Healthy meals w/o a stove/oven

Barbara - posted on 10/08/2010

If you have a hotplate why not a stir fry it's all in one pan and as healthy as anything and something you can all eat , you can always add more spices or chillies to yours if you want .

Colleen - posted on 10/08/2010

Acorn squash cooks well in the microwave and my kids love it, you can spice with cinnamon & honey, or butter & cumin, etc. Yogurt with cereal or fruit in it is good, and so is PBJ sandwiches

Kathie - posted on 10/08/2010

Don't worry, I don't think people will judge you. Your family is doing the best you can at the moment. It sounds like you are already doing a great job of feeding your 13 months old. From a mother of 6, no a days you can pretty much fix anything in a microwave. Even meats. As far as needing things for your family, you might try garage sales. They have everything from cooking supplies, furniture, to clothing for the whole family. Look for discounts at the store whenever possible. I didn't have a washer or dryer for a long time, so I went to the laundry mat to wash clothes and I hung them to dry in our house if it was to cold out to put them on the line. I couldn't afford disposable diapers so I used cloth.
Oh, and don't let the in-laws get you down. Have a great day.

Heather - posted on 10/08/2010

How about a toaster oven or a steamer. You can make all kinds of things in a steamer, that way you can have fresh food.

Zen - posted on 10/08/2010

I read somewhere that the definition of being a Good Mom is just asking " What is being a Good Mom mean to me and for this child?" That's all.Kids are all different. You are asking...no matter what your circumstances are you are asking and looking and are open to contribution and striving to be the best Mom you can be. Look up raw recipes online as well. I saw a Mom make fabulous shakes with coconut milk, banana, almond butter etc...fabulous proteins, fresh food and all you need is a blender or a hand mixer really, then put in a jar and shake up and you have a delicious smoothie. I read that frozen mango has some of the same vitamins as spinach. The more colorful the better and get lots of fruit, dried meat ( you can soak and soften) and try to stay away from the frozen microwave meals as much as possible.Canned fish with salads, crackers and bean salads are wonderful and have lots of protein. Have fun creating your life.

Angela - posted on 10/08/2010

Hello, there are oceans of microwave cook books. There's nothing wrong with heating in a microwave if that's all you have - you are still doing a wonderful job if you are cooking, rather than nuking convenience foods! Things like spaghetti sauces, casseroles etc can all be microwaved, could you trawl charity shops for a slow cooker? Then you can make curries, even pot roast chicken, without a stove, they are so much cheaper. Well done to you for being such a good mummy!!

Tiffany - posted on 10/08/2010

There are a lot of great options for microwaving now - steam-in-the-bag veggies, and even complete meals.

You might also look into an electric frypan, single electric eye, crockpot, toaster oven, camping stove, or other options to allow you to cook a little bit...

Lizbeth - posted on 10/08/2010

Consider buying a hot plate or steamer. Not as expensive as a stove. Also a rice cooker would be helpful so you can make brown rice or quinoa. Kids love to eat o bowl of rice with low sodium soy sauce or braggs. You can cook yams in the microwave. Also baked apples with agave and cinnamon in the microwave. Apples, goat cheese and dates are a wonderful snack too.

CJ - posted on 10/08/2010

Slow cookers are relatively inexpensive these days, as are counter top grills (George Foreman et al). At 13 months, your son is able to eat just about anything that you eat, just in smaller portions. Fruits and veggies are always good, and if you feed them to him now - he will eat them well later. Sandwiches are also good - not every meal needs to be a hot meal.

Leah - posted on 10/08/2010

Use a crockpot, microwave and grill. Save money on toddler food items by feeding him mostly what you eat. Treat yourselves right and all eat healthy. Just make his a bit blander, cut smaller, and use a mini food prep to mush things up.

There are lots of ideas online or at your local library.

Latoia - posted on 10/08/2010

Hey there is a website call Freecycle.org, everything is free, look it up find your city and ask for a stove, its a good site you can give things and get things, I have been doing this site in every city I've lived in (hubby in army)

Pricilla - posted on 10/08/2010

if you have a crock pot try to doing stews so he can eat the veggies or other meals you can look on line for recipes that are for the crock pot.

Joy - posted on 10/08/2010

Sounds like a great time to try some raw food recipes. Do you have a blender? A food processor? If so check out some of the veggie & fruit juice blends on this site & some of the snack bars & treats:
http://thedeliciousrevolution.com/

Audrey - posted on 10/08/2010

I agree, frozen and steamable veggies will be much more nutritious.

Jessie - posted on 10/08/2010

Use a crock pot to cook lots of vegies. Throw them all in together with a little water and stock cube to add some flavor. When totally cooked, puree them and freeze in small individual containers. Same can be done with fruit. It's healthier & cheaper. I did this years ago using a pressure cooker, but I know the crock pot will work just as well.

