I'm on this diet where you're supposed to eat only fish and meat.

"I'm on this diet where you're supposed to eat only fish and meat." These words, spoken by Lasse Hallström, reveal a journey into the heart of the ancient human relationship with nourishment and discipline. The simplicity of his statement—focused on fish and meat—speaks to a primal aspect of our existence, harkening back to a time when humans lived by what they could hunt and gather from the earth, seas, and skies. In an age of complex diets and superfoods, Hallström’s choice to limit his sustenance to the most basic forms of protein reminds us of a deeper connection to the earth and the simplicity of the food chain that sustained our ancestors.

In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans revered the concept of balance in all things, and food was no exception. The great philosopher Aristotle taught that virtue lay in the middle ground between excess and deficiency. Just as we seek balance in our minds and hearts, so too must we seek it in our bodies. Diets in antiquity were not seen as temporary fads or modes of self-punishment, but as a way to align oneself with nature’s rhythm and achieve harmony within. Hallström's choice to follow a diet focused on fish and meat can be seen as an echo of these ancient principles: a return to simpler, more natural sources of nourishment, while avoiding the complexities of modern diets that often stray too far from the essentials.

Consider, if you will, the ancient hunters and fishermen who sustained themselves by the pursuit of what the land and sea offered. The Norsemen, with their strength and endurance, relied heavily on the bounty of the seas and the meat of their hunting expeditions. Their diets were centered on protein, drawing strength from the animals they hunted, and the fish they caught from the vast, cold waters surrounding their lands. To live as the Norsemen did was to embrace the simplicity and primal nature of sustenance. Just as Hallström turns to fish and meat, so too did these ancient peoples trust in the gifts of nature—trusting that sustenance was not about variety, but about the quality and nourishment derived from the most direct sources.

The choice to focus on fish and meat also speaks to a certain wisdom about nourishment that transcends time. In the Bible, Daniel chose to eat only vegetables and drink water as a sign of his faith and discipline, foregoing the rich food of the Babylonian king’s court. While his diet differed greatly from Hallström’s, the underlying message was the same: that food is more than fuel—it is a reflection of one’s values, discipline, and approach to life. Just as Daniel chose a simple diet as a form of spiritual purity, Hallström’s choice to limit his food to fish and meat may be seen as a conscious decision to simplify his diet, focusing on the essential elements that nourish both body and mind.

In the ancient Roman world, military leaders like Julius Caesar understood the importance of nourishment in maintaining strength and vitality. During his campaigns, Caesar’s soldiers often ate simple but effective meals—focused on meat, bread, and legumes—designed to provide energy and sustain them for long periods of battle. The Roman military did not indulge in excess, but in practicality. Similarly, Hallström’s choice to follow a diet of fish and meat can be seen as an approach to life that values strength, clarity, and a return to basic, natural forms of nourishment that support a life of action.

But perhaps the greatest lesson we can glean from Hallström’s words is the reminder that nourishment is a deeply personal journey. Just as each civilization had its own approach to food and diet, so too must we each find the path that best supports our bodies, minds, and spirits. The Norsemen found strength in the sea and the hunt, the Romans in simple sustenance that fueled their military conquests, and the ancient Greeks in the pursuit of moderation. Hallström’s choice to follow a diet focused on protein—in particular, fish and meat—reflects a balance of personal preference, physical need, and simplicity that offers us a model for finding our own path to nourishment.

The lesson here is clear: food is not just about sustenance—it is about discipline, choice, and the deep connection between our bodies and the natural world. In a world full of diets that promise fleeting results, Hallström’s words remind us that there is great wisdom in returning to simplicity. It is not about depriving ourselves, but about choosing wisely and embracing the nourishment that aligns with our needs, not our desires. So, let us take heed of the ancient wisdom: that the food we choose shapes not just our bodies, but the very way we live. In seeking balance, in returning to the simplicity of nature’s gifts, we find a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. Let us honor this connection, and let our nourishment be a source of strength, clarity, and purpose.