Cooking for one
Tips to stay motivated and make it enjoyable
Cooking for yourself can feel uninspiring after years of preparing meals for others. However, it’s an essential part of maintaining your health, especially as you age. Cooking for one doesn’t have to feel like a chore.
Why cooking for one feels challenging
The main barriers to cooking for one are accountability and social interaction. When we cook for family or friends, we feel responsible for providing nutritious meals, and the act of cooking becomes a shared, social experience.
Without these elements, the importance of food can seem diminished. Additionally, with the abundance of takeaway options, food delivery services, and pre-made meal kits, it’s easier to feel tempted by convenience.
Reframing your mindset
Cooking for yourself isn’t just about nourishment; it’s an act of self-care. Think about your core values, evaluate your health needs, and start holding yourself accountable.
Practical tips for cooking for one
Cook in bulk
Prepare meals in larger quantities so you have leftovers for the next day or meals to freeze. Soups, curries, and pasta sauces are excellent options that reheat well.
Plan your meals
Write a weekly meal plan and create a shopping list based on it. This helps reduce food waste, saves money, and keeps you motivated. Reuse ingredients in different ways to keep meals interesting.
Buy in bulk and freeze
Even if you’re cooking for one, buying in bulk can be cost-effective. Freeze portions of meat, vegetables, or meals so you always have options on hand for busy or low-energy days.
Making it social
If you find cooking for yourself uninspiring, invite friends or family over for meals. Cooking and eating together can reignite your enthusiasm for food.
Get creative
Experiment with new recipes and flavours. Trying something new can make cooking an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Easy recipe: Turmeric baked fish with ginger greens
(Serves 1)
From Callum Hahn and Themis Chryssidis from Sprout Cooking School
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cm piece of ginger, grated
- ½ bunch coriander, stems sliced and leaves picked
- 1½ teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup sugar snap peas
- 1 bunch broccolini
- 150g white fish fillet (e.g., barramundi or snapper)
- ½ lime, to serve
- ½ cup steamed rice, to serve
Method
- Preheat oven to 190°C. Combine turmeric, chili flakes, ginger, coriander stems, fish sauce, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Place peas and broccolini into a small oven-proof dish and top with the fish. Pour over the turmeric mixture, ensuring the fish is evenly coated. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
- Remove from oven, squeeze lime juice over the fish, and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with steamed rice.
Start cooking for you
Get back in the kitchen and rediscover the joy of cooking for yourself. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, sharing a meal with friends, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, cooking for one can be both enjoyable and rewarding.
Good Lives Magazine
This article was published in Good Lives Magazine – Issue 5, featuring a recipe by Callum Hahn and Themis Chryssisis from Sprout Cooking School.
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Did you know?
With ACH Group’s help at home services, you can enjoy expert support tailored to your needs.
A dietitian can assist with personalised meal planning to ensure your nutrition goals are met, while a support worker can help with meal preparation, making it easier to maintain a healthy diet.
Together, these services provide a convenient and practical solution.
ACH Group is here to support you every step of the way
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