The quest for the essential
At 35, I discovered that true freedom lies not in the abundance of choices, but in the clarity of what is essential. In my kitchen, this translates into a form of everyday minimalism. I no longer try to invent complex recipes or multiply exotic ingredients. I keep coming back to the same basics: beautiful fish, some fresh vegetables, a juicy lemon and excellent olive oil. It’s my signature, my anchor. By reducing the number of components, I increase the intensity of the experience. Less really is more.
Cooking like this every day requires a form of joyful discipline. You have to know how to resist the sirens of novelty to concentrate on the perfection of the simple gesture. Preparing grilled fish requires as much attention as a sophisticated dish: you have to respect the fire, the time, the material. This minimalism is not laziness, it is a requirement. It's choosing to put all your energy into what really matters: the quality of the product and the accuracy of the cooking. Clarity is the fruit of this voluntary purification.
The end of decision fatigue
One of the most unexpected benefits of this dietary minimalism is the mental peace it provides. In a world where we are constantly asked to make decisions, knowing exactly what we are going to eat is immensely liberating. There is no more stress in front of the fridge, no more endless questions about the balance of the meal. That's it, every day, and it's perfect. This chosen monotony creates a space of calm in my mind, allowing me to devote my mental energy to other, more creative projects.
This peace spreads throughout my life. By simplifying my plate, I began to simplify my schedule, my environment, my relationships. Food minimalism was the trigger for a deeper transformation towards serenity. We realize that we don't need much to be happy and healthy. The clarity of the plate becomes the clarity of the soul. It is a form of active meditation, a daily reminder of what is truly vital. Simplicity is the cure for modern chaos.
The poetry of gesture
Preparing my meal has become a peaceful ritual, a moment of connection with myself and with nature. My hands know the actions by heart: cleaning the fish, cutting the vegetables, squeezing the lemon. It's a familiar choreography that calms my nervous system. I no longer cook in urgency or agitation, I cook in presence. Each step is an opportunity for gratitude. The smell of grilling fish, the bright color of lemon, the texture of olive oil... everything combines to create an atmosphere of serenity.
This ritual is my anchor during the day. It marks the transition between activity and rest, between the outside world and my privacy. As I serve my plate, I enjoy a moment of peace. It is an act of love towards myself, an acknowledgment of my basic needs. Minimalism transforms the chore of cooking into everyday poetry. We rediscover the beauty of simple things and the strength of traditions that last. The table is the sanctuary of this newfound peace.
Confidence regained
The body, too, responds magnificently to this simplicity. By regularly receiving the same high-quality nutrients, he can relax. He is no longer on the alert, ready to manage a new food attack. He knows what to expect, he knows how to process information. This predictability creates deep metabolic confidence. Digestion becomes silent, energy becomes constant, and sleep becomes restorative. The body flourishes in this clear and caring framework.
At 35, I feel in perfect harmony with my biology. I no longer struggle with my weight or my fatigue, I simply live in accordance with my needs. Food minimalism has taught me that health is not a struggle, but a surrender to what is right. It is a peaceful wisdom, a recognition that nature knows better than we do. By choosing the little, I gained everything: strength, clarity and joy. The Portuguese coast taught me this lesson, and I carry it with me like a precious treasure.
The peace of the essential
Food minimalism is the path to a clearer, more serene and healthier life.
I invite you to simplify your relationship with food. Look for your own 'essential', the one that nourishes and soothes you. Do not fear repetition, it is the mother of mastery and peace. Let quality replace quantity and clarity replace confusion. Rediscover the pleasure of a simple meal and the strength of a free spirit. Life is beautiful when it is refined. ¡Bom apetite e viva a paz essencial!
