How I’m simplifying my cooking system

[@ChelseaMae]

Want help losing weight for good? There’s 2 ways to get started. 1. Book a FREE 1:1 weight loss consult with the Lean with Plants team to talk about your goals and how we can personally help you. link.localbestgyms.com/widget/form/KCW6GSPaAOI2irbIprH9 2. Join my FREE Kickstarter Mini Course to learn the frameworks that helped me lose 40lbs. www.chelseamae.com/lean-with-plants-kickstarter-framework

[@NerdMom84]

I really appreciate this video. A lot of plant based "influencers" really push everything being fresh and prepped at home, but it often results in me being overwhelmed and stressed. I work full time and barely have enough time to breathe let alone meal prep a week's worth of dinners. This is exactly the kind of realistic advice i needed.

[@oliveohyeah]

I freakin love this video and would be happy to see you do even more videos about the topics of simplifying/paring back recipes and cooking routines. Nothing has given me more freedom when it comes to cooking than watching you put together meals! I love your style and how you limit dishes and cleanup by reusing the same bowls, not measuring every single thing, and cooking one-pot recipes. Thanks!

[@gmehta792]

I truly second that, my daughter is a medical student, she too exhausted to come home at 10 pm sometimes and cook...Love how your simplified cooking ideas... thank you Chelsea... Love to see more videos like this...Awesome ideas....

[@beverlee9631]

' Keep this in mind: YOU are not a failure, your system is set up to support your current behaviours. If you want to change your behaviours, then change your system. If you want a system to stick to, make it as easy and less confusing than you possibly can'. This must be the best advice, I have ever heard. 😇

[@hortensejones4050]

I agree. Feels life changing in lots of areas. I took notes and wrote that 3! Times. What a gift, Chelsea!💕

[@dianelines]

Thanks Chelsea - as always such wonderful advice! Clear thinking. I try to do a weekly prep time ( 2 hours??) and pre chop onions (which freeze well) carrots, cabbage, broccoli, beans, rice, quinoa, potatoes etc., and then its done for the next 5 days and I just create from the components and make what I feel like on the day - So it is a few hours of prep - good time to listen to some Lean with Plants podcasts!! and its done. You are so right - reducing stress in any way we can and creating the supportive system is paramount! Thank you for everything you do! ps you have such a beautiful family - way to go mama!

[@lesleypoore]

You are a gem. Real advice for real people. Love it!

[@MrsAllieMac]

I needed to hear this... I am personally, as well as my husband, struggling with our diet, big time. We have been so stressed about him losing his job and now he is working in one restaurant in the mornings and literally delivering for dominos at night. It makes it SOO hard when that easy pizza is right in front of our faces, (and sometimes even free if an order is messed up at the end of the night!) He is away more, tired more and I have more to do at home more. So cooking, like you said, is the first thing that goes downhill.... My idea of a home cooked meal right now is pasta with marina and a bag of frozen broccoli. (I will be eating that tonight lol.) We have other massive stressors in our lives right now as well (the biggest one is a custody battle for our oldest 2 kids whose mom decided to come back into their lives and is now fighting us for primary custody.) Needless to say, I have had zero inspiration in the kitchen. We have gone back and forth from being vegan but have never been able to sustain it 100% for very long. At this point the idea of chopping and doing dishes is a mental hurdle... the best I can seem to consistently do is oatmeal for breakfasts, rice and bean combos (sometimes Mexican style other times New Orleans style), and pastas with side veggies in large batches. Sorry to be a downer, but this was so good to hear! I'm so glad I found your channel, 😊 Thanks for keeping it real! ❤

[@hortensejones4050]

Not a downer! Thank you for being real. I do relate despite different challenges but when we’re whelmed-it’s great Chelsea’s teaching coping skills Re food & thinking so we don’t go bk to the old/default unhealthy behavior! Hang in there & I will (try to) too. 🙏🌿🌷🌿🖖

[@NicgetsFit]

Love this Chelsea! I have lost 35lbs eating whole foods plant based in the last 12 months. I still have 20lbs to go and I’m sharing my journey on YT to keep myself accountable. I always keep my cooking simple, it’s so easy 💪🥔🥰

[@hortensejones4050]

Are you also doing The Starch Solution too? I’m not-just one starch & 2 fruits/day. Challenging!

