Because I'm getting fat (OK, because I'm getting sick of getting fat -- I've been getting fat for quite some time), I am challenging the world to find healthy recipes that I will actually eat. This will be a contest. Whoever posts the yummiest low-fat, low-calorie recipe will win a special prize that is yet to be determined.*
Also, it's probably important that I learn to eat at least a few things that are good for me. My mom's family has a history of super high cholesterol, restricted diets, and anti-cholesterol meds. It's likely the day will come when I can eat nothing but oatmeal and lettuce, so I should probably start practicing. Especially since regular exercise is unlikely to happen.
Difficulty:
- My favorite foods are cheese, alfredo sauce, ice cream, and salt. Meat -- especially of the red variety -- is also very high on the list.
- I don't like vegetables, especially the green ones. Potatoes, corn, and tomatoes, OK (in moderation). Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, artichoke hearts, green beans...eeeew. And don't even think about suggesting salad. You will lose.
- My cooking skillz are minimal. I can brown hamburger and boil pasta, but anything beyond basic presents a challenge. I do own a wide range of spices, though I don't really know what to do with them; my roommate left them in the cupboard when she moved out.
- I do not have more than 30 minutes to cook. Ever. Longer baking times are OK, though; I can grade papers while the food is in the oven.
* This prize will likely be something that will accrue value as it ages -- perhaps an autographed photocopy of my first published work. (Which is available now, the real thing, not the photocopy, from this website.)
9 comments:
Why don't you check out Rachel Ray's cook books? She's the one I go to for quick 30 minute or less and healthy meals. I don't have any favorites really that involve your favorite ingredients. We just eat better - lean ground meat (I know it's a lot more expensive, but much better for you), we eat a lot more chicken & pork, and we really load up on veggies and fruit. Maybe you will have to start liking some more veggies!
I know you are super busy and have little free time, but we've tried just doing the diet thing and watching what we eat and not exercising. It doesn't work! Try to do something!
Do you like soup? Because I have some killer recipes for that - I also am not a huge fan of the veggies, but in soup they are far more palatable.
Corn isn't technically a vegetable, it's in the same category as rice. We like to make these:
1)roasted red peppers: cut some red bell peppers into quarters; sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; roast in a 400 F oven for 5-10 min.
2)Cheese and tomato salad: cut up some fresh or smoked mozerella cheese and tomatoes; sprinkle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3)Go to the store and get some really fresh salmon (this should be easy for you). Cut it up. Add soy sauce and wasabi paste. Eat.
Very easy, very delicious, and not terrible for you.
Corn isn't a vegetable? Fuck me. Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon.
Erica,
I'm not sure Sig's big on sushi - but you reminded me to be very, very jealous of Sig's access to delicious, fresh salmon.
Sig, take Erica's suggestion even if you think it would make you vomit. Salmon's one of the least "fishy" kind of sushi, and jam packed with good stuff like omega 3's. It just might convert you to the dark side.. add some avocado and a little bit of cream cheese and you'll love it for sure. Maybe even some cucumber sticks if you like crunch.
Yeah - avocado is a veggie you should love.
As far as fresh Alaskan fish goes, I'm a halibut girl all the way. Salmon tastes too...fishy. And avocados? I've only eaten one maybe once, but...it was not a positive experience. My mouth cries when I put new things into it.
Damn my father and his "meat, potatoes, and dairy" diet. I ate that stuff, with absolutely no variety, for way too long...and now I can't change. Nor, I admit, do I really want to; I like all the bad foods. It's a problem.
I suppose my sedentary lifestyle doesn't help, either. This is my only form of exercise: I walk laps around the apartment while I read. If I didn't do that, I'd never get out of the chair.
And yes, Lauren, I *love* soup -- and you're right. Vegetables are much more OK in soup. Send the recipes!!!
My mother had a "STFU and eat it or starve" policy, which is why you can make a Venn Diagram of food that is actually good and food I am willing to eat.
My mom had that rule too...but the things I had to force myself to eat were not good for me. It was more like polish sausage, fried fish, and spam.
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