Instant mashed potatoes. How in the world did I not know about this glorious invention? Microwave two cups of water for 5 minutes, stir in the instant potatoes for one minute, and boom - mashed potatoes for little over a dollar a package, covers me for two meals.

I've been trying to eat a little less meat without increasing sugar intake by cutting down on proportions but need something else to substitute and keep me from getting hungry. Easy nine months out of the year, I can bake a handful of sweet potatoes and have leftovers for two days. But I don't want any part of baking in my kitchen during the summer, and don't want to grill them on a gas grill for 45 minutes or whatever when I only need 10 minutes to grill a steak or 18-20 minutes for chicken breasts.