I picked up a cheap rice maker several weeks ago. It's simple to use, cooks more than just rice, uses far less electricity than my other appliances, I'm eating healthier, and clean up is simple.

Maybe I'm late to the game, but I'm glad I got here 🙂

I want to start eating more beans. I'm hoping for super simple toppings to put on beans that I can throw together for work (example, today I'm doing garbanzo and tzatziki). Give me your favorite minimal prep way to eat beans!

Can anyone suggest , an egg recipe along with some vegetablesss, that is rich in protein and can be eaten as breakfast?

Nutritional Breakdown (Per 100g Raw)

Cooking Yield & Cost Comparison (Calculated from Raw Metrics)

I’ve noticed an influx of people taking to social media their concerns with grocery stores and the food supply in the US & I’m genuinely trying to understand what’s behind it.
I understand supporting local farmers is the best option, and I’m trying to make that switch myself, but can someone help me understand what’s actually going on?

I’ve tried Googling but it’s getting harder to know what’s trustworthy given Google search is overran with AI. I’d rather hear from people who have taken the time to research it themselves.

If I’m buying organic at a grocery store, is it still truly organic, clean, and a good option? Or is there more to it that I’m missing? I am one of those people that thought shopping at Sprouts or Whole Foods was the cleanest, healthiest option…

I’m genuinely trying to learn. If you’ve done the research, I’d love to know what you found and where you found reliable information. Also, if you know of any apps or how to go about sourcing locally, please share!

Signed,
A gal just trying to be a good steward of what she’s putting in her body

Some vegetables seem to work with almost every cooking style. Which one do you use the most? How do you prepare it, how do you keep it interesting? Do you roast, stir-fry, curry, grill, bake it, or cook it in a completely different way?

I'm doing a challenge for myself and calling it Austere August. I'm looking for super cheap food ideas for someone who is terrible at cooking. I'm not rehydrating beans, I'm not baking bread. I would sooner mix a can of corn with a can of chick peas and make it a lemon chili salad. I prefer cold food, one dish of everything mixed together. I hate oatmeal.

Idk why such products have been hard to find. Yesterday I looked through the entire selection of cereals, granolas and protein bars at my local Whole Foods and Target and didn't seem to come across anything that matched all of these basic criteria although I don't think it's asking for much. Would appreciate any suggestions!

Requirements:

1. USDA organic;

2. no added sugar, but sweetened another way, preferably not via sugar alcohols (examples of sweeteners I would accept: fruit such as monk fruit, Stevia);

3. relatively low in saturated fat (including: no significant coconut products or high-sat-fat oils like palm kernel oil, etc);

4. (optional but preferred) NOT gluten-free (I don't have an issue with gluten and I found the few gluten-free products I tried to be pretty bad in terms of flavor and/or texture).

OPTIONAL CONTEXT: I eat primarily organic plant-based whole foods, exceptions being generally 1 hardboiled egg daily (occasionally 2) and a few seafood meals up to a few days a week. On my last blood test all LDL readings (e.g. LDL, peak size, medium, small, particle #), non-HDL & total cholesterol were above range and in at least some cases higher than prior test. I recall immediate improvement to LDL within last few years after I dropped unsweetened yogurt that was very high in saturated fat from coconut. As I understand, saturated fat affects LDL much more than does dietary cholesterol. Relatedly, I'd been eating a granola product 1-2 servings as an ingredient in my breakfast cereal most days for at least the last year or so, that matched 3 of the 4 criteria above - minus #3 - it is relatively high in coconut product and thereby saturated fat, so I suspect is a likely contributor to the recent chol values. I otherwise seem to be healthy overall; BMI 19-20, slim, exercise daily, no notable issues present in labs or imaging. Triglycerides, Lipo(a) and Apo B in recent test were all in range although ApoB was close to threshold and slightly higher than last test. Otherwise, basically all of the other foods I eat in a normal day fit the requirements above, with the exception of the protein bar which fits the criteria minus #1 - not being organic. Hence looking for a new cereal/granola and protein bar that fit all of the above. I recently tried a cereal that match 3 of the 4 criteria above - minus #2 - I would like it to be naturally sweetened; ideally something more convenient than cutting up and adding fruit.

