If I didn't have a microwave in my kitchen, my eating habits would likely change in a few ways:
Cooking methods: I would rely more on conventional cooking methods such as using the stovetop, oven, or toaster oven to heat and cook food. This might involve using pots, pans, and other cookware to prepare meals.
Meal planning: Without the convenience of a microwave, I might need to plan meals in advance to allow for longer cooking times or defrosting. For example, I might need to thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight instead of using a quick defrost setting in the microwave.
Leftovers and reheating: Instead of reheating leftovers in the microwave, I would reheat them using the stovetop or oven. This might involve using low heat and adding a bit of liquid to prevent drying out or using covered pans for steaming.
Adjusting portion sizes: Microwaves are often used for quick individual meals or heating up small portions. Without a microwave, I might need to adjust my portion sizes to cook larger quantities that can be reheated using other cooking methods.
Time management: As microwave cooking can be faster, not having one would require me to allocate more time for cooking and heating food. This might involve planning meals in advance, cooking in batches, or using alternative quick-cooking appliances like an electric kettle or toaster.
Convenience foods: Without a microwave, I might rely less on convenience foods like microwaveable meals, instant noodles, or pre-packaged microwaveable snacks. Instead, I would need to choose alternatives that can be easily prepared using other cooking methods.
Overall, not having a microwave would require some adjustments to cooking methods, meal planning, and reheating techniques. It might involve investing more time and effort into food preparation, but it can also encourage a broader range of cooking skills and the use of traditional cooking methods.