You open up your fridge and see one of two things: empty shelves or shelves filled to the brim with Tupperware and leftover takeout boxes. You just moved into your new apartment and you’re really trying to get a grip on this “adult” thing. You really are! But, you just can’t figure out how to cook for only one person without surviving on ramen and Pb&J sandwiches.
Cooking seems to be the real test of adulthood, but no one ever tells you how hard it is to cook for just yourself. When I moved into my first apartment I spent most of my time eating grilled cheese sandwiches and soup. If I did cook, I ended up with more leftovers than I could eat before they went bad. I would say I’m getting better at cooking for one now, but sometimes it’s still hard to make my favorite things and eat all of it before it goes bad. Still, I’ve picked up a few tricks that have made things so much easier.
The first thing you need to do is shop smart
We’ve all been there, walking aimlessly from aisle to aisle randomly picking things we think we may like with no real idea what full meals we’re going to make throughout the week. Stop doing that. Before you drive to the grocery store, take time to think about the things you like to eat. Take stock of foods you bought but didn’t eat and don’t buy them again unless they have a specific purpose. If you go to the grocery store with meals in mind, you will reduce your food waste at home.
Frozen foods will become your best friends. Cooking for yourself can make lots of fresh fruits and vegetables impractical. Everyone knows the disappointing feeling of looking into the refrigerator and seeing fuzz on grapes they just bought, noticing the carrots they purchased a few weeks ago are mushier than they should be. Don’t despair, you can pick a few fresh vegetables and fruits each week for snacks and meals, but most vegetables and fruits are just as good frozen or canned. Frozen chicken breasts and burgers can also be an easy way to store protein. You can even bag up foods and freeze them yourself for later consumption.
Creating a list of pantry staples will guide your meal-planning as well. Buying dried pastas, rice, cans of beans, seasonings and sauces will leave you with something to prepare even when your cabinets look barren.
Prepare meals you love and you’ll never have waste.
Does your mom make a meal you can’t live without? Make it yourself! If you find entrees or flavors you love, make the meal yourself and repurpose it throughout the week to keep things from being monotonous. Craving tacos on a Monday night? Use the extras later in the week for a salad, nachos, or a breakfast burrito. Extra tortillas can be baked in the oven with cinnamon and sugar to create a dessert that eliminates your extras.
Sometimes, cooking too much of something you really like can even be a blessing. During packed school weeks, heating up leftover portions of your mom’s famous lasagna can bring you comfort and save your time.
If you make the things you know you love, you’ll be more likely to eat them throughout the week instead of sticking them in your refrigerator and forgetting about them.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use online resources.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of other people are struggling just like you. Don’t be discouraged, and don’t be afraid to get inventive with your meals. A treasure-trove of meal ideas can be found online simply by searching “meals for one.” People you go to school with, too, have tips and tricks of their own. Ask your friends what they cook for themselves. If you go to a friend’s house and have a particularly good meal, ask for the recipe. Don’t be afraid to seek out new dishes to try at home, making new and exciting things for yourself is a rewarding experience, and if you mess up no one will know.
HCxo!