Make cooking for one or two easier

By Kelly Kunkel,
health and nutrition educator, University of Minnesota Extension
Are you finding it a struggle to cook a meal for just you? Are you tired of the same boring food meal after meal? This is a common complaint for those experiencing an empty nest, a recent loss or just tired after a long day of work. The challenge is to make cooking a priority for one or two people, as you would for a large group.

Menu planning is the first step to healthful cooking for one or two. Plan a menu for one week and write out a shopping list. As you do so, check out newspaper ads and store specials. Do an inventory of your refrigerator, freezer and cupboard before you go shopping. Buying in bulk may be less expensive, but food may spoil before you are able to use it up.

Cooking more, not less, may be a solution. Make recipes with larger serving sizes, then portion out the food into one or two serving sizes. Eat one portion, and then freeze the rest. Be sure to use freezer safe containers, label the container with what it is and the date frozen. Making your own TV dinners is generally less expensive and healthier, and by freezing the meals, you’re not forced to eat the same food over and over until it’s gone.

Remember how much fun cooking can be? Experiment with different recipes, try out new ethnic foods or various cooking methods. Look for ways to add herbs and spices into your current recipes. Talk about cooking with others you meet to share ideas; you may even plan to share a meal sometime!

There are so many ways to making cooking for one or two rewarding. Visit University of Minnesota Extension’s nutrition webpages at http://www.extension.umn.edu/Nutrition/ for more helpful tips.