Marlo - posted on 10/08/2010

I will never judge you, because we do what we have to do in any given situation. I do applaud u for continuing to provide the family with healthy meals, because some just buy fast food to accommodate. But I have a stove and barely use it, because I have a grill that I use on top of the counter to make pancakes, steam veggies, grill meats, and other items. If u have something similiar to these items try it, or even invest in a roaster oven, where u can cook alot of meats, veggies, cakes, etc. U r providing right but the microwave remove some of the nutriens needed in the food, so if u can invest in any of these things, u will love them. Good luck!!

Sherry - posted on 10/08/2010

Google Slow Cooker Recipes. You'd be amazed on what you can cook in one. You can also make lots of stuff with your George Forman: grilled chicken, steak, veggies, AND I grill sandwiches on mine all the time. I spray a little Pam on there and cook grilled cheese, grilled ham and cheese, etc...I don't put extra butter on the bread either. It's healthier than a grilled cheese with a bunch of butter all over it. And you have a griddle and a microwave. You should be able to make lots of things. Too bad you don't have a toaster oven. You can cook lots of stuff in those too. Or I also have a Pizzaz Pizza Oven that rocks! You can cook things on it besides pizza too.

Ericka - posted on 10/08/2010

You can make meatlof in the microwave, I do it in ten minutes. Or like a burger, but just the meat, no bread and cook them in the microwave too. My mom used to give us some kind of tuna cake: one can of tuna one egg and a spoon of flour, mixed all and put it in the microwave (don't know if your baby already eats tuna). You can also make scramble or poche eggs on it you just need a bowl. Finally: slice as many potatoes as needed, place one layer of potato in baking pan, cover it with ham cutted in tiny pieces and grated cheese, put another layer of potatoes and continue until you finish with a layer of potatoes. Separately mixe a cup of cream and some milk and black ground pepper (pepper is optional) cover the potatoe plate with this mix and put it in the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes are done. Carefull cause it is too hot. That's all I can think for now. I hope this can help you.

Mary - posted on 10/08/2010

Convection Oven's and Hot Plates can easily replace a regular stove/oven combo. My Sister-in-law bakes, does roasts and even pizza in her convection oven. A hot plate works just like a regular stove top, but with less burners. And the plug in Griddles are fantastic too.
Don't forget, tons of healthy snacks like yogurt, cheese, crackers & fruits don't need to be cooked at all.

Vicki - posted on 10/08/2010

Been there, done that. My girls were older but the challenge was the same, serving healthy meals without a stove/oven. It sounds like you are doing pretty well. When I was in this situation, I used the microwave, crockpot, and electric skillet to cook in. Boiling eggs was the only thing I had problems with, the skillet was not deep enough. I had been a Tupperware Salesperson several years before and had extensive lessons on Microwave cooking. Did you know you can even roast a turkey in the microwave? If you don't have a crockpot or electric skillet, maybe you can afforod those before you get your stove. Check out garage sales and Goodwaill. If you want some Microwave or Crockpot recipes I will be glad to share some of my family's favorites with you.

Jennifer - posted on 10/08/2010

No. But if you can't afford a stove I would suggest you purchase a George Foreman grill, a hot plate, crock pot and download or purchase books to teach you how to make microwave meals.

One thing I like to do on my George Foreman is grill chicken breasts, cut them up and have cool wraps. You could probably shred the chicken for the baby. Also, throw the chunks into a salad. My girls started eating salads at around that age.

Good luck.

Angelique' - posted on 10/08/2010

get on freecycle its an online community where everything is free. you can get a stove on there, it may not be the prettiest but it is free.

Susan - posted on 10/08/2010

You can use a slow cooker or an electric skillet. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel where the walls have been torn down and the electric is being updated and have not been able to use a stove. You can even make some fabulous meals in the microwave. Fall's a great time to use the slow cooker to make stews and soups and chili.

Heidi - posted on 10/08/2010

I steam fresh veggies in the microwave all the time. It is super easy just the veggies and a tablespoon or 2 of water and microwave it until it is just a tiny bit soft, but still has some crunch.

Sherri - posted on 10/08/2010

Sharon rental properties quite often do not come with fridge or oven those are items that the renter must supply those are not fixtures. Fixtures are considered sink, toilet, bathtub, lighting things of that nature.

Jamiely - posted on 10/08/2010

Do you have a rice cooker? That can work as well! I've tried cooking stir-fried veggies and stew, and they just tasted the same =)

If you don't have a rice cooker, then the next best thing that I can recommend is a crack pot.

