[NeedtoLose]

Ways To Plan Great Meals for One or Two

Know that you're in good company.
Know that you're in good company. Nearly everyone fits this profile at some time: college students living away from home, newlyweds, single adults, couples without children, and couples whose children have grown and left home. Supermarkets and other food marketers cater to this niche with new options in packaging and serving sizes.

Don't limit recipe selection.
Recipes geared to four can be cut in half before you begin.

Or, instead of cutting that four-serving recipe, make the whole thing and serve it at two meals.

When freezing leftovers, think "platter partners"--group various foods into a convenient meal on a platter. Use a dish that can be reheated: microwave-safe if it will be warmed in the microwave, or a foil plate if you'll reheat the portion in a regular oven.

Go for a change of scenery.
With one or two diners, you have more options in meal setting: a low table in the living room, a picnic lunch or supper, or a card-table setup on the porch.

Take advantage of new food possibilities.
Are you still cooking menus geared to the tastes of family members who no longer eat with you? Maybe now that one or two servings will suffice, you can afford to buy out-of-season fruits or exotic vegetables more often.

Treat yourself to special touches
Even if you're dining along, treat yourself to special touches like good tableware, a nice placement, a cloth napkin, and an attractive centerpiece. A pleasant setting makes the meal more satisfying.

Listen to your appetite.
The timing of the main meal can be more flexible when you only have yourself and perhaps a partner to consider. Learn to recognize the signs of true hunger rather than eating at a given time out of habit.

Work fruits and vegetables into your diet
It takes a little more ingenuity to work fruits and vegetables into your diet when buying small quantities, but the nutritional benefits are worth it. Use highly perishable fresh items first, save longer-lasting ones (like broccoli) for later in the week, and later switch to frozen varieties.

Plan for occasional companionship.
Having a small household doesn't mean every meal must be a one- or two-person affair. Get together with friends for a potluck supper. Take advantage of family-style settings at church suppers, community fund-raisers, and festivals.

[Cyn]

Another thing nice to do is eat at the table rather than in front of the tv. I am trying to get my family to do this more often. Why do we get lazy and fall into such bad habits?

[NeedtoLose]

We do it too. Our therapist told us it is just easier. No one has to worry about what to say to one another. It is definately not the healthiest thing to do. :(