[@CazSantiago]

Chelsea, the reason why I love your videos is because you speak so much to the underlying causes that causes someone like me to struggle with weight her whole life. You find practical, engaging ways to educate the people beyond what diets and fads try to moon blink us to believe. THANK YOU so much for taking to provide the content that you do! LOVED this video and as usual, so spot on!!

[@iamjane9628]

Very realistic. I appreciate this! Real and done is better than ideal and not done!!

[@reneebecker8702]

I appreciate Chelsea. She has always simplified the process, and helped me to be honest with myself. Go Chelsea Go! You're awesome!

[@joeygames_5]

Something incredible just happened! I got caught up doing errands for longer than expected and in a weak moment I dialed my local pizza place to order dinner... they put me on hold for long enough that I was able to realize what I was doing and I hung up the phone! I came home, sliced up some potato fries and started making stir fry veggies. This was easy to do because I have a giant bag of potatoes in my house and my veggies are prepped in one of many fantastic plastic snap containers (thank you chels) Your voice was in my head all the while, helping me through :) Thank you

[@LulusMom1220]

BRILLIANT! 🌟: “Your current system is what is what is set up to support your current behavior.” -Chelsea Mae ETA: Nick is a prince !

[@ginac7235]

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” - James Clear, Atomic Habits, p. 27. Your video is wonderful timing because I’m in the process of removing the decision fatigue from meal planning and setting up a rotating menu. I’ve been ignoring my project for a few days, and your video is giving me the boost and refocus I need for it. And I just tore my rotator cuff. I’m going to have to simplify even more AND learn to ask for help (I’ve been the only cook in my family) as well as teach family members how to cook (which I honestly don’t see happening because of everyone’s schedules). ugh, yeah, lol...Meal planning with everyone in mind always stresses me out. Thank you for sharing that you go through this, too, and your plan of action. 🌱💚

[@1linnell]

You are SO on the money! Eighty percent of behavior change is ENVIRONMENT! We are so quick to attribute things to deep-seated character flaws, and this is malarkey!

[@hilaryburg3226]

Great video. Every sentence out of your mouth was meaningful and helpful. I feel like you were inside my head! I'm constantly wanting to buy jarred ginger and garlic, but then make myself feel I've failed in some way if I do. Thanks for clarifying and simplifying not only meal time decisions and execution, but simplifying the conflicting thoughts in my head.

[@carlyeatsplants7721]

This is such amazing advice Chelsea! Keeping things manageable and doable is the only way to stay consistent on this, or any, way of eating that aligns with any kind of goals. Thank you so much for doing what you do, you’re truly an inspiration!

[@annemorph]

Chelsea, you're consistently giving life changing advice with every video! I love this as a person who is incredibly good at ADDING obstacles to my life. Like, "hmmm, maybe we should be zero waste" when my biggest issue is getting this weight off and feeding the kids healthy food. I need to look at every area of my life like this. Thank you!!

[@tessarosaliebrandt5793]

😅😂😂yessss very relatable

[@robyntobias7212]

Using a Minimalist Baker recipe for pancakes i treble the dry ingredients and create a pancake mix. To cook I just add flax egg and wet ingredients cook on a griddle. Easy !

[@maryegerton6848]

I love fresh garlic too, but I hate chopping like three cloves every times I cook. What I do is buy a bunch of it at Costco or grow a ton. Then I peel it all at once, toss it into the mini chopper, and mince it quickly. Then I put a thinnish layer in a small baggie and flatten it out. Then I freeze it solid. I usually do a few at once and stack them on top of each other. When I need some I just take a bag out, break off a chunk and set it aside for a couple of minutes until it thaws or even toss it in frozen. It works like a charm, and it’s cheaper than the jars. You can do this with ginger too. ☮️💕

[@kellineff3698]

This is such a simple concept that I can't believe how much time I have wasted over the years. So many Sundays trying to meal prep for the week and never quite finishing only to go for take out the second half of the week. Thank you for this video.

