When we think of minimalism, we often picture clean countertops, organized closets, or fewer obligations. But minimalism isn’t just about our physical spaces—it’s a mindset we can apply to every part of life. One of the most impactful ways I’ve embraced this is through food.

Food is essential. It’s something none of us can opt out of. That’s exactly why it deserves our attention when thinking about what we can simplify to improve the quality of our lives.

Over the years, I’ve come to adopt a really simple view on eating:
Everything you put in your body either works for you or against you.
It really is that simple.

This perspective first took hold nearly a decade ago when a friend suggested I try something called Whole30. At the time, I had already stopped drinking alcohol, and this felt like a natural next step toward feeling better in my body.

What Is Whole30?

Whole30 is a 30-day elimination reset focused on removing foods that commonly cause inflammation, cravings, or energy crashes. For 30 days, you cut out:

• Alcohol
• Grains
• Legumes
• Dairy
• Added sugars

In place of these, you focus entirely on whole, nutrient-dense foods—things without labels or ingredient lists whenever possible.

The idea isn’t to diet or restrict calories—it’s to remove potential triggers, let your body recalibrate, and then pay close attention to how you feel as you reintroduce foods afterward.

What I Learned

I still remember standing in the grocery store, turning products around to check the ingredients—and being absolutely stunned. Added sugar is in everything. Things you’d never expect: pasta sauce, deli meats, salad dressing.

At first, the list of things to avoid felt overwhelming. But because I read the book beforehand and understood the why, it made sense. The goal wasn’t punishment—it was about resetting my body, breaking free from sugar addiction, and giving my gut microbiome (the ecosystem that lives in your digestive tract) a chance to rebalance.

The first week was rough. My energy tanked, and the withdrawal symptoms were real—just like the book warned. But by week three, it was like someone flipped a switch. My energy returned stronger than ever. I was running daily at the time, and suddenly, my pace improved, my endurance increased, and I felt sharper—not just physically, but mentally.

And maybe the biggest shift?
I realized how much better my body feels when I avoid foods that are boxed, canned, or bagged.

A Minimalist Approach to Eating

Here’s the key takeaway:
By focusing on what to eliminate, I naturally created space for healthier habits to take root.

This isn’t about following a rigid program forever. It’s about learning what your body thrives on—and what drags it down. It’s about simplifying the decision-making process around food.

Over time, my partner and I started cooking nearly all our meals at home. As our bodies adjusted to whole, natural foods, something surprising happened: restaurant food lost its appeal. Not entirely—but enough that we became far more selective. Once you realize how often restaurants rely on cheap oils and hidden sugars to boost flavor, it’s hard to ignore.

Now, when we’re tempted by a trendy new spot, we often ask ourselves:
“Can we just make a better version of this at home?”
Most of the time, the answer is yes.

A Simple Challenge

You don’t have to do the full Whole30 to experience the benefits of simplifying your food. But if you try just one thing, let it be this:

Eliminate added sugar for 30 days.

Watch what happens. Pay attention to your energy, your mood, your digestion, and even your sleep. Your body will tell you if you’re helping or hurting it—you just need to give it the chance to speak clearly.

Minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about clarity. The less noise, the more clearly you can hear what your body, your mind, and your life are trying to tell you.