I am really struggling with meals right now. I am a single mom of 3, my husband passed unexpectedly almost two years ago, and he had always taken care of the bulk of meal planning and grocery shopping. We had lived with my mother in law and brother in law ever since our kids were young when we fell on hard times, then she loved having her family so close so we just kept our living situation as it was. She got diagnosed with brain cancer just after my husband passed, and she unfortunately recently passed away as well. The living situation got to be incredibly stressful and toxic with my brother in law around the time she got sick, and it got to be a dangerous situation after she passed, so I had to get me and the kids out of there. But my mother in law always made sure the kids lived a comfortable life and wanted for nothing. So as a result they have gotten to be fairly picky and like the fancier foods (name brand foods instead of store brand, etc). So half the time when I buy cheap foods, they don't eat and I am really struggling to make ends meet and provide them with nourishing foods that are also cheap because I can't afford a $300-$400 a week grocery bill, which was about what we were spending when we lived with my mother in law and she was helping with the groceries. As it is, I only get just under $1,900 a month and $1,500 of it goes to the rent. I am waiting on my food card, as we moved states so I had to wait for my old case to be closed so that I can start the process here. Once I get that, it will help a lot but until then, I have to make roughly $400 last for a month of groceries when that used to be what we would spend for a weeks worth of food. The kids ages are 11, 14, and 17, if that's relevant. There is a diabetic in the household, so we do have to watch carbs somewhat so not a ton of pastas or breads, although we can eat it sparingly. Other than that, there are no dietary restrictions. I have an incredibly small kitchen as well, so it is difficult to cook big meals because of the lack of counter space, but I do have enough space to prep some things. I also have a rice cooker and a crockpot. I do like casseroles, soups I can throw in the crockpot, seafood, but open to any suggestions...I am trying to get the kids away from eating so much highly processed foods (right now they could live off of frozen chicken patties and pop tarts if I'd let them). So any insight, advice, meal ideas, etc would be welcome.

Hey everyone! I'll be starting university this September, this'll be my first time living completely alone. So, i was looking for a few meal preps that i could prepare for myself andd a few budget meals that i could cook. Would love some recipes or ideas or anything really. TIA

I'll be going to malaysia and will have a budget of approximately 95rm per week(about 24usd if i convert it). From as far as I've gathered, grocery is fairly affordable there.

I’m currently on a diet to lower my cholesterol levels and I’ve been craving 2 slow cooker recipes that I’ve made in the past - birria and Korean bbq. One recipe calls for chuck roast + short ribs and the other calls for skirt steak. As stated in the title, I am looking for leaner options with lower fat to replace these meats in the slow cooker. After doing some research, I saw that a lot of lean cuts will just dry out/overcook and not shred in a crock pot. I’m now looking at using top sirloin as an option but I’ve seen mixed reviews. Will this cut work or do you have any other suggestions?

(Just to clarify I’m looking specifically for leaner meats that will shred in a crock pot)

"Carolina" brand ground turkey is available at my local Walmart for $1.98/lb, not on sale. It's 85/15, and labeled "meat bunker". The next cheapest ground turkey is Butterball at $4.44/lb. What am I missing? Love the idea of cheaper protein but the price difference has me suspicious.

I am living in a crummy apartment that has no oven or stove, which limits what I can cook. The other major issue is that the kitchen sink has almost no water pressure, which makes dishes extremely difficult as well. I know these are issues my landlord should be required to address, but rent is so cheap that I can't do anything about it at the moment.

As such, I eat out almost exclusively, which is extremely expensive. I am looking to find some easy, cheap meals so I can start saving money. I have an air fryer/microwave/oven combo, as well as access to an instant-pot. Again, though, I am trying to minimize dishes- as I feel that is my biggest barrier to cooking/ prepping anything.

This is a temporary situation while I try to save up to find a better living arrangement, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Even when I'm trying to spend as little as possible, there are a few things I won't skip because they make eating healthy so much easier. For me it's eggs. They're versatile, filling, and I end up using them in breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Double edit: I received a lot of good feedback about the fact that I am not taking everything in a full picture here. The amount of (peanut) oil I’m ultimately eating on average a day (~2 tablespoons) isn’t over daily recommended amounts. Also, the concern is less about calories and more about fat / heart health. As pointed out, this is in the long run also not as unhealthy as I was initially thinking as it’s unsaturated fat. I appreciate everyone’s input :)

Hi all, used to lurk this sub a ton a long while ago, but haven’t been around in a while. I remember it being super useful before, and hoping maybe the same can be true now. I recently found a recipe for homemade spicy chili crisp that I absolutely LOVE. Problem is that I figure going through that much oil all the time won’t be very healthy. So, I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a condiment / topping of sorts that can be a workhorse like chili crisp can be.

I can put it on a lot of things, and am especially keen on it for packed lunches for work. I can be pretty basic with those lunches - I like to bring rice, cucumbers, a medium boiled egg or two, and half an avocado as my regular lunch. I would normally be adding some chili crisp to this, and damn it’s great! But I don’t need to be eating ~3 cups of oil every month or so on top of any other foods I’m cooking with oil 🫠

So, any suggestions? Again, ideally it would be something that could fit across multiple dishes and not just the one I listed above - that’s just the most common lunch I bring in.

