Since beginning the Minimalist Experiment I have been wondering how I can simplify my food. Do I eat less, limit the number of ingredients that I use to cook with, or should I switch to only organic foods?

The simplest (and best) answer I’ve come up with is to eat consciously. I am guilty of eating quickly, then realizing that I didn’t taste a bite of what I just ate. I have to make myself slow down and pay attention to my food so that I can enjoy it.

Having started doing this, I have begun to notice more about my food; its flavors, textures, and aromas. Since I’m paying more attention to the flavor, I’ve discovered that I need less seasonings to make food enjoyable. Simpler foods have also begun to catch my attention. Before, I preferred foods that were spicy or included lots of ingredients, because I wasn’t paying enough attention enough to really appreciate the less-complex flavors.

Just a few days ago I finally tried a local restaurant that I’ve been hearing about for some time. The meal sounded simple enough on the menu but was surprisingly delicious! The Hoppin’ John included 6 ingredients: black-eyed peas, brown rice, Creole tomato sauce – topped with diced onions, green peppers, and cheddar cheese. The meal came with a wonderful slice of home-made bread and a heavenly bowl of soup (tomato bisque!)

Those six ingredients combined to create a wonderful, filling meal. (In fact, there was enough that I was able to get two meals out of it.) What truly helped to set the meal apart, however, is that I made myself slow down and eat consciously.

Pay attention to what you’re eating, and you’ll be surprised what you discover!