The funny thing is, I’m not even sure if you mean that this is ridiculous because it’s so simple or because it’s so complicated. I say this, because, when I was at the worst of my depressive state, and still occasionally every now and then, I get to the point where I just can’t do anything at all and if there’s more than one or two steps between me and eating, I’ll just go days without eating at all, this kind of depression menu is the exact kind of menu that I was looking for that period of time. Something simple, something fast, something easy. I didn’t even have clean dishes available because I was too depressed to do anything, so if it required any level of cooking more than what the microwave and a paper bowl could handle, then I just wouldn’t eat. I literally would go days without eating because the mental energy to even chew and swallow wasn’t there. I’m glad there are people making cookbooks like this.

I hope you are doing better now.

I believe the point is “… for the zero spoons crowd.”

Some days there are just not drive or energy (“spoons”) enough to think about what to eat, and much less to prepare it. This booklet could be of some help here.

The Spoon Theory:

https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine...

Don't underestimate the stresses, struggles, and conditions people are dealing with in life that make tasks difficult which may seem trivial to you.

There was a 6 month period in my life where 3 slices a bread per day and cup of tea per day were all I could afford. When that ran out it was cornflakes and tea. Last week in the month was just tea. I had this novel idea of crumbling some bread, mixing it up with water to create a paste and then applying the paste to the 2 remaining slices. That was my Sad Bastard Menu.

Look at the link, it's more "stessful" than the short list I provided.

Is it ridiculous because it is too complicated, or too sinple?

It's kind of like TikTok trend of low energy / depression meals.

I'm voted down for looking at the link and giving a half dozen options without reading the link.

Yep!

You're being downvoted because your message was dismissive and lacked empathy. (by others, not me)

It exists because some people barely have enough money to get by.

It exists because there are people who weren't fortunate enough to have parents that taught how to cook.

It can be a challenge to get a varied diet, when you only have spare change and lack the skills & knowledge that many take for granted.

You sound like you lack some ability to empathize with other people's struggles in life - and that you are blind to the privileges you've had in your own life.

Not everyone has access to the same resources & knowledge that you have.

I know how to cook, but have been dirt-poor in periods of my life. A book like this one (with 50 recipes that cost less than $10) helped me get through those times without having to eat the same 2-3 dishes for months.