By: Nikki Nies
Several of my friends and family, including my parents, struggle with making meals that they can adequately eat since many of them are either not big eaters and/or would be cooking for one. While I personally don’t struggle with making too many quantities of food as I love not having to cook every night, I can understand why the extra leftovers can be daunting.
In case you need tips on what to do with leftovers, you’re in luck! There’s tons of ways to reduce spoilage and to make your meals last longer. However, if you need further incentive to get in the kitchen instead of opting for take out or a bowl of cereal, let me direct you to some worthwhile tips!
The best part of cooking for yourself? You get to eat what you want, how you want without any compromises! Yes, there may be more freedom in the kitchen in terms of artistic creativity, but it doesn’t mean you have to throw out all you’ve learned regarding healthy cooking!
- Utilize your muffin pan for more than just muffins! Whip up some rice and/or barley, making individualized portions using your muffin tin
- Have leftover bread or English muffins? Wrap the leftovers up tightly in a sandwich bag to prevent freezer burn and/or use some of the leftover bread to make croutons or for dipping
- Head to a bulk warehouse store, such as BJ’s, Sam’s Club or Costco and stock up to decrease waste and often times less expensive per pound. Bulk produce is only worth the investment if the quantity is a realistic amount for you to consume before spoilage.
- Opt for frozen fruits and veggies, which are often times more convenient and last longer than fresh food. Make sure to choose frozen packages that do not have added sauces, syrup or sugar
- Enjoy the more perishable produce, such as berries and spinach, earlier in the week. Heartier produce such as carrots, cabbage and potatoes can be eaten later in the week
- Make sure to always have eggs on hand! They’re a great addition to many dishes and contain a great amount of vitamin D and choline
- Take the plunge and buy a whole package of meat and/or poultry, wrap in individual portions, date and freeze!
I’ve found the best part of cooking for myself is that I’ve gotten quite well acquainted with my freezer. I don’t have to worry about rushing home to get dinner on the table, but when I make a casserole or have leftover soup, I can individually package the leftovers to get out for a later date.
For those of you cooking for yourselves, what tips have you found to make cooking hassle free?
Sources: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442477582
http://greatist.com/health/healthy-single-serving-meals
http://www.helpguide.org/life/cooking_for_one_fast_easy_healthy.htm
wedishnutrition.wordpress.com 