Tips for Loadshedding Banting Survival
Loadshedding can cast a shadow over our cooking endeavors, and even more so with Banting, but with a pinch of humor and a dash of planning, we can conquer our culinary challenges during these trying times. In this post, we'll share some light-hearted tips to help you navigate loadshedding while staying true to your Banting lifestyle. From clever meal planning to creative improvisation, get ready to chuckle your way through the loadshedding chaos!
Tip 1: Wonderbag Wonderment:
Also known as the HayBag. Unleash the magical powers of the Wonderbag! This enigmatic kitchen tool is your secret weapon for slow-cooked Banting delights. It's like having a culinary sidekick that doesn't need electricity or complain about your questionable taste in jokes. Just put your hot stew in a sealed pot, into your wonderbag in the morning, come home to a cooked meal in the evening, warm and ready to eat!
Tip 2: Master the Art of Meal Planning:
Channel your inner Banting ninja and plan your meals like a pro. Arm yourself with a well-crafted shopping list and a determination to keep those carbs at bay. No loadshedding surprises can catch you off guard when you have a solid meal plan to guide you to low-carb victory! And we have included one such meal plan for you, below.
Tip 3: Freeze Your Way to Success:
Embrace the freezing power of your trusty freezer! Prepare and freeze individual portions of delectable Banting meals. Did you know that properly frozen food can stay frozen for up to 48 hours without electricity? It's like having an icy fortress guarding your Banting triumph. If loadshedding strikes, simply thaw and reheat your frozen meal on the stove using alternative heat sources, such as a gas stove or portable camping braai, and indulge in deliciousness.
Tip 4: Emergency Snack Hide-and-Seek:
Become a Banting survivalist and create a secret stash of emergency snacks. Strategically hide them around your home, turning snack time into a delightful treasure hunt. When loadshedding hunger strikes with a vengeance, embark on a thrilling quest to find those hidden snacks. Just remember to keep a list of hiding spots handy (I speak from experience, here!), or you might stumble upon them when you least expect it!
Tip 5: Gadgets to the Rescue:
Equip yourself with battery-powered kitchen gadgets to conquer the culinary challenges of loadshedding. From mini blenders for those clandestine smoothies (there are a few that are ok during Banting) to electric whisks for flawlessly whipped cream, these gadgets will make you feel like a Banting superhero. Just make sure you don't confuse the battery-powered whisk with your toothbrush. Trust me, a foamy disaster is not what you're aiming for!
Tip 6: Illuminated Banting Dinners:
Dim the lights, ignite some candles, and embark on a romantic journey through loadshedding. Enjoy candlelit Banting dinners that transport you to a bygone era of chivalry and courtship (can you say "Banting babies?"). However, exercise caution and resist the temptation to dip your food into melted candle wax. Mistaking wax for a low-carb sauce is a culinary mishap you won't soon forget! Has anyone made the trending butter candles?
Tip 7: Salad Wizardry:
Unleash your inner salad wizard and create tantalizing Banting salads. Mix unexpected ingredients, toss in some nuts or seeds or even biltong, and drizzle with dressings that make your taste buds dance with joy. Who knew salads could be this thrilling? It's like conducting a delicious science experiment right in your own kitchen.
Tip 8: Leftover Magic:
Transform loadshedding leftovers into epic feasts. Combine them with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of culinary magic. Yesterday's roasted chicken becomes today's gourmet salad, and last night's veggies turn into a delightful frittata. With a little culinary wizardry, leftovers become the unsung heroes of your Banting menu.
Tip 9: Nighttime Culinary Adventures:
When darkness falls, it's time for nighttime culinary adventures. Gather your loved ones around a flashlight-lit kitchen counter (or candle if that's more your vibe) and challenge them to create the most outrageous low-carb concoctions. Get creative with ingredients and laugh together as you navigate the uncharted territories of cooking in the dark. Remember, the shared laughter and joy are just as important as the final dish.
