Single And Starving?

Advice For Singles On How To Eat For One And Not Break The Piggybank

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

When I was in a serious relationship, my boyfriend and I cooked dinner together every night so I was always sure to have healthy, well-rounded meals. But since we broke up, I have no motivation to cook for myself. Do you know how hard it is to shop for one and find recipes that serve one? Not to mention, it's so boring just cooking for myself. Unless I find another boyfriend soon, I'm afraid I'm going to starve to death. Help!

Sincerely,

Starving Single

A:

Dear Starving Single,

Nobody starves because they are young and single -- in fact, the only singles truly at danger for not eating well, or enough, because they are single, are newly widowed seniors or seniors who's health deteriorates to the point that they can't, don't or forget that they haven't eaten.

As for the rest of the singles:

* Forget about Costco or other supermarket shopping clubs. These stores with their warehouse style shopping carts are clearly for families of three or more. Save your time and membership money and don't even go here.

* Regular markets are prejudiced towards family shoppers. Single sized servings are more expensive than larger servings of pretty much all foods. So, you'll have to work harder at shopping.

* Living single makes it less likely you'll cook as well for yourself as you would if you had dependents. You're more likely to settle for a bowl of cereal in front of the television than you are to cook a piece of fish, make some rice, and toss a salad for one.

* If you're hungry and single, you're more likely to eat at a restaurant or buy take out food from a restaurant, jacking up your food bill, than if you're part of a couple or a family where there are most likely leftovers, or things to nuke in the microwave.

* Living single means you're going to eat at restaurants more often because you'll date or socialize with friends at restaurants more often. More cha-ching for your dinner.

There are ways to eat well as a single, and not break the piggy bank. Among them are:

* Salad in a bag should be your staple the same way a half gallon of milk is the staple of a family of four. Stock up on your favorite salad dressing/s. All you have to add are tomatoes, olives (you can stock up on these in cans or jars) and cucumbers or onions.

* You get to treat yourself to imported cheeses. You don't need giant blocks of cheddar -- in fact, they'll go bad by the time you get to them. Go with a log of goat cheese, a slice of brie or some other specialty cheese for your protein.

* Keep your bread in the freezer. It will go stale and moldy if you put it in a bread box because you won't go through a loaf of bread in a week the way a larger family will.

* Yes, it costs a little more, but go for the pre-marinated chicken breast or the stuffed pork chop in the butcher counter. If it means you're eating healthy, then allow yourself the extra bucks for the beef.

* Frozen peas added to some pasta and alfredo sauce or pesto sauce in a jar, and a split of wine, makes an elegant, comfort food supper. And don't forget your bagged salad!

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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