Lately, I’ve been kind of a boring chef.
I have good intentions, but life seems to continue getting in my way. Yesterday, for instance, I dreamed up a broccoli-tahini soup and planned to whip it up for dinner. But after yoga, a leisurely lunch out, a couple hours of article writing, and a couple more of errand running, it was 7:45 PM, and I didn’t want to cook – I just wanted to eat. So, broccoli became a part of an easy salad; tahini an element of a quick vinaigrette to dress it up. A sweet potato went in the microwave, and that was that.
Then there are budgeting concerns: like most, my wallet got a bit too much of a workout over the holiday season. I’m doing my best to stay within my means without sacrificing my social life in January [yes, my priorities are in order], which meant my grocery budget this week was a sad $20. Being that I spend $8 on Greek yogurt every week [there are those priorities again], I my twelve produce dollars don’t leave room for much creativity.
So, time and money, those two powerful holds, have me dangerously close to what some might call a food “rut.” I purchased the exact same groceries yesterday that went into my refrigerator the week before, and that is something that never happens – ever.
They were practical ones, at least:
Spinach and kale – because I need a salad at every meal.
Mushrooms, because they are pre-sliced, aka easy to throw into the salad I pack with my lunch.
Carrots, because I am apparently addicted.
Two things I refuse to go a day without.
Fujis, because my stomach growls like clockwork at 10:30 every morning, and fruit is my favorite morning snack.
Pomegranate and avocado, because I’m weak, and I wanted them.
Broccoli, because in season vegetables = cheaper. And I like it.
There they are: the ten items of my food rut. This week, I am determined to do something interesting with them. I know it is possible to create delicious meals with minimal ingredients, money, and time. I’ll report back with results.
Are you stuck in a rut or routine?
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Yes! Definitely stuck in a food rut. My rut foods include: greek yogurt, kashi bars and cereals, veggie burger pb, and sandwich thins! must change this up. I’m getting bored, and that’s not good! Glad you’re planning on switching things up too!
When I lived in Korea, I was in a total rut of having the same dinner every single night: tri-colored pasta with spinach, broccoli and tomatoes.
Now I don’t crave pasta at all… ;)
I’m greatly impressed with what you were able to pack into your budget! Farmer’s market scores? Fruit Guy on the sidewalk? Lord knows that it would be practically impossible to purchase all of my produce (plus greek yogurt) for under $20 in a Manhattan grocery store or bodega.
Speaking of ruts, I am in a financial rut at the moment. That’s usually the case, though. Unfortunately, since my wallet is rather vacant, I can’t make the blogger meet-up this Thursday. I would love to meet up some other time, though! Perhaps a blogger potluck is in order….
you ahve the prettiest food pictures ever :)
Rut and routine. Very very much so. Physical…spiritual…and mental….rut and routine.
I always end up eating late. But it usually ends up being a pretty big meal regardless.
I am working on getting out of these ruts and routines. For me it is a challenge: a fear.
I’m in the biggest rut right now with food too. Lately its been cereals, salads and roasted veggies. I keep buying ingredients to make lavish foods but end up using them in the most boring ways ever. Have any simple recipes for those ingredients? Help a girl out!
xoxo
Maggie
We’re in the process of trying to eat as much out of the pantry as possible, because we always seem to buy more packaged foods than we eat. All we’ve spent money on in the last week is seltzer, fresh fruits and veggies, and milk. Trying to be a little more creative with what we have, but eating a lot of the regular stand-bys: split pea soup, beans and rice, Thai curries.
i am a totally boring chef during the week, but try to switch it up on weekends when i actually have the time and energy to do so. i actually don’t mind the monotony – i know what i like, and i definitely go through stages (ie months of eating the same meals a couple times a week) but it eventually evolves and changes depending upon what rut i’m stuck in on any particular month.
one thing that’s always constant — greek yogurt, total 2% being my favorite!
re: the monotony and stages, I know what you mean!
Your boring eats are more exciting than my special eats! Haha. Great blog! :)
im definatly stuck in a rut.. which I am very much trying to get out of.. ooy.
carrots and apples and mushrooms. ALWAYS on my list.
I totally know what you mean about life getting in the way. Mostly it’s not the time factor that motivates me to make something easy, but rather the clean up factor.
I’m not so much in a rut, but rather a monotonous period. Which I don’t really mind, since
I know it will change eventually. My most recent post is very related to this one, as a matter of fact.
kudos to budgeting so well in nyc!
I feel ya–for me, laziness, comfort, and just plain lack of motivation are making it hard for me to get as creative as I would like with meals. I’m honestly not sure how to break out of this rut.