No Cook Food Options

I originally wrote the title as “No Cock Food Options.” Interpret that how you will.

Anyway…

My feelings for today: Ugh.

I’ve been really busy at work, and that stress seeps into my life outside of work. I feel like I don’t even have time to breathe. Part of the problem is that I have the “jack of all trades” syndrome. Between work, working out, my self defense class, cooking almost daily, blogging, making an effort to get through all the library books I checked out, trying to start up a meditation practice, boyfriend time, maintaining a social life, and just barely keeping the house clean, I feel stretched thin.

I should probably drop some of those things, but nah. I like being busy, and the main reason I’m feeling kind of stressed out right now is because I’m going through a busy time at work. Once I meet my deadline I’ll feel…normal (for me anyway).

So one of the things I was supposed to do tonight (but didn’t) was cook some Brussels sprouts I bought on Sunday. Let’s hope the green bag I put them in keeps them fresh until…whenever. This got me thinking about healthy food that doesn’t require much cooking. I decided to make a list for you guys in case you’re in the same predicament I am. Or you’re just, you know, lazy.

• Broccoli. I like to steam it and put hummus and/or taboule on it.
• Cauliflower. I usually steam this till it’s soft, mash it up and mix it with hummus.
• Taboule. Good on it’s own or mixed with other veggies.
• Frozen artichoke hearts.These are an awesome source of fiber. Microwave them (or let them thaw for a couple of hours) and add them to a salad or eat them on their own. I like to top them with vinaigrette. I’d recommend using a dressing with them because they’re plain on their own.

  

• Spinach. Gotta have salad!
• Cottage Cheese. Good source of protein.
• Yogurt. Look at the ingredients in the yogurt you get and make sure there’s no high fructose corn syrup.
• 365 Organic Turkey Jerky. OMG. Dude. These are the SHIT. I don’t really like jerky but these are really good. Only drawback is that it’s really expensive. Because of that I don’t buy these too often, but I really enjoy them when I do. Oh yeah, and they sell it at Whole Foods.
• Tasty Bite Punjab Eggplant. I like to mix this with vegetables and shrimp. My only complaint is that it’s a bit oily, but I still like the way it tastes. Also sold at Whole Foods.
• Nuts. Almonds and walnuts are my staples. I try to keep my portions small so I don’t overdo it.
• Baby carrots
• Peanut butter
• Tuna. Convenient, yanno?
• Canned beans. I’m a fan of garbanzo and black beans.
• Frozen fruit. I mostly get blueberries and mangos. I like to buy frozen fruit ‘cause it lasts longer. I can be kind of bad about eating food before it expires 😡
• Fresh fruit
• Oatmeal. Microwave it if you must.

Some other combos that I use:
Taboule + hummus + pita
Cottage cheese + organic brown sugar + frozen blueberries
Baby carrots + peanut butter
Turkey Jerky + nuts
Heated artichoke hearts + garbanzo beans + feta cheese + vinaigrette dressing
Spinach + garbanzo beans + cheese + nuts + dressing

So those are some ideas for you. They work mostly as sides and snacks, but you can turn most of them into entrees by increasing the potion size. Not the most exciting stuff, but let’s say you bring some of those things to work with you. I think it beats going to McDonalds because you didn’t feel like cooking the night before. And you can always mix and match.

And in other news, I played the lotto tonight. If I win, first things I’m getting are a maid and a cook.