Cooking for one can be challenging, especially when most supermarket packaging is designed for families or larger households. This often leaves you with the choice of relying on microwave dinners, which can be convenient but expensive, or resorting to less healthy options—or worse, skipping meals altogether.
Ordering takeout from your local Chinese or Indian restaurant might seem like an easy way to avoid the hassle of cooking and cleaning up, but frequent takeout can quickly add up in cost and may not be the best choice for your health in the long run.
Smart Strategies for Eating Well
– Embrace Freezing: If you have access to a freezer, it’s a game changer. Instead of trying to downscale recipes, cook as if you’re making a meal for four. After cooking, divide the meal into individual portions and freeze the extras. This way, you’ll have homemade meals ready for days when you don’t feel like cooking. Most recipes can be easily adapted for freezing.
– Healthy Quick Meals: There are plenty of quick, healthy options that are easy to prepare. Baked potatoes, salads, and roasted vegetables are simple and nutritious choices. Keeping frozen vegetables on hand is also a great idea—they’re versatile and can be quickly boiled, baked, or sautéed.
– Share Meals with Friends: If you have friends who also live alone, consider organising regular get-togethers where you take turns cooking. It’s a fun way to enjoy a home-cooked meal, share the effort, and break up the routine of eating alone.
– Meal Prep for Variety: Dedicate some time on weekends or days off to prepare several meals at once. You can mix and match ingredients, so you don’t end up eating the same thing every day. Meal prepping helps you avoid the temptation of less healthy options when you’re tired or busy.
– Explore Single-Serve Options: Many grocery stores now offer single-serve and portion-controlled options that cater to smaller households. Look for these in the fresh and frozen sections, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and recipes.
Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean compromising on variety or nutrition. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without the hassle or expense of daily takeout.
