We try to eat as healthfully as we can whilst keeping sane. A few homemade "convenience foods" like this Italian Bean Soup and my Taco Soup help a lot.

Italian Bean Soup Jar

Layer in a 3-4 cup jar:

• ¾ cup dry white beans (navy, great northern)
• ¾ cup dry kidney beans
• ¾ cup dry black beans

Combine in a Sandwich Bag and Add to Jar:

• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• ½ tsp granulated onion
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion 
• 1 tbsp basil
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

To Reconstitute:

1. Soak beans 8+ hours.
2. Drain off excess water (there should be less than an inch over the top of the beans) and add contents of seasoning packet.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer for about 90 minutes, until the beans are soft (this is much faster if you cook them in a pressure cooker!).
4. Add a 28 oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
5. Heat through and serve. Great with salad and bread sticks.