[@viviannichols3582]

This could easily be modified, based on individual needs and wants. For example, I would be okay with the six options. However, I would come up with a new set of six per season. Also, I would probably choose one day per week to allow a wild card meal that’s not on the list. Instead of buying the convenience ingredients, you could choose to have a “prep day” when you chop a bunch of veggies or whatever else you need to do that takes extra time. I love that you based this on your individual priorities.

[@ChelseaMae]

Totally!!

[@allakeinig5940]

Thank you for your videos. After watching many of your videos, something just clicked in my mind and everything made sense. Lost 5 pounds in 1 week. God bless you!

[@danyeandanya]

Frozen onions, garlic, sweet pepper, sweet corn and mushrooms are essential as well as pre-bottled garlic and ginger.

[@tanyalewington2027]

This has been the elephant in the room for many people, including myself. The decision fatigue and stepping up and saying I'm struggling here! Thank you for your time and endless easy to listen to conversations. xP.S and your awesome meal ideas

[@ElinevanderLaan]

During lockdown I had so much time to dedicate to cooking and my weight loss journey. I used to cook beans from dried, which I have now swapped for canned beans mostly. I also get tons of frozen veggies and make a meal plan for the week in order to save decision making shortly before it's time to eat. I also no longer keep 1001 options in my house. It used to give me a lot of peace of mind, but again, makes decision-making harder than if I only had 2 options so to say. I find that sticking to really simple and sober foods is the easiest and healthiest way to live for me. X

[@naiyaru]

Love this one girl! I have a kitchen aid that does chopping stuff and making hummus and dips super easy. I just jazz it all and then put the stuff in the dishwasher. I can also recommend getting powdered garlic (granulated), onion and ginger. No it's not as good as the fresh thing, I totally agree. But like you, I'm a mom and some days are JIKES. Freezer vegg and fruit is also super convenient for sure! I even get frozen avocado bits sometimes because at least I don't have to worry about them spoiling. Glad you are keeping it real, because some days, no body has time to do everything. Oh and your microwave taters are going to be a staple in this household. I just did it yesterday and airfryed them with german potato herbs and it was GOOD. No oil, who would have thought!

[@jenacoker9472]

This was so very eye opening for me! I have lost 169lbs but lately it's been a real struggle to cook healthy foods 😫. We're putting our house on the market so I'm packing and we'll I'm just under alot of stress. Your Podcast was extremely well done. Thank you so much for putting out excellent content even though your life is hectic too. I have another 100lbs to go and after hearing this I feel like I set the reset button. Thanks again! Here's to well managed systems!

[@kimchernecky1106]

Great video! One way to speed up your meals but still keep the flavor is to make bulk spice blends & sauces so you can just throw together a meal without pulling out all the spices, etc. I make a multipurpose fajita blend for sheet pan veg's, tacos, chili, etc. I also make a vinaigrette with just apple cider vinegar, agave, & a little mustard (great on cold potatoes, salads, etc.) I even make it right in the mustard bottle! Pour the vinegar and agave into an almost empty mustard bottle and shake. When you use it up, just add the same ingredients right back into that bottle and shake. Pre-mix sauces to use on stir fries or as a marinade. The biggest obstacle for me is making it taste good so if the flavor component is already mixed it's so much easier to throw the main ingredients together. Last night I made a quick bowl with prepped rice, fresh, snap peas out of the bag, and oven baked tofu (already prepped), poured some premixed sauce over it (coconut aminos, agave, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, tiny bit of mustard) and microwaved it for 2 min . The snap peas cooked while the rest just heated thru.

[@thesalvagefamily6932]

Food burnout/cooking is real! I love your adaptations and motivation to keep putting out those healthy meals!! Thanks for the video : )

[@linahebi7525]

Your channel changed my life. Each topic you are talking about is such a hit in a bullseye for somebody who is just starting their plant-based and weight-loss journey. And there are so many things that I have never thought about before, but I found here on your channel. You have helped me change my mindset in a snap, despite that I was trying to do it for years. Thank you so much for encouragement, for explaining things so well and simple and for sharing your story!

