Meal Planning for 1

[esmicosaquehago]

Hey guys, it looks like its just going to be me now for awhile, and I have no idea how to grocery shop, meal plan, and cook for one person. Is my version of "bulk" going to be making regular-sized recipes? What is a reasonable budget? I am spending about $200 a month right now for myself, but I could probably cut down on that and be more creative. How do I do this?

[kaaris]

I think I would do just what you said: Consider regular recipes to be bulk for you. Pick a few things that sound good to you, make them, and have leftovers for lunch the next day, as well as putting a couple portions into the freezer for later meals.

Our grocery store has little packs of melon where you get one slice of canteloupe, one slice of honeydew, and one slice of watermelon for about $1. That would be good for those kinds of things that perish quickly - a whole watermelon is nearly too much for my family of four!

One other idea would be if you have any other friends who also cook for one, you can collaborate and share/swap meals.

[lil_earthmomma]

Right now my dh is working away from home, so it`s just me and my babes.

I have been making lots of stuff that is yummy the next day, soups, etc. Tonight I`m making enchilladas in a small corningware dish, so only 2 will fit. 1 chicken breast, mushrooms onions etc. So that will make enough for dinner for me.

I`ve also been making lots of salads, with meat and eggs etc, because you can make it however big or small you want.

Pasta is a good choice because you can easily control the amount you make.