With having a chronic medical condition, I am always trying to conserve energy. One area in which a lot of energy can be expended is cooking. Over the years, I have found ways to eat delicious food without spending much time or energy in the kitchen. Here are some ways I prepare food.
Buy a whole chicken and roast it in the oven. Put some frozen veggies in the bottom of a roasting pan, add the chicken and place the pan in the oven. Roast for about an hour at 350 degrees F (during which time, I often take a nap). I often try to fill my oven up. So, I add wrap a potato in aluminum foil along with a maybe a sweet potato, beet and/or kohlrabi. When everything is done, enjoy a feast. I try to make more food than I plan to eat. I put the leftovers in the fridge. I either eat the leftovers cold or pop them back in the oven for about 20-25 minutes to warm them back up.
The chicken can be made into multiple meals. After eating the hot roasted chicken, you can take the chicken and make a sandwich with it--maybe adding some mayo, lettuce, cheese, etc. to it. You can also put some pasta into boiling water and make a fast alfredo. While the pasta is cooking, break up the chicken meat and place it into a pan on the stove with alfredo sauce from a jar. When the pasta is cooked, drain the pasta and put the chicken alfredo sauce on top of the pasta. Another option is breaking up the chicken and placing it on a bed of salad greens. Add in some baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, shredded cheese and salad dressing for a delicious meal. Another favorite is breaking up the chicken and mixing it with mayo. Then place the chicken mixture on crackers. To mix up the flavor of the chicken, you can add BBQ sauce, honey mustard, herbs, seasonings or Italian dressing to create all new flavors.
Another great cooking method is using a slow cooker. Place meat (chicken, beef, pork, lamb) into the bottom of the cooker. Add vegetables such as baby carrots, peas, small potatoes and a sliced up onion. Cook on medium for about 6-8 hours. When the meat is tender, enjoy a delicious meal. Leftovers can be enjoyed by themselves or by making rice or pasta and placing the meat and vegetables over them and using the drippings in the bottom of the slow cooker for a sauce.
Other fast foods are buying frozen vegetables or small vegetables such as baby carrots and small (new or red) potatoes. Place the veggies in a pan of water on the stove. In about 15-20 minutes they will be cooked. Drain the water and enjoy. I also buy as many things as possible which do not require preparation--sliced mushrooms, apples, pears, berries, salad greens, yogurt, cottage cheese. These foods are ready to eat and do not require any energy to prepare.
Hard boiled eggs are also another easy food. Place a pan of water on the stove. When the water boils, add eggs to the water. Cook for about 10 minutes. Immediately drain and rinse with cold water. I either eat the eggs by themselves or add them to a salad. I often under cook the eggs, so that the egg yolks are soft. When the eggs are soft, you can smash the eggs on bread or toast and create a delicious sandwich. Put the egg on an English muffin and add ham and jam...it tastes like an egg McMuffin!
One of my favorite foods is plain yogurt. I buy fresh or frozen fruit (blueberries, cherries, strawberries, etc.) and create delicious breakfast or dessert treats. You can add in other toppings such as caramel sauce, chocolate sauce or granola to make an extra special treat.
There are many other ways to make good food without exerting a lot of energy. Try new flavors, new foods and do not be afraid to experiment. Happy eating!
No comments:
Post a Comment