What is minimalist meal planning? It involves applying the philosophy of “less is more” to the preparation and enjoyment of food.
As with many areas of life, when you strip cooking and eating down to the bare essentials, you realize how little you actually need to feel satisfied. By clearing away the clutter—the unnecessary parts—you make space in your life to enjoy this act of creation or to reinvest your time elsewhere. Minimalism doesn’t dictate how your life should look or that you adhere to a specific set of values. It simply assists you in achieving your goals by focusing on what matters most.
When it comes to meal planning, there are no universal rules. Each family’s dietary needs, habits, and preferences will shape what this looks like. However, having a starting point can be helpful.
Simplifying Meals
I’ve laid out nine principles to guide you toward understanding how minimalism can help you achieve more of what you truly want. In our home, we’ve made huge strides in simplifying the art of feeding our family and doing it well. I hope some of these ideas resonate with you.
1. Fewer Ingredients
Think about some of your favorite dishes, and you might be surprised by how few ingredients are truly essential. For example, I love pizza, which is fundamentally just dough, cheese, and sauce. In perfecting the combination of these three ingredients, you have what is arguably the world’s most popular and delicious dish.
2. Less Variety, More Flexibility
When I began paring down my wardrobe, I realized the importance of having versatile items that could be combined with other pieces. The same holds true for the ingredients in your refrigerator and cupboard. Look for utility players that can be repurposed in many different dishes, making your shopping easier and reducing waste.
3. Less Impulsive, More Intentional
Minimalist meal planning starts with a plan. You can’t expect to walk into a grocery store and intuitively know the ingredients you’ll need. By taking a little time upfront to plan your meals, you’ll save time each day and likely spend less on impulse purchases.
By Mike Donghia