[@5cask]

You are a genius! I love this video. Moms have been figuring this out for generations. You hit it on the nose and shared it with all of us. Thank you. Showing us how to prioritize what we see as the obstacle to avoid is going to help so many of us. Making perfect food, all from fresh whole fruits and veggies is not always possible and using frozen or precut veggies is ok. I have a container of minced garlic and ginger in the fridge right now and some packed precooked rice in the cupboard too!

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Same! I believe the end of daylight saving exhausts me. As soon as we put the clocks back I’m happy again. Also 2 years of 3 meals per day all at home…is draining …I’m going to put more healthy freezer meals….and one night per week go to a night market or something.

[@lindseybraun7976]

I am so glad I came upon this video today...it's exactly what I needed to hear! I have been exhausted lately and my meals have been suffering. Thank you for keeping it real and reminding us that we need to give ourselves grace in each season we are in. Jarred garlic is fine. Frozen veggies and microwave rice are fine. These things will help us get through right now and keep us on track! That's what's most important. I'm making a list of meals to help me get started again. 😊 Thank you Chels!❤️❤️❤️

[@paulinemulski5778]

Hi Chelsea I love your videos. My way of simplifying was to be less specific. We have favorite recipes, but love variety. So we have our menu set as mon- pasta; tues-stirfry; wed- soup & salad (usually this is leftover from Sunday); thurs-indian; fri.- leftover or chefs choice; Saturday is flexie or new recipe; Sun- soup and salad I find planning fun but get frustrated quickly. This works for me.

[@amandaathome9757]

I’ve been binge watching your KZbin videos for days & would like to join your group when I move. Your an inspiration & I love your meals you cook & of course your beautiful family 🌱❤️😘

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

This was a very useful video. I can relate to that very much. I am a widow for 8 years now, have three boys and since 2015 I am battling rheumatoid arthritis. Streamlining is just my "middle name". I have to manage my life, because there is nobody out there that does it for me. Like Tanny Raw always says: Nobody is coming to safe you." I have to do it. This motivated me once more, to make a list of foods to cook for myself, because everybody else eats differently in my household and if I get stressed or am in pain, I do not have the strenght to cook and make my own meals. It is very helpful to reduce the diversity of the meals. That`s why I am no fan of large cook books either with hundreds of recipes. It really stresses me out just looking at all of them. It is like having Mount Everest before me and I have to climb it. Thanks for taking the preasure of us all with simple and tasty options. Huggs from Germany.

[@NO-ib1ip]

I hear you about the recipe book thing - so many are ridiculous. I bought Dr Greger’s cookbook ‘How not to die’ - it is so convoluted, I actually hate it. He is incredible. His research is fantastic but his cookbook hurts my head. You need so much equipment and time. I just don’t use it. This channel (and two others from the US) have actually liberated me !

[@katiehenry6125]

I saw you have RA. My husband has it as well; we actually went vegan in 2013 to try to reverse it. It's helped immensely. In addition, and this is anecdotal, but he can't have a lot of sugar, beer, salsa (tomatoes cus of nightshades), or oil/junk foods. We don't use any oil pretty much and never meat or dairy. It's helped him a lot. I apologize if my comments are not helpful but I always am eager to hear what other RA folks are doing in case it was something that helped him! :) We tried no gluten but it didn't help.

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

@@katiehenry6125 I felt the best, when I went completely raw,doing the 80 10 10,by Dr. Graham, but I lost so much weight that I began to worry after a few months. I just could not go on on all the fruit. There is a short video on my KZbin channel with a description that explains my healing journey. But I since then have noticed, that not only foods contribute to the inflammation, but stress and anxciety as well. I think for myself it is going to be a plant based diet with raw and also cooked foods, but no grains. The starch will be potatoes, sweet potatoes and some pseudo grains,such as quinoa or buckwheat. Oil is also a no go,as well as highly processed foods. I recently am reading Professor Arnold Ehrets works about the mucusless diet. This publication can be found online for free as a PDF and on KZbin, read by different people. I have noticed, that people who eat grains also often have raspy voices and need to cough up often. This is particularly observed in Dr McDougall and his wife, as well as his daughter. More about the unhealthy "paste " in Arnold Ehrets books. The best wishes to you and your husband. And included beautiful people and situations in your lifes as well, positive thoughts and love in your hearts. ❤ 🌱

