AleenNov 16, 2022
Sometimes I really struggle to feed myself; I know I'm not alone in this. So I thought I'd start a thread about the low-effort meals I make for myself both for future reference and to help out others!
Show threadAleen

This is my favorite time of year because Trader Joe's has precooked sweet potatoes (the only ingredient is sweet potatoes!) in the frozen section. They come in little ~15g discs so you can microwave as much or as little as you want.

I usually pop some in a bowl with whatever protein I have available + veggies if I have any cooked + salt, pepper, and sometimes cinnamon. And butter, but coconut oil also works really well.

Nov 16, 2022 at 9:40pmtooot
Show threadAleenNov 17, 2022

I love pizza, but I haven't found a frozen gluten-free pizza I like. So sometimes, when I need a high-protein snack, I make a crustless "pizza" in a skillet.

Mozzarella cheese, pre-cooked toppings (pepperoni for me), pizza sauce (Rao's is my favorite) in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is golden brown. You can also do this in a waffle iron, but I don't have one.

Apologies, I don't know how well vegan cheese would work here.

Show threadAleenNov 17, 2022

Note that these often do not include fruits and vegetables. When I'm in this mode, I usually have a very small window of time during which I can convince myself to eat so I prioritize expediency.

Most days, my lunch is a salad and when we eat out I try to go for a veggie-heavy option. And thus some measure of balance is achieved.

These meals are also usually pretty bland because my palette gets funky. Add your own spices! Spices are good when your brain and tastebuds align.

Show threadNicolas WardNov 17, 2022
@Aleen Vegan cheez is always the challenge. 😭 I think the best fit for skillet would be Miyoko's liquid mozz? It's GF but cashew based. (I find if nuts aren't an issue cashew base ends being the closest for cheesy texture.)
Show threadAleenNov 17, 2022
@ultranurd I'm always surprised by how much I like cashew-based substitutes!
Show threadKerri Hicks 🧶 📚 🧼 🧬 💻Nov 17, 2022
@Aleen This sounds super. I might make an omelet in a cast iron skillet, and then put the toppings on and put the whole thing under the broiler. (But I love eggs.)
Show threadRey Nov 16, 2022

@Aleen
real low effort: lemon pepper chicken:
1. dice 1 lb chicken breast into cubes.
2. add 1 tbsp oil to frying pan, heat up over med heat.
3. add chicken. sprinkle lemon pepper, garlic powder over top.
4. stir, add more spice.
5. cook 3-ish servings pasta.
6. when pasta is cooked & chicken is cooked through, dump pasta in frying pan, stir, and serve.

accompany w/ bag salad, if feeling fancy.

Show threadSharon FaulkNov 16, 2022
@nothe @Aleen I keep large bags of frozen broccoli and California mix (broccoli, carrots and cauliflower) which can be microwaved.
I got myself one cup baby food prep containers and make a pot of quinoa. I add canned black beans and corn if I have it. I freeze most of the containers. The quinoa mix can be nuked for 2 minutes from frozen then I add the steamed veggies. I top with shredded cheese. Easy and filling.