The Big (Non) Chill

I recently moved to a tiny – but cool – place in the heart of downtown Pleasanton. I love just about everything about the place except the condition of the new refrigerator – DOA.

So, what’s a food hound to do if he can’t have his typical protein , cottage cheese, eggs and Greek yogurt? And what was I to do about my precious fresh and frozen veggies? Are you starting to appreciate the weight of my dilemma?

Since I tend to hang around coffee houses anyway, and my standard beverage is a low-fat latte, which is basically steamed milk with decaf coffee, I didn’t really miss  the “white stuff” too much. But since I also had yet to purchase a microwave oven, cooking on the stove without refrigerated ingredients and without the possibility of preserving the leftovers quickly lost its appeal.

Time to get creative.

First stop was the grocery store to pick up some V8 and protein bars. Now I don’t recommend V8 at room temperature, but as I’m trying to convey, these were desperate times – and desperate times… well, you know the rest.

Then I went to the Ranch 99 store on Rosewood to get some baked peas. These are basically dried peas partially encased in very lightly sweetened wheat starch. Yummy but super-healthy too, with more protein per serving than a medium sized egg.

I also picked up some “fruit flavored” beef jerky there. I’m both excited and a little afraid to try that.

Next, off to Walmart to pick up a cheap microwave oven so I can at least heat things I get from a can.

Last stop was back to the grocer to pick up canned soup including split pea, minestrone and beef vegetable. I also picked up bananas, tangerines and Granny Smith apples. I already had bought a big container of high-protein, low-fat and low-sugar snack mix.

So far, I’m surviving pretty well. The downside of having significantly limited options is that you can get sick of what you’re eating pretty quickly. I live pretty close to restaurants and a fast-food place with a steak salad I like, but I’m looking forward to getting a working icebox.

Until then, I’ll get by, camping style. And while we’re on the subject, you can use most of the ideas above for camping and a couple for long hikes.

For now, enjoy your working refrigerator.

Learn more about Dan Taylor at http://trivalleytrainer.com/.