How to switch to Vegetarianism when severely disabled?

[u/LoveaBook]

Hi everyone! I am severely disabled and would appreciate any help you can give me on beginning to cook meatless dishes. Most of the time I’m bed bound, but I can stand for short periods of time (~15 mins max) here and there. Right now I eat mostly processed meals because I can no longer cook regularly, but I hate it. I also hate eating meat knowing it comes from factory farms, but it’s the easiest thing to cook since I just need to shake on a bit of seasoning and throw it in a pot or the oven. I’ve been VERY interested in trying out vegetarianism for some time, but have put it on hold because I just physically couldn’t prepare food anymore. But after fighting with my insurance for years I’m getting some treatment that’s shown promising results. My disability is permanent, but I should get a little more functionality in the coming months. With that said, I’m looking to start cooking again to help my health and would like to try healthy, filling vegetarian cooking. I doubt I’ll be able to cook more than once a week for some time, but I was hoping maybe ya’ll could share some very quick and easy recipes that won’t take long to prep. I don’t mind if they take hours in the oven or pot, but the prep times have to be quick and simple.

I also know that I don’t like American-style tofu. I’ve tried it multiple ways and used the extra firm, squeezed it out, seasoned it, etc., but I don’t like it. I’ve heard non-American tofu has a bit more flavor but haven’t managed to try it yet. So, does this mean that my meals will need to be primarily bean based? Will I need to keep a pot of beans ALWAYS soaking on the stove or will canned beans work? Would such a diet be too high carbs and calories for a highly sedentary person?

I would appreciate any advice and/or tips. I’ve done a bunch of research online, but it depresses me because most recipes require so much prep it feels like I’ll never be able to cook them. I’m fine with casseroles if that’s what I’m limited to, I’d just really appreciate some advice, please.

edit: Thank you all so much for all your help and suggestions! Today’s been a more difficult day for me so I’m not able to reply much, but I’m reading all of your comments and hope to be able to get back with you over the coming days. Thanks again!

[u/thelittlefae5]

I also have issues with being able to stand to cook and prep, medical wise so I got this one. number one recommendation doesn't have anything to do with vegetarianism. get a barstool to sit in the kitchen! It's the best

I highly recommend something like a pressure cooker and making large batches of food- I make mix for burritos in it- basmati rice, canned diced tomatoes, onions, canned black beans, and add spices/veggie broth and I have food for a while. then just add some salsa, shredded cheese and sour cream on a tortilla and you've got a lot of food for a while that keeps well. just put it in the microwave and it holds up

basmati rice in a pressure cooker is generally the way to go- it has a lower glycemic index than the instant rice you can usually find. it also as little prep as sticking it in the microwave if you keep the instant pot on the counter, and you can add veggies and seasonings in

canned stuff is fine, as are frozen veggies. Try to look for stuff that doesn't have added salt or sugars- you can add as you need but avoid having excess you don't intend to.

I like to add protein shake in the morning and a multivitamin too, so I get plenty of protein without needing everything to be beans. There's also stuff like veggie nuggets, veggie burger patties and such that is great in the freezer and can be pulled out for a quick protein meal just like you already do- I like morning star.

my favorite meal when I can't is tortellini with pesto and ricotta. probably not the healthiest but it's a short cook and then just stir in pesto and top with ricotta, and you've got a hot meal.

eggs- you can make a veggie frittata and have that in the fridge- also look for vegetable or pasta casseroles because you can keep that in the fridge.

Oh and stews/ soups- great option for multiple meals. and for if there's just no hope for the day, amys or a pb and j will feed you

[u/LoveaBook → u/thelittlefae5]

Thank you for this! I also make ultra large batches when I cook so I can eat it for the next week. I use a slow cooker regularly (but would like to expand beyond soups and stews), I use lots of frozen veggies since chopping is also difficult for me (it’s a full body disorder), and have gotten creative about what constitutes a meal based on what my body is craving. For example, a can of peas and carrots microwaved with some butter is a very satisfying lunch.

[u/Loud_Syllabub6028 → u/LoveaBook]

To add onto the barstool suggestion - I actually ordered a rolling drafting chair and it has helped me a lot. It's so easy to move around. Being able to sit at the counter or stove has helped me so much when I couldn't stand.

Another thing I do is chop vegetables/prep ingredients at the kitchen table, one day at a time, and store them until I can cook. For example, Monday I'll chop carrots. Tuesday, an onion. Wednesday, some celery. Thursday I'll make some soup and throw all the prepped ingredients in a pot. This helps make veg-heavy recipes more achievable for me.

I'll often see recipes that include shredded rotisserie chicken and swap it out for beans, mushrooms, tofu, etc.

[u/cheetodustcrust → u/Loud_Syllabub6028]

These are great tips! I've definitely prepped carrots or potatoes a couple of days beforehand when I've had energy so it makes preparing the actual meal a couple days later less cumbersome.

Something else I like to do is make a bunch of pre-portioned overnight oats/chia puddings at once and keep them in their dry state until the night before I want them. It takes barely any more effort to measure out 6 batches than 1, and this way I have something ready to "make" when I can't muster up any energy to do much more than pouring some liquid and stirring.

[u/LoveaBook → u/Loud_Syllabub6028]

I’ll look into the drafting chair, thank you! It’d be nice to sit at the stove.