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

@@NO-ib1ip yepp, I agree. It has to be doable, simple and designed for average day to day lives. A few good tasting options, which one can combine and switch around easily, that are tasty and healthy. I love chelsea''s channel a lot too,and I watch also TannyRaw. She often has valuable mental advice and she is funny as well. 😀

[@hortensejones4050]

I do relate. Had major concussion 10! years ago. Lived on carry out. Then my husband & biz partner dropped dead (leaving me with no family) totally unexpectedly right before COVID. Friends/neighbors cooked for me but tween all my food allergies & then COVID-I had to start ckg for self despite difficulty shopping, standing etc. Another KZbinr got me into the kitchen…Chelsea’s helping enormously with getting real & trying to get rid of quite a bit of excess weight. Chelsea & all here: hang in there! And thanks from the bottom of my toes! Peace from Jerusalem! 🙏🌿🌷🌿😘

[@HappyComfort]

I am with you on this! Life is kind of complicated these days and simplified procedures are such a help! I like to take 4 or more potatoes and nuke them in the microwave, cool them on the counter and put them in the fridge for easy use in things later. I love it!

[@stephaniegross2476]

Thank you Chelsea. I really appreciate your humble and vulnerable approach. You are very real and it is appreciated. I have an autoimmune and after a lot of research I'm fighting back against my symptoms and my weight with a whole foods diet and using your tips. I've lost 8 pounds in less than a month and I usually really struggle to lose weight despite exercising and eating what I thought was well. The tweaks have been easy to make as I was eating whole foods plant based two meals a day already just naturally. You have been very encouraging to me and I appreciate your intelligent and thoughtful approach.

[@suzanneknight2145]

great great video! I've been feeling overwhelmed too and you made me aware of how bad it's been for me. I don't eat garbage but I wind up eating repetitive meals which is a bore, has stalled my weight loss and could cause a binge eventually. I'm going to try and do what you said and give myself a break. Thank you Chelsea, you're awesome!

[@Morinoki]

Frozen foods (especially veggies)! I used to look down on them and reject them wholeheartedly but now I am a huge fan. They’re basically all ready to eat - cleaned, cut up and blanched. Huge save of time and quite cheap actually. Same thing for canned goods.

[@faithbelleg7465]

How do you make them taste good?

[@Morinoki]

@@faithbelleg7465 It’s all in the spices. I add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, mustard, sriracha, a really tiny bit of olive oil and dried spices like smoked paprika, curry, garam masala, thyme, garlic, nutritional yeast, etc.

[@birgitk8065]

Great Video. As i can‘t find Garlic an Ginger in Jar’s where i live, i started to put it in a kitchen processor to shred it. Then put it in a plastik bag, press it flat and put it in the freezer. Whenever i need some i break as much as i need and cook with it

[@donnagarrod6760]

Chelsea You are amazing! I love this video and have to tell you that I AM most certainly making it hard on myself I am batch cooking every Sunday and while I really want to eat plant based no oil and no added ingredients. It is so darn hard to give up an entire day, especially when the weather is getting nicer and nicer There are way to many things I have to do(care for aging parent, full time work,etc) it becomes overwhelming. But I lost 65 pounds and I am so worried I can slip back into more and more unhealthy options This video really came at the perfect time! I love your content and enjoy every time you post!! Thank you!

[@mariadaponte2440]

Love you honesty about how the path is not straight and stable. We have periods of bumpy travel on the path to self improvement and identifying those is critical. Making clear decisions on what your blockers are, what your needs are - then actioning those decisions - that is wonderful. Sometimes these adjustments will be needed for a period of time to ensure we still meet our ultimate goals. Thank you!

