Instant Pot is a game-changer for disabled YouTuber

Living a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge for some people with disabilities, specifically in regard to healthy eating. In my situation, my size and mobility impairments prevent me from being able to cook my own food. I’m very fortunate though because I have Direct Care Staff who come to my home everyday and assist me with meal preparation.

Since everyone’s level of kitchen savviness varies, I’m always seeking ways to make it easier for my Direct Care Staff to prepare healthy food for me. Well, last year I was gifted an 8 quart Instant Pot and holy macaroni it has been a game-changer! It is so easy to use that anyone can help me make my favorite go-to dishes! 

The three recipes listed below are all things I make at least once a week. Considering the variety of add-on options, I never feel like I’m eating the same dishes over and over. Give them a try and don’t be afraid to add your own personal twist!

1) Creamy Oatmeal

This is one of my favorite breakfast dishes! It’s decadent, requires minimal preparation, and leaves few dirty dishes. You will need:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of almond milk (any nut or oat milk will do)

Add your oats and almond milk to your Instant Pot. Give it a stir with a silicone or bamboo spatula, making sure there are no oats stuck to the side of your pot above the liquid. Set your Instant Pot to Sealing and cook on PRESSURE COOK for 3 minutes. Allow 15 minute Natural Pressure Release before you flip the release lever (unless you’re impatient like me). Remove lid and serve. 

Set lever to Sealing

Add on ideas:

• raisins
• sweetener
• cinnamon
• chia seeds

2) Basic Rice & Beans

I love almost any combination of rice and beans! This recipe is great for lunch or dinner or both! You will need:

• 1 cup of long or short grain brown rice
• 1 1/4 cups water (or broth)
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (if you want more of a stew consistency, don’t drain)
• 1 15 1/2 oz can drained kidney beans

Add your rice, water, and tomatoes to your Instant Pot. Give it a stir with a silicone or bamboo spatula, making sure there are no grants of rice stuck to the side of your pot above the liquid. Set your Instant Pot to Sealing and cook on PRESSURE COOK for 22 minutes. Allow 10 minute Natural Pressure Release before you flip the release lever. Remove lid and stir in red kidney beans. 

Add on ideas:

• salt & pepper
• leftover taco meat
• browned smoked sausage or kielbasa
• cayenne

3) Hard boiled Eggs

There is usually at least one hard boiled egg lurking in my refrigerator. I like to have them ready for an easy egg salad sandwich with a few sprigs of arugula or spinach! Ooooh, or my favorite - Deviled Eggs! The possibilities are endless! You will need:

• up to 1 dozen eggs
• 1 cup water

Put the eggs in your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. Set your Instant Pot to Sealing and cook on PRESSURE COOK for 5 minutes. Allow 5 minute Natural Pressure Release before you flip the release lever. Remove lid and remove the inner pot, placing it in the sink. Fill it half way with cold water and let them sit in it for 5 minutes before peeling or storing.

Preparation ideas:

• deviled eggs
• egg salad
• pickled eggs

Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult as long as you have the right tools and some simple ingredients!