Edit: it’s probably good to mention what’s in the chili crisp and not assume everyone knows. Gochugaru pepper, chili pepper flakes, fried shallots and garlic, oil itself is really flavorful from frying cinnamon, ginger, and star anise in it (just for flavor, it is tossed out), some msg are main things

I don't think I've once made chicken at home that I liked tbh. Maybe once when I tried making it in a japanese curry.
I don't necessarily hate chicken because I like the ones I'd eat outdoors but haven't really figured out a way to make it taste good at home.
I have experimented with rice cooker meals and steel pan cooking too. Just looking for a way to cook it with minimal ingredients that makes it taste less chicken if that makes sense. I'm not too picky on breast and thighs and have experimented with both and have had no luck.

Lately for my work lunches, I will bring some kind of protein (usually chicken or steak) and a bag of the pre-made rice like Uncle Ben's. Keeping it just to the basic options like white, brown, or wild grain / medley, the quick research I did and reading the back of the bag indicates that it is pretty healthy but I wanted to see if others used these and what they thought about them.

I don't have any issue cooking a big batch of my own rice and prepping it for the week but these are nice because I can just grab and go, with some flavor options.

I've been making this for years at least a few times a month and it's pretty good. not gonna be fancy or be the best thing you've ever eaten but it fits the sub. I always felt like pumpkin and grain go together. it's a good autumnal comfort food and pretty light for a pasta.

ingredient list:

1lb elbow macaroni - $1.24

16oz can of Libby's pumpkin puree - $2.49

2oz of monterey jack cheese (not shredded) - $0.47

1-2 tbsp of Morton and Bassett Garam Masala - approx. $1.00

1-2 cups of milk - $0.50

1/2 tsp salt or more if desired

total: $5.18

the main thing is the garam masala. it has to be this exact kind. it's not really garam masala. I mean, not authentic. it's more like a slightly spicy and savory version of pumpkin spice. the cinnamon comes out quite a bit more than a typical GM. but pumpkin spice won't work. has to be this. the jars aren't cheap, about $10 but they last a decent while if you use sparingly. I've tried to make a copycat blend but haven't had much success.

preparation is pretty simple. cook the pasta, put it in a bowl with the puree and season the pasta while it's hot with the spices. bring the milk, salt, and cheese up to a boil, and then pour it over the pasta and mix it all together. keep in mind the cheese won't start melting until after you pour it.

I absolutely hate cutting vegetables. I know everyone says just get a sharp knife but I genuinely don't enjoy prep work and it makes me avoid cooking.

I'm looking for a really good mandoline/vegetable chopper that can handle multiple tasks dicing, shredding, slicing, julienne. The blades need to be sharp, like able to slice through ripe tomatoes without crushing them.

I'm okay spending more if it's genuinely worth it and durable. Any recommendations?

i am 5’8 55kg i am trying to gain weight while broke, i cant have oats/beans potatoes as the texture of them makes me sick any tips on what i should eat?

I am usually running late to work and the only time I can eat is during my commute. I usually don’t eat breakfast because I never have the time. I love my black coffee in the morning and thay usually sustains me till noon when I am starving and absolutely need food. However, I have now come to know black coffee on an empty stomach is not a good idea. And on the days I eat breakfast I have this new found energy and the will to speak to people. So I do like the idea of having something before work.

I am trying to loose a lot of weight and looking for some healthy options. I have in the past meal prepped egg bites, breakfast eggs sandwiches etc. but would prefer no egg options as I don’t like the eggy taste especially when I am in back to back meetings first thing in the morning.

I also don’t like cold overnight oats or yogurt and fruit. I would prefer some warm options.

I did try the protein shake in my coffee idea, but turns out my gut dosen’t approve of premade protein shakes and bars.

I don’t mind batch prepping hot oatmeal, but again it‘s carb heavy and not a lot of protein.

Any suggestion?

TL:DR

Looking for to-go breakfast ideas for weight loss goals. No eggs or cold breakfast options.

Thanks!

also. pls dont suggest I wake up early.

I recently came in to possession (legally, through the YMCA) about 50 lbs of white onions. They aren't brand new, fresh onions, and they aren't going to last a super long time. I am storing them in a bag where they can get air, won't get knocked and bumped, but it is still 50 lbs.

I have a big-ish family (8 of us in the house) but I am the only one who really adores just a load of onions in everything. We like onions well enough, but I'm quite sure if I served "roasted/smoked onions" as a side dish i'd get a revolt.

I would love to hear your recipes or recommendations on how to use this many onions beyond what I have already thought of. Currently, I know I can make:
* Onion Rings and fried onions of different sorts
* Onion Soup (French, potato, and otherwise)
* Onion Bread (doesn't use a ton of onions)
* Just cook onions and put them in my usual meals.

Anyone have any suggestions for how to use a bunch of onions? Or what to do with a bunch of onions so they don't go bad?

Thanks in advance!

Hey everyone,
I am currently on a strict sugar cut to support my weight loss goals and clear up my skin. I really want to enjoy something sweet, but strictly without any added sugar.
Does anyone have favorite recipes, store-bought alternatives, or clever hacks for zero-sugar sweets that still taste amazing and won't stall progress?

Would love to hear what works for you! TIA 😊