Food Suggestions

FluffnStuff
FluffnStuff Posts: 387
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
I need food sugestions. I have limited kitchen access, basically a microwave and stove top... but limited to no fridge space. I am wanting to clean up my eating but have restricted food options due to storage issues.

So, what are some great, shelf stable, quick/easy foods to keep on hand? My funds and time are extremely limited as well. This option is to keep me from eating out all the time, like I have been.

Replies

  • Talieowl
    Talieowl Posts: 46 Member
    Unfortunately most packaged foods are crammed with salt, fat, sugar, and preservatives and the staying power of such meals is low for the calories that you are taking in. None of which are good if you are trying to eat healthy. No fridge space makes it especially hard. However, I had a friend who had no fridge space, and he either got a block of ice and stuck it in a large icechest and put his need-to-stay foods in it, or, when it was cool enough, he stored the food in a lidded garbage can on his porch (use a bungy if critters are a worry).

    However, with those caveats in mind. I'd head to Trader Joes or a health food store and look at the boil in a pouch options. Also look at raw almonds/walnuts/hazelnuts, dried fruit, granola & nut bars, cereal mixes, etc. You should be able to find asceptically sealed milk, but if you can't try almond, soy, or rice milk in asceptic containers. Look for healthy, low-salt canned soups--Amy's makes some good ones. You can also make quick bean burritos with canned beans, some lowfat cheese, and whole wheat tortillas.

    The key will be looking at the ingredients and the nutrition labels to make sure you stay with a good nutritional profile, get adequate protein, good carbs, and can watch the extraneous sugar/corn syrup/fat calories.

    Also, look at camping supply stores for dehydrated meals ready to eat. Really, they are better (much better) than military MREs.

    Good luck.
  • bikermama
    bikermama Posts: 14
    the only things i can think of are tuna that can now be bought in individual packets, fresh fruit, and soups.
  • nehptune
    nehptune Posts: 138
    tinned beans!
    beans are really good for you, lots of protein and fiber.
    you could also use tins of crushed tomatoes to make chilli with the beans...

    the limited fridge space makes it hard. maybe you could get a cheap beer fridge? that way you could have some fresh food, or keep leftovers for a few days...

    good luck!
  • chellebelle315
    chellebelle315 Posts: 298
    beans are a great source of protein, and there are amazing brands that are relatively low in salt. Make sure you rinse of the liquid they are packed in, that's where most of the salt is held. can also do minute rice in the microwave, or get a small microwaveable rice cooker.

    Tuna is a good source of protein, you can also get canned chicken (in the same isle as the tuna) but you're going to want to watch the sodium here.

    The hardest part is you need to get in some fresh fruits and veggies....frozen veggies are good, most canned ones are pretty worthless nutritionally, and not that yummy. Use your fridge space for some fresh veggies.....get frozen spinach, you could mix that with rice, or beans to get some leafy greens. Canned tomatoes are excellent for you.

    Also, when I was in a similar situation ( I lived in a hotel for two months for work once) all I had was a small fridge and a microwave...I learned to shop in smaller quantities, more often. Rotissiere chicken is good ( take off the skin.)

    Most grocery stores these days have some decent healthy options, you're just going to have to shop more carefully and read your labels.

    If you have a trader joe's, or a Whole Foods (Its kind of pricey but there are some good options) or another kind of healthy food store, I'd haunt those isles.

    If you can't read the ingredients list, put it back. Watch for (and avoid) High Fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, and always be aware of the amount of sodium.

    Hope that helps a little.
  • bzk125
    bzk125 Posts: 2 Member
    Without a doubt apples, bananas, oranges, sweet potatoes maybe even some high fiber cereal with or without milk. You can always get some of that milk that does not need to be refrigerated.
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,235 Member
    Do you have enough fridge space for some eggs and milk? I could totally live on oatmeal and eggs. I eat only one yolk for every three or four whites, so that keeps the fat down.
  • mjkon
    mjkon Posts: 17 Member
    Somebody recommended and ice chest, and that's a great idea.

    Here are some things that are easy to microwave:
    oatmeal
    eggs
    veggies
    canned soups (watch out for high sodium)
    baked potatoes

    Dry goods that keep fairly well:
    peanut butter
    nuts--best still in their shells
    whole wheat bread
    popcorn--buy a bag of loose corn and pop it in a paper bag--very inexpensive snack

    Save the money you would spend on fast food, chips, cookies, etc., and buy salads from the salad bar, fresh fruit, and some good-quality lunch meat like real turkey or roast beef at the deli counter. Homemade sandwiches are better and cheaper than fast food meals.
  • FluffnStuff
    FluffnStuff Posts: 387
    Thanks for the suggestions.
    Hopefully, I will stop eating out as much.
    I mean, I know canned food isn't the best but compared to eating out all the time.
    It's way better.
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