Eating and Minimalism

"Whoa, I'm stuffed. That was an awesome meal." This is likely something you've said many times and have probably heard it many times more. It certainly sounds like a good thing, doesn't it? I mean, all that yummy grub served up at the family holiday get together, the county fair, the church social and the all-you-can-eat buffet?

But, perhaps it is not something of which we should be proud. Every second of every day someone dies of hunger. 1,000,000,000 suffer from hunger on our planet. 1 in 6 people do not have enough food to sustain life and health! One billion people will NEVER say what you just said as you struggled to get out of the recliner to use the restroom after that turkey dinner!

Here in the West, we suffer the effects of poor diet and yet we lay back on our sofas with a remote in hand while we pass gas, belch, use a 1/4 roll of toilet paper and move uncomfortably all while declaring, "I'm stuffed. That was awesome".

This folks is an illness. A disease that we don't want to recognize. A cancer of thought. But, minimalism fosters a healthy attitude towards eating.

While most of us would say that how food tastes is the most important part of eating, the minimalist says, "I am happy to have healthy foods and control over my desires" Taste may be important, but it is not the motivating factor when it comes to food consumption.

My last backpacking trip was delightfully light and enjoyable. No stove, no messes and no bulky foods to lug around. Eating a cup of oats in cool water, with some dry milk and sweetener and thoughtfully chewing on almonds and walnuts while surrounded by incredibly beautiful mountain vistas is far more energizing and rewarding than filling a plate at grandma's table several times before filling it yet again with cake and ice cream.

Minimalism fosters mindfulness and awareness. As a result it builds intellect, compassion and creativity. So, enjoy that apple, but not just because it tastes good! Enjoy it because you are becoming more and needing less.

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