Tina - posted on 10/08/2010

I would not judge you. sounds as if you are doing the best you can. first, let me suggest you look into www.freecycle.org. It is a website where you can post things you want to get rid of or need. You can post a wanted/needed and if someone has one they do not need they can give it to you. Everything is free. Microwaves really do offer more than just reheating. You can cook eggs (protein), boil water (oatmeal) you can even cook meat. You can steam fresh veggies as well. Cook a potato in there. canned beans, another source of protein, although high in sodium. Applesauce is a great food for him. I used to give my little ones frozen veggies like corn, peas, carrots as snack and for teething. They are small enough a child should not choke on it but always stay close by and know what to do. Is it possible you could afford a small charcoal grill? You can cook all sorts of things on that. Good luck to you and check out freecycle.org!

Sharon Kay - posted on 10/07/2010

the house should have had a stove, those are considered fixtures, what happened to the stove?

Heather - posted on 10/07/2010

Get a grill!!!!! You can cook almost everything on a grill. Weber is the best. You can do veggies and fish, just use aluminum foil. Plus Weber comes with a how to book. This way you can do more fresh foods. We grill all 12 moths. We do tend to stand closer to the grill when the snow is on the ground. :0)

Shanda - posted on 10/07/2010

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,healthy_microwave_meals,FF.html there is like 13 pages of microwave meals on here. Hope this helps and congrats on the new place.

Lorraine - posted on 10/07/2010

Do you have a slow cooker. you can cook everything in there that is healthy. I work at 430pm and we barely use our stove now because i start supper before i leave and when my teenagers get home there supper is ready. they aren't that expensive and you can make everything from roast dinner with potatoes to a spaghetti meal. I hope this helps.

Angie - posted on 10/07/2010

First-get a single hot plate at Wal-Mart. They are under $15. See if there is a chapter of freecycle.com in your area-you can get appliances, furniture, clothes etc for nothing! Microwave meals should work just fine until you get the stove. Crock pots are really cheap as well as hotplates and portable stove top grills and counter top ovens at second hand stores/garage sales, if you can't find them on freecycle.com. Good luck!

Kim - posted on 10/07/2010

Since you have a george foreman grill, grill some chicken! My kids all love grilled chicken. You can also get all kinds of ideas on the internet for healthy crock pot meals. Good luck. I know how expensive moving can be especially when you have to buy all new appliances! :)

Barbara - posted on 10/07/2010

Look into some of your local thrift shops. They may have an inexpencive stove. I've done that before. You never know what you may find. Good luck.

Lisa - posted on 10/07/2010

Post on Freecycle in your area that you need a stove. Someone might have one not using

Carla - posted on 10/07/2010

Try on line for "microwave entrees". It is easy to nuke veggies, and "smash them. An apple nukes is great. With the new microwaves with variable settings, and the internet, you can find great easy recipes..Microwave meatload is on of the better nuked. I

Jamie - posted on 10/07/2010

Hi, this is not meant to be a big advertisement for Pampered Chef, but there is a stoneware piece called a Deep Covered Baker that fits in most microwaves. And there are LOTS of meats, soups, stews other meals that you can do in the microwave that come out so juicy and tender. Its like a crock pot for the microwave. The longest thing I have cooked in it is a 30 min whole chicken. You have to round up some orders or have a show to be able to get one at this time. But I have a stove and I am most often cooking in this in the microwave. You can go online to find a consultant near you if needed.

Carole - posted on 10/07/2010

My goodness sugar. You do have your hands full. Sounds like you are managing quite well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always the best. Most vegetables can be eaten uncooked. But with age and all, it may be too much for a little one. If you have a crock pot that would make nice meals. You can microwave fresh corn. Leave the husk on and check it every couple of minutes until you get the idea of how long it takes in your microwave. Then peel off the husk, add your butter or margerine and eat up. You sound like a very good mommy. Always thinking of nutrition for your little one. If anyone tries to judge you, you just send them to me. I am mother of two and grandmother of six. ;) I wish you the best and if you get a crock pot first and need recipes, drop me a note on FB and I will look some up for you. Oh, and that goes for all you mommies out there. Need a recipe, just let me know. ;)

Candace - posted on 10/07/2010

Hi Nicole
Not sure where you live but I also have a griddle that is reversible.. I can send it to you. just sits in the back of my cabinet and nobody wants it! Please let me know its not a biggy to mail to you.. I would rather have someone use it then to sit in my cabinet
my email is craftyones@dejazzd.com

Thanks
Candy

Sherri - posted on 10/07/2010

Tisha actually it is not. Depends on the state you live in!! Every rental (we still rent) we have ever had not one has ever come with a fridge or a stove. Well actually my first apt. did but none of the ones since I have been married. We have had to supply those and we are in NH. Currently the rental we are at now the stove and fridge are ours, none were supplied.

Sherri - posted on 10/07/2010

Go out and look at a hotplate it is under $10 at wal-mart which will open up a ton of options and maybe even a toaster oven you can get one for $34 a wal-mart which will also open a million opportunities.

