Successfully Cooking for One or Two

Adapted from Live, Eat Play.

Shopping, cooking and eating for one or two may have its challenges, but can also be FUN since you know what you like and have control and freedom to choose what you want to eat.

Plan Ahead

Plan out what you will eat each day so that you are prepared when you walk into the grocery store. Try to use up leftovers or extras from one meal to use in another. That way, you can minimize the amount of food you buy and reduce waste. After a long day at school or work, you won’t have to think about what food to make, because you will have planned it ahead of time.

Make a List

Based on your meal plan, make a list! Check your cabinets for ingredients you already have to avoid buying multiples. Jot down the items and amounts that you do need, and bring your list to the
store.

Shop More Often

Fresh produce and meats often go bad before one or two people can eat them all. To avoid this, try to make smaller, more frequent shopping trips. This way, your food will stay fresh! If shopping more often is not possible, think of ways to make food last, such as buying dried or canned, or storing items in the freezer.

Buy Only What You Need

Yes, that huge bag of lettuce may be cheaper than the smaller one, but if you are not going to use it before it goes bad, then you won’t be saving any money. For perishable foods, it is best to just
buy what you need.

Share with a Friend or Family Member

Buy too much? Make a huge meal? If you can’t use something before it goes bad, offer to share or swap with a family member or a friend. You could also invite some friends over for dinner!

Freezing Leftovers

Freezing your leftovers is a great way to maximize the time and effort spent cooking for yourself. Try a recipe with six servings and freeze the leftovers for an easy weeknight meal or lunch. Be
sure to have freezer/microwave safe dishes on hand to fill with individual servings of your leftovers. Dishes that freeze well include:

• Chili
• Soups and Stews
• Tomato based sauces
• Casseroles
• Lasagna

Prepare Extras

Instead of cooking just one chicken breast when needed, cook all the breasts in a package and freeze the extra. When you are running short on time, pull out your pre-cooked meat and warm it
up with steamed or sauteed veggies. This is an easy way to prepare a healthy dinner for one, without a lot of time or effort. Portion leftovers into meal size quantities and freeze in freezer safe containers.