[@audrey3503]

I love simple cooking. I buy most of my veg frozen, the 90 second bagged rice, canned beans and the already chopped garlic right off the bat for starters. I don't even pre bake my potatoes- usually air fry them whole or wedged ;-) (Too funny- I just bought a bag of frozen chopped onions for the first time last week.) Everything I eat for the most part is quick, easy and delicious. And clean up is a cinch. :-D You have discovered a slice of paradise Chelsea.

[@luluandmeow]

Tip: microwave whole crown of garlic for about one minute & add softened garlic to just about anything: soups, salads, etc. Easier than peeling the garlic or roasting garlic

[@sweetpotato1357]

awesome tip!

[@lifewithkymm]

One thing I do is make extras for dinner so I can have leftovers. Like last night we had baked potatoes, so I made a huge jar of potato cheese & tofu sour cream so I’ll have plenty for the weekend and I always have a ton of frozen veggies, we have a chest freezer that is dedicated to frozen veggies, fruit and vegan meats (that how I keep my fiancé eating plant based lol) I eat a very different diet than my fiancé and my child though, so I do keep convenience foods around for them so when I don’t wanna cook and I have to make two meals I can just throw something in the oven for them and then take that extra 15 minutes to make something for myself.

[@courtneyfladger]

Oh my gosh!!!! You are AMAZING! You have no idea how much this has helped me with so many mental blockers!!!

[@shellbelz]

Utter sage advice. Thank you for reminding and bringing us back to default setting

[@ayidas]

May I recommend for fresh garlic and ginger: I throw them both in a mortar and pestle. It takes about 10 seconds to crush them up. I like this technique when the recipe calls for it to be “minced” or a “paste.”

[@wishingb5859]

I love that you understand that it is the system that needs to change. And the system might change back if suddenly you weren’t enjoying the food because of flavor or some other priority changed.

[@maggiecu3657]

This was so helpful. I love the shortcuts and getting out of the perfectionist mindset. Thank you!

[@danaparuszewski5541]

Yes! Please do anther one just like this!

[@stephikarolyi8706]

When I have that moment motivation I buy garlic and ginger in bulk and I grate them and freeze them in a big flat zip bag and just break it up as I go. Same thing for veggies but more for avoiding food waste I chop and freeze my peppers, onions, mushrooms, kale, and celery. This prevents them from spoiling in the fridge until I need to cook with them since they won't normally be eaten raw in my house.

[@virginiagross5836]

Yes! Perfect timing! I love how realistic you are. Thank you so very much! You make me feel normal.

[@AmpuTeeHee]

This is really really helpful. As a long time podcast listener & active LWP member, I’d also like to add that while we can REMOVE the friction between us and the good habits we cultivate, we can also ADD friction to the “bad” ones…like deleting the Dominoes app! 😝🤣💛💛💛 🥗💪 love you! Your program has changed my life!

[@lakenpottery2768]

Golden advice! You never hear people giving the advice you do! Happy found your channel

[@sandygross7823]

Decision fatigued! That's me 💯. Thanks for this video. I love your organization ideas.

[@JL14858]

I use minced garlic, bottled lemon juice, and semi-dried herbs because it saves time. I spent too many years on diet programs with complicated recipes and a new thing for each meal. Now I'm over spending so much time in the kitchen. And with young kids... Quick and easy is good.

[@melindasalinas1821]

This is SO timely for me! Cleanup and time has always blocked me from being successful. I will definitely be trying this method. Thank you Chelsea!💗💗

[@hpp867]

I feel like in the course of an hour this morning you just taught me a life changing concept. I like easy. I really like my carbs. I also don't love cooking. Thank you!

[@12goofygirls]

This is probably one of my favorite videos

[@stephaniefunrun]

So so helpful! Sorry to hear that there is so much stress in the background at the moment, very much hope all settles down soon. And regarding limiting friction: a meal plan that goes on the fridge so that even the kids know what we are eating. Also, batch cooking so we can use leftovers a couple of days later. Saves overall time and still feels “fresh to the palate”

[@amymcmillan3796]

This video is perfect timing for me. I made a theme night for each day of the week - and then I made a list of ideas for the theme. Since I know what the theme is (taco Tuesday or Tofu Fry-day), I am not tempted to "tap the app." LOL It also saves money; I shop on Sundays for the following week. Since I hate shopping ECART is awesome.... lastly, a portion of my dinner is lunch the following day.