Tip 10: Embrace the Chaos and Laugh On:
Amidst the chaos of loadshedding, don't forget to embrace the absurdity and find humor in the challenges you face. The journey of Banting during loadshedding may be filled with unexpected twists and turns, but with a lighthearted approach, you'll navigate it like a comedic genius. There's nothing the average folk can do about it, so we need to not let it get to us.
Shopping List:
Proteins (and some fat!):
- Canned tuna (4 cans)
- Canned sardines (4 cans)
- Canned salmon (middle cut) (4 cans)
- Double cream yogurt (500g-1kg)
Vegetables and Greens:
- Mixed greens (1 large bag)
- Cherry tomatoes (2 tubs)
- Cucumber (2)
- Avocado (7)
- Radishes (1 bunch)
- Bell peppers (3)
- Red onion (1)
- Cabbage (1 small head)
- Carrots (3)
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:
- Coconut milk (1 can)
- mozzarella cheese (1 ball)
Nuts and Seeds:
- Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts) (1 bag or container)
- Dessicated coconut (1 bag or container)
- Chia seeds (1 bag or container)
Dressings and Condiments:
- Olive oil (1 bottle)
- Balsamic vinegar (1 bottle)
- Lemon juice (4 lemons)
- Mustard (1 small jar dijon)
Optional:
- erythritol or another low-carb sweetener (if desired)
- Fresh basil leaves (1 small bunch)
- Fresh herbs (as desired)
Remember to adjust the quantities based on your needs and preferences. Consider checking your cupboards for any existing ingredients you may already have.
Meal Plan:
Day 1:
- Meal 1: double cream yoghurt yogurt with mixed berries, chopped nuts (handful), and a drizzle of optional sweetener like stevia.
- Meal 2: Tuna salad with canned tuna (1 can), mixed greens (2 cups), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), cucumber (1), olives (handful), and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Day 2:
- Meal 1: Chia seed pudding made with coconut milk (1 cup), topped with dessicated coconut (handful) and sliced strawberries (1 cup).
- Meal 2: Canned salmon salad with mixed greens (2 cups), cucumber (1/2), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), and a creamy avocado dressing.
Day 3:
- Meal 1: Avocado and cucumber salad with mixed greens (2 cups), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
- Meal 2: Tuna-stuffed avocados (2) with a side of coleslaw (shredded cabbage (2 cups), grated carrot (1), dressing of olive oil and apple cider vinegar).
Day 4:
- Meal 1: Coconut milk chia pudding with dessicated coconut (handful) and a handful of blueberries.
- Meal 2: Canned salmon salad with mixed greens (2 cups), radishes (handful), avocado (1), and a lemon-herb dressing.
Day 5:
- Meal 1: Spinach salad with sliced hard-boiled eggs (2), avocado (1), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Meal 2: Canned salmon and avocado salad with mixed greens (2 cups), cherry tomatoes (1 cup), and a lemon-herb dressing.
Day 6:
- Meal 1: Avocado and boiled eggs (2) sliced on a bed of lettuce with cherry tomatoes (1 cup).
- Meal 2: Tuna salad stuffed in halved avocados (2 halves), served with mixed greens (2 cups) and a lemon vinaigrette.
Day 7:
- Meal 1: Tomato and mozzarella salad with basil leaves (handful) and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Meal 2: Canned salmon and cucumber roll-ups with sliced avocado (1) and a side of rocket salad.
Please adjust the portion sizes according to your preferences and dietary needs. Incorporate low-carb snacks like nuts, seeds, biltong or low-carb vegetables if desired.
Loadshedding may attempt to dim our spirits, but with a dash of humor and some creative planning, we can conquer any challenge that comes our way, we're South Africans, mos! From exploring the wonders of the Wonderbag to freezing our way to success and embracing the joy of improvised cooking, our journey becomes a comedy of culinary errors and triumphs. So, stock up on Banting essentials, unleash your creativity, and let laughter be your guide through the loadshedding madness. Stay amused, stay committed to your Banting lifestyle, and remember, a little humor makes the world a brighter and tastier place!
