What I Eat When I Don't Cook

So, that begs the question: what do I eat when I'm not cooking? The truth is, there are convenience versions of many of my favorite recipes out there. I always prefer to cook from scratch, but until they find a way to add more hours to a day, I settle for some viable substitutes once in awhile. 

Instead of hand-cut sweet potato fries...

Terra Spiced Sweet Potato Chips: I've never been a big potato chip lover - they leave grease on your hand, crumbs all around you - not worth the effort. Terra chips have the perfect amount of crunch and this variety doesn't taste fake or greasy. They're made with natural ingredients and my only complaint? One bag doesn't last long enough. 

Dr. McDougall's Right Food Soup: I swore off canned soups about a year ago when I saw an advertisement at my gym announcing that some brands contain monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, a flavor enhancer that is rumored to impose health risks. Dr. McDougall's brand comes in a variety of flavors including, Lentil, Vegetable, Minestrone and Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato (the latter I haven't tried but is waiting in my cabinet). All are fairly low in calories, high in taste and contain no artificial ingredients. Bonus: some soups are Gluten-Free, which is not a concern for me but perhaps for others. 

Instead of Feta-Stuffed Turkey Burgers: 

Boca Garden Vegetable Burgers: Topped with a little bit of cheese and a fat slice of cucumber or avocado, you can serve these veggie-packed patties on a whole-grain roll or a bed of spinach and it will still be a satisfying meal. (Disclosure: Boca is a client of the PR firm at which I am employed. They have been a favorite of mine since college!)

Instead of Orange Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry: 

Kashi Sweet & Sour Chicken: As a self-proclaimed frozen meal skeptic, I was nervous to try these. Then one night in the supermarket (I went hungry! Everyone knows you shouldn't go to the supermarket hungry) these meals were on sale. It was after 8 p.m. and popping one in the microwave sounded so much more appealing than chopping vegetables and prepping meat. It was delicious - and will be even more so if you amplify it with some extra broccoli or edamame next time. And yes. All-natural, no MSG.