For those of us who raised families, learning to cook for one is a monumental task at which many of us fail. It isn’t just a matter of mathematics to scale down a recipe meant for six or eight to a manageable serving for one. Maybe two. The preparation of food doesn’t work that way. So, instead of cooking a roast that would normally be consumed at one meal by our families, we end up with tons of leftovers that, unfortunately, get thrown away. That isn’t very cost-effective and is disheartening.
Here are some ideas to mix things up a bit. You don’t really have to personally cook everything you eat. There are viable choices that are healthy and fun.
There are some really good restaurants.
Even in my little town, there are plenty of restaurants to try. Plus the popularity of food trucks in recent years has given us even more options. And within a twenty-mile radius are several larger towns that offer the availability of pretty much any kind of food you would like. The point is, we have choices.
There are good, healthy pre-packaged foods available.
True, there are lots of things packaged up for our consumption. And all of them are not good for our health. In fact, some of them are downright bad. That’s where labels are so helpful.
I learned to read labels after my husband developed heart disease. Up until then, I hadn’t given much thought to the amount of salt that was present in the foods we ate. Needless to say, I was shocked!
We began canning and freezing foods without as much salt and stopped eating out. We had little option then before people became so aware of the amount of salt and other preservatives present in today’s food. However now, with more people watching their intake of certain additives, there are more options. Sugar-free and low-sodium items are available everywhere. I learned to read labels and my husband was forced to follow the rules if he wanted to stay healthy.
Today almost every supermarket will have a decent choice on low-cal, low-sodium, or low-sugar foods. Just read the labels and buy accordingly.
Eat at a friend’s house.
My friends are social creatures. They like to entertain so there are many nights I don’t have to cook for myself. The implication is that I need to reciprocate but would you rather cook one large dinner one time this week to share with good company? Or several meals that you cook yourself and eat alone? To me, it’s an easy choice.
Hire a personal chef!
This may actually sound like a pipe dream for most of us until you consider the options.
Yes, you can actually hire a personal chef to cook all of your meals. Most of us don’t live at those altitudes. But there are services available to cook your particular meals for you, made to your specifications, and are available for delivery or pickup. Most give you the option to have meals made fresh every day or to get a week’s worth and freeze. Either way, it takes the stress off of you to cook.
Simplify things
Many of us cooked large meals for our families so scaling down is necessary when you cook for one or two people. In addition to cooking less, take a look at those recipes and simplify. Who are we trying to impress? Save those cool recipes for company!
I recently began eating ‘clean’. By that I mean, I have a small piece of protein and a fresh vegetable. Then a piece of fresh fruit for dessert. And water. Lots and lots of water.
It’s amazing how much easier it is to cook and clean up! And I feel so much better.
Cooking with friends.
If you have friends like mine, it is not inconceivable to share the task of cooking. I love the idea of two or three friends getting together and cooking dinner. There are usually no leftovers to deal with, cleaning up is more fun when there is help and the camaraderie is priceless.
When I go visit my BFF, we usually end up cooking in instead of going out. I know my way around her kitchen by now so I don’t always feel like a spectator while she works. And we have fun! To top it off, I usually learn a new recipe.
Order in.
Ordering food to eat at home is a great way to take the pressure off to cook. Grabbing a pizza on the way home from shopping is one of my favorites. And one of my downfalls! I think I’m safe in saying that there is not anything on a pizza that is actually good for you! None of it is on my diet, at least! One piece is probably all right. You can be assured that I will not eat just one piece! In fact, I could probably eat the whole pizza!
My point is this: order in sparingly. Be choosy. KFC might be a better choice that a loaded pizza. Soup and salad might be a better option than the hamburger and fries.
Join a food club.
There is a multitude of food clubs out there. Blue Apron, Sunbasket, Home Chef. I’ve tried them and they are a great option for those of us who like to eat good food but only cook for one or two. They have family meals available but there is also an option for as small as two servings. All the ingredients are included, as well as the recipe.
When you just don’t like to shop (Have your groceries delivered).
Cooking may, in fact, not be the issue. Maybe you, like many people, just hate shopping! I have friends like that. Once they discovered curbside delivery, they have not set foot inside a grocery store. I, on the other hand, like to pick out my own items, but that is just a personal preference.
Many grocery stores offer this service now so give it a try. You may like it and find that cooking has not really lost its appeal. In fact, there are some stores that will do home delivery. What a treat!
Make a sandwich.
When I was a little child, we would sometimes make sandwiches and go for a picnic. Even now, I enjoy a good fresh sandwich, made with meat and cheese, a slice or two of fresh tomato, and a leaf of lettuce. To me, it is the taste of summer and good times. And the best part is: I don’t have to cook anything!
I don’t actually dislike cooking but coming up with interesting things to cook for just one is sometimes difficult. I get bored easily. I need change.
So many of us who are retired sometimes end up taking shortcuts with our food preparation. It’s easier. But not always healthy. So try my suggestions. Invite a friend in to cook dinner together. I guarantee it will be more fun than cooking alone.
Do you have other suggestions? I’d love to hear about them.
