of their day.
Why Fresh Food Feels Different
Science shows that when you eat fewer ultra-processed foods, your taste buds begin to reset. Sweet and salty flavors become more intense, and fresh ingredients start to taste richer and more satisfying.
There’s also the psychology of knowing where your food comes from. When you grow your own herbs — basil on your patio, mint on your kitchen counter — you feel a stronger connection to what you’re eating. That awareness makes you more likely to enjoy the change and stick with it.
As the WSJ family discovered, it’s not just about what you stop eating. It’s about rediscovering how good real food can make you feel.
My Gardenuity Takeaway
The WSJ story reminded me that change doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s as small as a seed. When someone grows their first herb garden, they’re often surprised by how much joy and flavor that little harvest brings.
You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet to feel the difference. Start with parsley in your soup, basil in your pasta, or mint in your water. Those small shifts add up — and soon, your taste buds, your meals, and maybe even your energy will surprise you, too.
Grow Pro Tip: Try adding one freshly harvested herb to your meals every day for a week. Notice how it changes both flavor and how you feel.
Choosing fresh food over ultra-processed foods is more than a health choice — it’s a lifestyle shift. From gardening and wellness practices to healthy eating habits, even small steps like growing your own herbs can help reset taste buds, reduce reliance on processed food, and bring joy back into meals. At Gardenuity, we believe fresh food isn’t just about flavor; it’s about cultivating healthy lifestyle habits that grow resilience, connection, and wellness.