Eating solo, the healthy way

If you routinely eat alone, mealtime quickly can turn into a series of tasteless take-out dinners, mundane frozen entrees or something easy that comes out of a box. But, with a little planning, you can create simple, nutritious meals at home. Here are three ways to banish the eat-alone blahs: Upgrade your cooking gear - Make meal prep easier by outfitting your kitchen with these items: Small and medium sauce pans Medium nonstick skillet A few microwave-safe dishes Measuring spoons and cups A variety of storage containers for leftovers Turn off the TV and dress up the table - A colorful tablecloth, nice dishes and fresh flowers or candles can make for a relaxing meal. Put the table by a window, if you can, and play some soothing music while you eat. Keep leftovers - Cook a large, healthful dinner, and then save the leftovers for future meals — just don't let the food spoil in the meantime. Promptly refrigerate or freeze leftovers. For convenience, use containers that hold no more than a single serving. Your refrigerator should stay at 40° F. Your freezer should be at 0° F. Buy a cookbook - Look for ones designed with the smaller household in mind. Some possibilities: Going Solo in the Kitchen by Jane Doerfer Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You) by Frances Price Serves One: Simple Meals to Savor When You're on Your Own by Toni Lydecker EatingWell Serves Two: 150 Healthy in a Hurry Suppers by Jim Romanoff Vegan Cooking for One by Leah Leneman By Michael W. Rosen, M.D. From: Healthy Mind Healthy Body - United Healthcare