What to eat when you’re tired and don’t want to think

A 20-minute template for no-decision meals

The “don’t think” kit: grains, greens, seeds, spices, oils, lemon. So lunch makes itself.

What to eat when you don’t want to think?

I end up here, particularly when I’m getting ready for travel. In fact, I’m writing this just before 10 days in Southern Italy.

There’s a lot to do right now. A lot to front-load. And of course life pops up.

So this will be short and to the point. No poetry. No elaborations.

Yes, I’m tired right now, and I don’t want to think.

What keeps me steady is nourishment and my non-negotiables: wake up, meditate, exercise, cold shower, write.

Then comes lunch.

To avoid disaster, I keep the basics stocked.

Here’s what that looks like for me:

• Grains that are easily digestible: white basmati rice, quinoa, oatmeal

• Protein: split yellow mung dal, tofu, canned tuna

• Veggies that cook “fast”: spinach, kale, zucchini, carrots, broccoli

• Spices: turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, black mustard seeds, cardamom powder, cinnamon

• Seeds: flax, chia, sesame, tahini paste

• Oils: ghee, butter, olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil

• Seasonings: sea salt, black pepper, garlic, liquid aminos or tamari, cayenne, lemon

Veggies are the only real perishables, and they should be the most abundant on your plate.

Here’s what to do

Make a grain.

Add a protein and a lot of greens. One bunch per person.

Cook with spices.

Use the healthy oils.

Include the seeds.

Seasonings to taste with salt, acid, and heat.

20 minutes, 30 tops.

HERE’S THE KEY —

Don’t wait until you’re starving to start, otherwise you’ll snack your way through cooking, rush the simmer, and your body will feel the push.

Need ideas you don’t have to think about?

Golden mung bowl

Basmati rice, split mung, spinach.

Turmeric, coriander, cumin.

Ghee.

Lemon and black pepper.

Sesame tofu and greens

Quinoa, tofu, broccoli or kale.

Garlic.

Tamari and sesami oil.

Sesame seeds.

A squeeze of lemon.

Tuna tahini rice

Basmati rice, canned tuna, zucchini or carrots.

Olive oil, garlic, cayenne.

Tahini and lemon.

Sit. Chew. Give yourself time.

You’ll be less tired, and the energy to think will return.

– Savitree
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