Healthy Cooking for One – Yes, It Can Be Easy!

Living alone has many advantages, including having your own space to decorate and relax in, peace and quiet anytime you need it, and undisturbed order (or freedom to make a mess). However, some things are easier and more fun with another person to share them with. Cooking typically falls in this category. Cooking for family members or guests evokes a sense of accomplishment, but cooking for yourself can just feel like a chore. However, cooking at home is one of the best ways to ensure that you eat healthy, diet-friendly meals, even when you’re preparing food for one. What’s the best way to enjoy cooking healthy meals for one?

Use your freezer

Don’t avoid cooking your favourite recipe just because it makes six servings – go ahead and make it for yourself. Just portion the leftovers into individual containers, label them, and freeze them for later. This is also a great trick for controlling portions. While you’re at it, your freezer can also help with produce waste. You can freeze items such as bananas, berries, carrots, and broccoli to use in soup and smoothie recipes.

Plan ahead

Cooking chicken and rice on Monday? Add veggies for a delicious homemade soup on Wednesday. Menu planning will minimise your food waste and keep you eating healthy foods all week. Plan out a few dishes you’d like to make, then brainstorm ways to use the leftovers in other recipes. Put together a shopping list and plan when to cook and eat these meals. Soon enough, preparing healthy meals will be a snap.

Invest in small appliances

You’ll save money eating in, so use some of that money to buy a few small appliances. A blender, a juicer, and a mini food processor will make cooking easier and can also expand your menu options. Fresh juices, pureed soups, smoothies, and similar recipes will be quick and easy to make with the right tools. Don’t forget to pick up a toaster oven, which preheats quickly and can cook anything from flatbread pizza to salmon using much less energy than your regular oven.

When you live alone, cooking can feel like a thankless chore, and it can be easy to give in to the temptation to go out for food. However, with a little planning, cooking solo can be easy and fun, and you can improve both your budget and your health.