Laura - posted on 10/07/2010

Tupperware has 2 GREAT Microwave cooking systems, One steams Micro Steamer & the other is for cooking Stack Cooker . Both are wonderful I use mine almost every day. Either one sometimes both. I get home too late to take the time to cook on the stove top or oven & it's too hot here in Vegas really to use them, so I do alot of microwave cooking. From the entree, sides even dessert If anyone is interested in knowing more go to WWW.MY.TUPPERWARE.COM/LMENDOZA & you can call me if you have any questions about these items too 702-645-2747 Laura

Tammy - posted on 10/07/2010

OK, here goes:) Microwaving is fine, the main problem is to avoid overcooking. Overcooking in any way destroys vitamins. Frozen is better than canned any day and unless you buy local it's better than fresh! Fresh veggies are picked BEFORE they are ripe so they don't rot before you buy them. That means they actually don't have all the vitamins they should have. Veggies grown to be frozen are picked ripe and then frozen.
Electric burners can be found for $10 or even less, so you can use a pan. Electric griddles are great and crock pots. Since you said you have those 2 there is a great way to take care of a few things. You can also do eggs and any type of frying on the electric griddle.
I am a Pampered Chef Consultant (no this is not an AD for me) I suggest you find one near you and book a show. Get the Deep Covered Baker (if your microwave is of the average size these days) and you will be set!:) The stoneware protects the food and meals come out fabulous. I do a whole chicken in 30 minutes or a pork tenderloin in 10 minutes. Chicekn breasts in 12-14 and they are fork tender. They also have a ton of great meal recipes for it. Also pick up the Micro Cooker. Great for veggies and all kinds of stuff. You can earn these FREE. I once spent 8 months cooking meals without using the stove or oven (except for buiscuts and rolls), just crock pot and microwave:)

Tracy - posted on 10/07/2010

It actually sounds like you are doing a good job of finding ways to provide nutritional meals for your son and family. I agree with the frozen veggies, plus they are easier when you only need a little for your young one - the rest go back in the freezer (in a freezer bag of course). Ovens are over-rated anyway! I rarely use mine and I have 3 children. We grill, use the slow cooker and microwave more often than the oven. You can make just about anything in the microwave! Even cakes! Plus you save on energy and it doesn't heat up your entire house. Congrats on your home and relax - we all have to adjust to difficulties - appears you are doing great!

Julie - posted on 10/07/2010

if he is only 13 months then try the baby food for the older kids. but almost anything can be microwaved so there really doesnt need to be much of a difference between what you cooked before on a stove and what you cook now in a mjicrowave

Jenna-lee - posted on 10/07/2010

I wouldn't recommend a camping stove indoors. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is too great and with all of the other items she has to cook with, it's not necessary to put the family at risk.

Julie - posted on 10/07/2010

nothing wrong with using a microwave to cook with - for some things, it actually is a healthier way of cooking them. My suggestion is get cheap microwave cooking dishes - a vegie steamer, a rice cooker etc. The slow cooker idea is also a good one.

Jocelyn - posted on 10/07/2010

Yep, get a toaster oven!!! We use our big oven a handful of times a year, but we use our toaster oven multiple times a day!

Jenna-lee - posted on 10/07/2010

With the electric skillet, crock pot, microwave, and George Foreman Grill, you almost don't need a stove or oven, at least not urgently! You can cook a whole chicken in the microwave or on the Grill and your toddler can eat bite sized pieces. If you have a steamer, you can steam rice, veggies, meats, etc. If you don't, you can also do that in the microwave. Check online for microwave recipes. Otherwise, your crock pot is a great bet because you can get a well-rounded meal out of it and it's much healthier than frozen dinners, no matter how healthy (AND cheaper AND heartier; I doubt my hubby could survive off frozen dinners every night because the portions are so small). You might want to try string cheese or cubed cheese as a healthy snack. Also, many veggies are more nutritious raw, if he can handle the crunch of it. My kids (and my nephews, too) just plain prefer raw veggies and I'm fine with that. Tomatoes are healthier when cooked so pasta sauce is better for him than a plain old tomato. My kids don't like meat (except chicken nuggets - don't get me started!) so we use a lot of yogurt, cheese, and the protein pasta for them. You can make pasta in the microwave and heat up a little sauce for a hearty meal. Then, put some garlic bread on the grill, and a side salad and you have a healthy dinner. You can also make the pasta and sauce together in your crockpot but read the booklet (or look online) for thorough directions; it's easy to overcook pasta! Good luck - it sounds like you're already on the right track. You're certainly resourceful and have already found great ways to feed your family without the one appliance most people would think they can't live without! :)

Ricaria - posted on 10/07/2010

Gerber graduates makes toddler meals are very healthy and complete it comes with as a entree with vegatables and a main dish. Since you do not have a stove i would suggest an electric skillet. You can find one for approx. 20 dollars. I hope this was helpful