[@debbieghalib]

Thank you..I’m struggling trying to make fancy meals to get the rest of the family onboard...I’m done will get some simple meals and pasta salads... summer is here..simple and easygoing!,,

[@wishingb5859]

I was so burnt out in my life from work and family caregiving that I needed to eat the same thing every day for breakfast and the same thing every day for lunch and weeks would go by that I would eat the same dinner meal and Nice cream for dessert and I no longer freeze the bananas. I mash the raw bananas mostly with my fingers, add some cacao and then freeze for 2 hours in my dessert cups. I didn’t consciously do the process that you did but it was, “I am so burnt out” and I had the inner sense of, “I can’t even think about food right now.”

[@LesismoreFL]

Thanks Chelsea. Firstly, SUCH great ideas for saving time and effort creating meals. AND... Just watching you, I feel your anxiety and stress. With your cute kids and hubby, maintaining VLOGS and your classes, shopping, cooking, how do you do it? Bless you. These are great tips. Just an aside, I hear you refer to "gals and women" primarily. Please know that us GUYS out here are interested too! My wife passed several years ago, so I'm on my own. I'm waiting for your next session to open and I wish I had a direct line to you. In the meantime, I comment at your newest videos. YT doesn't like it when I do otherwise (I get deleted...) Thanks again Chelsea, you are the greatest!

[@oddiophile97]

This video is super helpful and great! Thanks so much for the tips!

[@Equinox1.5]

I think this is very important. It's a thing that's kind of hiding in plain sight. Thank you very much.

[@julieluckey3559]

Yes passive cooking! Hard to find videos like this ❤️

[@amycaruthers7858]

Love you, Chelsea! Thanks for all you do!

[@K_Rae_Bee]

A tip that has helped me as well, that packaged rice is okay but read the ingredients list! Some are very simple and good options. Others are full of extra ingredients and oils. My grocery store sell pre peeled garlic fresh and many other veggies this way. Game changer. ❤️

[@zelialatisane1957]

Amazing video ! ❤ I try to limit single use plastic... but I have to notice that when I have packaged rice I'm so more consistent. In every season of life, I need to choose my battles.

[@loriscott1984]

I couldn't love this more!! This is what I struggle with! Thank you so much for making this video!!

[@juliewerner9592]

Already love the rice idea, and use the taco mix idea in my red lentil soup recipe but ginger is so expensive and fiddle that In a jar will be my next move. PS Chelsea you are the voice in my head every time I ride my bike with your wonderful podcasts. Can’t thank you enough for being so real. Cheers from Oz🌅

[@tosca...]

This is a brilliant idea Chelsea. I have trouble feeling like a genuine WFPB person because I just don't have time for all the fandangling. I have some different favourite dishes, but there's some good thinking here. Only thing I wouldn't change is fresh garlic 😋

[@kathleenbell2832]

Thank you so much for this Chels, this is so helpful for where I am in my life right now!

[@graceboer588]

So wise, so real, so amazing

[@abihfritz]

How did you know I NEED this video right now!!! Love it, thank you so much. You're the best, xoxo.

[@nina-ch3ur]

That was great video! To simplify my cooking I boil extra rice, quinoa, pasta, any grain we would eat during the week, and I peel and chop some extra garlic and onions too. I also buy ready to use tomato marinara.

[@kingdenise9926]

Started following you not long ago. LOVE your character, your personality, and all the rest. You are a special young lady! Just LOVE these videos! I went plant based around 18 months ago. I've gained 12 lbs. I don't like to cook, and I'm struggling with this new method. This video attacked that very issue. Thank you so much. You are such an inspiration!

