Here’s a peek into my real-life approach to feeding myself when I’m too busy to get fancy with the stove.
1. Smoothie to the Rescue
When I don’t have time to think about food, I throw everything into a blender and call it a day. Frozen fruit, protein powder, frozen kale or spinach (gotta get those greens, right?), and boom—breakfast, lunch, or dinner in under five minutes. It’s not gourmet, but it’s fast, healthy, and requires zero effort.
2. The Charcuterie Board
Sometimes, I throw together a charcuterie board. A bit of cheese, some multi-grain crackers, a handful of nuts, sliced veggies and fruit, and olives if I’m feeling fancy. It’s like an appetizer platter, but for dinner. And you know what? It works. No cooking required, and I get a nice mix of protein, fat, and carbs. It’s all about making it work in the moment.
3. The “Microwave Meal” Special
Sometimes, you just need to lean into the convenience. I’ve got a stash of frozen meals in my freezer that are lifesavers. These include frozen veggie pizzas, rotisserie chicken I shredded and froze, and pre-made soups that I should feel guilty about, but honestly? They get the job done. I don’t use the microwave, but if you do, 90 seconds in the microwave should work. For toaster ovens or the stovetop, just gauge the time needed to reach your preferred level of doneness. And I usually top with fresh arugula, watercress, dandelion greens, etc. Do I feel like a culinary genius? Not even close. But am I eating? Yes, yes I am.
4. Order Takeout
And, of course, there’s the classic go-to—ordering food. Sometimes, it’s just easier to let someone else do the cooking. I’ll grab a salad from a local spot, order some sushi, or—when I’m really pressed for time—I’ll order the multi-veggiest dish on the menu. If you have a health condition/diagnosis, I highly recommend you share that with them. It’s a convenient option, and hey, sometimes you’ve got to give yourself a break and not feel guilty about it.
The Truth About Real Life
At the end of the day, eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Real life is messy, busy, and sometimes, we just don’t have the time or energy to cook a Pinterest-worthy meal. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine. The goal is to nourish your body, even if it’s with a leftover sandwich or a bowl of cereal and adding a side of fruit or fresh green salad.
So, when you’re running low on time, don’t stress about being perfect. Whether it’s a smoothie, a snack plate, or even healthy vegetable takeout—do what works for you. Real life doesn’t always look like the pictures on Instagram, and that’s what makes it beautiful.
Now, tell me—what do you eat when you don’t have time to cook? Let’s laugh about it together. We’re all in this busy, imperfect, real-life journey.
