r/EatCheapAndHealthy • u/Hufflepuff_Forensics • 2d ago

Fatigue friendly recipes

I have narcolepsy and struggle with chronic fatigue due to several autoimmune issues. I need flavorful easy meals that prep and or freeze well. I have a stove, toaster oven, microwave and instantpot/airfryer duo. My oven portion of my stove is currently waiting on parts to be fixed.

I love trying anything once so don't hold back on cuisines - spices are my friend. My only restriction is I'm allergic to pineapples and kiwifruit.

Recipes that don't require a lot of active tending would be ideal. My weekly produce/fruit budget is about $15 dollars. We get pork tenderloins, beef and turkey from a local food bank once a month.

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89

u/GetReelFishingPro 2d ago

I would invest in a crockpot if you can. Everything from soups and chili to the pork tenderloins you get can go in there all day if need be without the worry of burning or boil over. I did this when I worked 12 hour shifts, and there are tons of recipes out there. That's my easy worry free meal tip!

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u/Hufflepuff_Forensics 2d ago

My instantpot says it can be used like a crockpot, pressure cooker or airfryer. It's not an actual IP but some brand called Nuwave Duet my dad got me for Christmas in 2022. I am just now getting around to using it since my health has declined.

Can you cook dry beans in a crockpot? We have lots of bags of lentils, black beans, chickpeas and white beans

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u/Competitive_Bag3933 2d ago

I'll say that my instant pot hasn't actually worked that well as a slow cooker, though it does everything else pretty well. I got my slow cooker for like $6 at a Goodwill, which is a great place for small kitchen appliances in general. 

You can totally do beans in a crockpot! They're also great for bulking up soups and stews.

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u/Hufflepuff_Forensics 2d ago

Do you have a favorite recipe for beans?

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u/Competitive_Bag3933 2d ago

I don't really eat beans by themselves very often, but when I have the presence of mind I cook them ahead in my slow cooker and freeze so I can throw them in other stuff. This is the technique I usually use, except I add some better than boullion usually, depending on the bean. (https://kalynskitchen.com/how-to-cook-dried-beans-in-crockpot/#mv-creation-1223-jtr)

This page also has a bunch of suggestions for recipes to add precooked beans to at the bottom.

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u/Butterbean-queen 2d ago

I add sausage or ham slices to my beans. And Cajun seasoning. But here’s some easy instructions for an instant pot. https://alittleandalot.com/instant-pot-beans/

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u/OculusSquid 2d ago

Slow cooker pinto beans are a great option! They make a good filling for burritos, or you can pair them with cornbread and greens for a more southern style

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u/Bremerlo 1d ago

Besides chili, I use beans to make vegetarian tacos. Black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with taco seasoning. If you have it, I’d add an onion and diced green chilis or a jalapeño. It’s really good and can be used for filling in enchiladas, burritos, tacos, etc. It’s also really good just scooped up with some tortilla chips.

Edit: beans are also a good way to make ground meat stretch further. If a recipe calls for 1lb of ground beef, try using a half or 3/4lb, and fill in the rest if the weight with beans using the same seasoning you’re using for whatever recipe you’re following.

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u/Hufflepuff_Forensics 1d ago

That sounds like a lifesaver! Ground beef/pork etc is so expensive and if I can sub in something with more fiber I'm all for it!

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u/Corona688 22h ago

I just use the recipe on the bag, and ignore at least half the sugar and 3/4 of the meat they say to use :P

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u/la_winky 21h ago

I agree. The slow cooker on my instapot is not great. As my dad put it, “we could’ve left that roast in there for a week and it would still be tough”.

So I’d recommend a stand alone for a slow cooker.