Eating Healthy When Chronically Ill

The problem with having chronic illness and trying to eat healthy is that the chronic illness can  keep you from being well enough to put together healthy food.  I’m lucky I have a husband and some very helpful convenience appliances that make it more doable. Still there are times I need to do this on my own. Almost always I can barely make it across the room.

Best suggestions I can give is to always keep a covered container of greens and chopped veggies  and fresh fruit in the fridge so all you have to do is dish up.

Busy day? Black beans on greens with melon

Cucumber Carrot Citrus Salad

Have canned beans that you can drain and use.

Whole grain bread (egg free is best) to make veggie open face sandwiches is good.

Batch cook on your good days. Even if you have one or two reasonable days a month, it can make a huge difference.

Here are other possibilities to have on hand with the right planning.

Homemade bean burgers made on a more doable day

Frozen brown rice and a bag of frozen peas tossed together with light seasoning. Some raw carrots and a few grapes. No fuss meal

old world pumpernickel bread is good to keep on hand. Topped with homemade bean burger from freezer

Here is a recipe that literally just happened today.  I managed to toss together on a so-so day that is my norm. Couldn’t stand over a stove. Number of variations possible are limited only by your imagination. Took less than 5 minutes to toss together and then it got tossed in the oven where it baked while I sat on the sofa with my legs up and felt miserable (aka typical day).

Whole Food Plant Based Pointer: Using Parchment Paper means you can keep

Cindy’s Plant Based Mexican Bake Casserole

Serves 4-6

2 cups garbanzo bean flour ( Bobs Red Mill found with that line of products).

I tsp baking soda

2/3 cup salsa
2/3 cup water

1 cup of favorite Mexican friendly veggies (riced or finely chopped or chunked onions, peppers, tomato, cilantro, cauliflower,  greens…corn and black beans)

Mexican seasoning of your choice…
Chili powder, cumin, turmeric, low sodium chili or taco seasoning. Curry seasoning is good too.

Possible toppings for after baked…

Shredded lettuce, Miyoko cheese, addition chopped veggies and or salsa….

Directions.

Combine ingredients except toppings. Pour into lasagna pan that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 until cake like (approx. 20 minutes).

Serve in squares and top as desired.

Mine looks boring compared to how colorful you could make it look. It’s just what I had on hand.

It tastes amazing!