Three or Less: Eating Simplified

Your wallet, your body, and the planet.

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

April 18, 2024

Image Source/Editors @ Brimly

6 minute Read

INFO CONTENT

FEATURE ARTICLE

OBJECTIVE VIEW

Eating simply is the art of savoring life, one uncomplicated bite at a time.

In a world where food and cooking are often over-complicated, there's something beautifully simple about returning to the basics. "Three or Less" isn't just a catchy phrase—it's a lifestyle choice that could revolutionize the way you think about food, cooking, and nutrition. This approach, focusing on minimal ingredients, offers a straightforward path to healthier eating, less waste, and a more sustainable lifestyle. So, let's explore how simplifying your meals can lead to a richer experience at the dining table.

Benefits of Simple Eating

The beauty of using fewer ingredients is evident in the clarity it brings to your diet and your kitchen. Simple eating means each ingredient gets to shine, and you can focus on quality rather than quantity. Health benefits are clear—fewer ingredients often mean less processed food and fewer additives, leading to cleaner eating habits.

Moreover, shopping becomes a breeze. Imagine your grocery list shrinking as you bypass aisles filled with unnecessary temptations. This not only saves time but also reduces food waste, as you're more likely to use everything you buy. It's an approach that benefits your wallet, your body, and the planet.

Essential Ingredients

When adopting the "Three or Less" philosophy, choosing versatile ingredients is key. Here are three staples that can serve as the foundation for countless meals:

1. Eggs: Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with protein and essential vitamins, while also being incredibly versatile. Whether scrambled, poached, or used in an omelet, they can serve as the base for various dishes.

2. Bread: A staple for many, bread—in our case, gluten-free—expands your meal options tremendously. Use it for sandwiches, as a side with soups, or toasted with a variety of toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.

3. Cucumber: This hydrating vegetable serves a million-and-one purposes outside of refreshing. Slice it into salads, blend it into smoothies for a hydrating boost, or use it as a crunchy snack with dips.

These ingredients ensure that you always have the makings of a nutritious meal at home, encouraging you to stick to simple, wholesome eating.

Meal Planning Made Easy

Simplifying meal planning with minimal ingredients requires a bit of strategy, but the payoff in saved time and reduced stress is well worth it. Start by choosing a few versatile ingredients and think of multiple ways to use them throughout the week. For example, roast a large batch of vegetables and use them in salads, as side dishes, or in wraps.

Focus on recipes that require minimal prep and cooking time. Dishes like stir-fries, simple pastas, and salads are perfect for this approach. By planning your meals around the concept of simplicity, you'll find yourself spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals.

Why Simplicity Works

The minimalist approach to cooking has several advantages. First, it naturally leads to less waste. With fewer ingredients, you're more likely to use up everything you purchase. This approach encourages you to be mindful about consumption and waste, aligning with sustainable living practices.

Moreover, cooking with fewer components can unleash your creativity. It challenges you to think differently about meals and use what you have in new and innovative ways. This can lead to discovering new flavors and dishes you might never have tried otherwise.

Time-Saving Techniques

One of the most appealing aspects of the "Three or Less" approach is how it can drastically cut down on preparation and cooking time. Fewer ingredients mean fewer steps in the cooking process and less time managing different components of a meal. This simplicity can make cooking more enjoyable and less discouraging, especially for those with busy lifestyles.

Quick-cooking techniques, like stir-frying or sautéing, are perfect for this style of cooking. They allow you to make meals in under 30 minutes, often in just one pan, which also means less cleanup. By embracing these methods, mealtime becomes less of a chore and more of a pleasant, stress-free part of your day.

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Eating well doesn't have to be complicated. The "Three or Less" approach not only simplifies the act of cooking but also enhances your lifestyle, leading to a more mindful and sustainable way of living. By focusing on a few high-quality ingredients and embracing the simplicity of minimalism, you can transform your diet, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. In the end, simplicity in eating is about stripping back the unnecessary and savoring the essential—both in food and in life.