[@Riekie1970]

I needed this video,thank you❤I am also struggling to cook healthier meals at the moment😪But Yesterday I said to myself,enough is enough.I wasnt nurturing my body with all the Junk food and sweets that I ate.Today I am back on a healthy path and with the help of your video I can do it🙏❤

[@ricebowl3]

Chels is the best vegan 🌱 influencer that makes thing real life practical

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Excellent video beautiful & gorgeous Chelsea and I always try to introduce at least one new recipe every week so I don't get boredom. It's working so far. Thanks for sharing and giving us your viewers & subscribers the inspiration & motivation we need. Love 🥰 the video and love 💕 Chelsea.

[@hollypietrobono1676]

You are very bright and never seem to disappoint. Your videos are amazing! THANK YOU! From New York State USA.

[@lisaredwine4857]

I love frozen chopped onions , but I also love frozen chopped green peppers. Frozen (steam in the bag) rice is awesome, but so are frozen potatoes. I'm also a fan of canned soup. Are they ideal - no! But they're better and healthier than what I can get in a drive-thru.

[@Smudgemom2003]

Love this idea. I did 80/10/10 in the heyday, like yourself. I loved the IDEA of raw vegan but it didn’t work out. I was thinking I was a motivation/nutritional failure but in reality, for me…hauling all that produce up 3 flights of stairs & disposing all the leftover peels & raw food ‘trash’ before little flies started to form (😬) was why it didn’t work for me, at that moment. Seems so silly to have something minor to be such a big speed bump but I k ow me better than anyone. Thanks for the words of wisdom

[@HappyComfort]

I use Christopher Ranch crushed garlic and it tastes amazing!

[@janiegulick5674]

Great topic. My life has also been turned upside down and I found myself not even caring what I ate most of the time. I’ve found that forgiving myself for not being perfect helps. I try to at least start the day on the right foot with oatmeal, overnight oats to make things simpler is the best. I like chopped apple in it, but raisins are easier. I also started making a big jar of cold brew coffee which is very handy. Both of these require minimal work and almost no clean up. Lunch & dinner are harder, but I do the best I can with what I have

[@relledom]

Thank you for your video. Amazing stuff, I reallyy like your no bullshit system focused approach. Good luck and stay healthy!

[@shastabellagirl1435]

I love how real you are about what we all face. Decision fatigue one is my biggest problems. Great video xx

[@donnakeane5754]

Well done! I so appreciate your open, honest, no bs approach to helping others understand the truth of how to live your best life as you are at every moment in time. Too many are far too quick to write themselves off as failures or not good enough. Wrong! As you said, systems need to be altered to fit. Keep doing all you are doing. You are changing lives as you share your experiences. You have much to be proud of. With peace, gratitude and grace! XO

[@hanshton]

love quote from Dr Greger here!

[@sarahb9699]

This is great advice for anyone in the kitchen. Thanks so much.

[@malindaeckert2300]

i love you so much for posting videos like this ❤️ wholesome and doable. ❤️

[@traceycosta9196]

OMG yes this is so true and just been thinking all this over the past few weeks. I was the same, everything from scratch even making my own coleslaw buying cabbages, carrots etc in lieu of buying a pre packaged bag from the store. Lately life has got so crazy I just don’t have the time but still wanted to have home cooked food over take away food so doing the frozen onion, jar garlic, ginger, chilli paste and buying bagged coleslaw mixes and sometimes even buying the pre cut vegetable packs. If I can use these items and still make a home cooked meal over take away, I’m good. I also make my dogs homemade cooked meals but been slack lately due to crazy life. It was becoming so stressful for me to get this done or feel bad for not doing it so I have been to a pet store and bought some good quality pre made dog food for dinner. This has helped heaps as I know he’s eating well and when able I will get back to doing his homemade meals again. Great video, thank you!♥️

[@looloogabby7083]

Love the realistic approach and yes!!!! life and family and lack of motivation are real.

[@karlysul3306]

Exactly the video I needed! I also just listened to the the podcast at work earlier today and loved the message. I had no idea I was actually doing this. What a light bulb moment!

[@renefrentzen8670]

Great tips. One thing I do on the weekends and then I put it in small singleserving bags and freeze it in the freezer. It’s a quick grab and go stuff right now

[@artbyro]

This is a great video. Exactly what I needed to hear right now! Thank you ❤

[@ChelseaMae]

You are so welcome!