Meals for single guy cooking for himself??

[Mikechid]

Hi I’m looking for meals tips ideas for myself I live alone and usually it’s a waste to

Cook for myself because I think it’s not worth making a big meal for myself. I either just get can beef stew at store and boil bag rice and that’s dinner or I order burger fries from local restaurant. I don’t really eat the pizza anymore. My fallback is it’s an addiction I think 🤨 but at night I’ll wake up and crave sweets. And if I have lunch cakes I’ll eat that. But I got injured at work and due to covid19 my knee surgery kept getting pushed and so I couldn’t do much. So I gained weight. And I need to learn what if there’s food that I can enjoy at all under diet rules or not. I never really tried dieting so this will be my first. I’ll post what I like and that’ll give you an idea of what I like maybe help you give me an example if you would be so generous. Thank you In advance.

- chilli

-burger

-breakfast food

-Mexican food

- Steak n rice

-Steak potatoes is my favorite

- just started fruit lots fruits 🍎 🍌 🍎 🍉

What should I avoid most ?

Thanks again for anyone helping

[slipstick Maintainer 2st 7lbs]

Why is cooking a waste? I'm a guy, I live alone and I cook for myself all the time. If you have a freezer or even a fridge you can cook several portions at once and freeze or refrigerate one or two for when you don't feel like cooking. Chili and Mexican food freeze very well (as does the Indian food that I prefer).

I'd say you need to go for less meat and more vegetables that aren't potatoes. That would be a good start. You could even try salads which don't need any cooking and can be a lot more substantial than just limp lettuce and a bit of cucumber.

[Mikechid in reply to slipstick]

I didn’t say it was a waste I said it was like a waste to me . It goes to waste.

[SofaJockey]

Hello Mikechid,


I'm a guy too, I've learned to enjoy some cooking and believe me it's not complex.

I too am very much a meat eater, but I've learned that a portion-size of 150-200g/meal works well and as above, I've cut right back on potato, pasta, rice and bread (which my waistline has appreciated - I now have a waist again).

I see this is your first post in this section, so I thought I'd share some key things to know. 😄

All of the information you need about the forum can be found in Pinned Posts healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

You're very welcome to join some or all the Events, Challenges and Clubs that we run, especially the weigh-in and the daily diary (pinned at the right of the page on a computer or scrolling to the bottom on a phone).

I think the Daily Diary threads could be particularly beneficial if you are pondering upon your eating.

I hope you'll find this a helpful place where you'll want to actively participate as that can be a helpful key to successful weight control and, of course, it's a good way to get to know people, find inspiration and share support and encouragement.

Best success with it. 😄

[focused1 Maintainer 13kg]

I don't ban any foods but eat for life so less of what's not good - that's all . Porridge is very filling . I make with water then add Greek yogurt and fruit . Chicken breast in George Forman cooks itself and omelette with any scraps of ham , mushroom , tomatoes . Get a slow cooker and pack with meat and veg . Many come with simple recipe books or google for millions of ideas . Make 4 portions and freeze . No standing in front of pans . Or just throw onions , peppers , courgettes into a large frying pan - dribble of oil to fry then add any herbs , mushrooms , squirt of tomato puree , garlic paste , pinch of paprika and ground pepper . Can add to whatever meat is grilling = 10 mins . Can of tuna or any tinned fish onto a mixed salad and if hungry add half a can of drained chick peas sprinkled with herbs or dried spices. Make up some low cal jelly for when you want something sweet or a cup of Options hot chocolate .

Exercise helps me forget about eating but make sure you have something ready to eat for when you return if close to meal times . You can only eat what you buy but ensure a few goodies as I have the odd choc bar or crisps as before I started eating more mindfully I would have a least 1 of each per day .

This isn't a diet it is eating food which will help you physically and mentally .My confidence increased . I got a new job which I wouldn't have done before I lost 18kg . I now maintain by keeping to 3 meals a day and maybe 1 snack every other day .

[Hidden]

Hello.

I think it’s worth getting some of those tin foil boxes that your curry comes in. You can get them from the supermarket. Then when you cook, do double and put half in a box and freeze it. That way you have an easy meal you can just put in the oven. Assuming you have a freezer, and an oven. 🙂 Remember to label and date your stuff.

If you are off work, it’s a great time to learn to cook. Just goggle it - there is so much out there. Beef stew is dead easy. And freezers well.

Many people loose weight by eating fewer carbs. And just don’t buy sweets and biscuits, so if you really want something, you have to walk to the shops.

Quick meals for one: omelette, bacon and eggs, stir fry, grilled fish and salad. And soup is dead easy to make and freezes well. Some people loves slow cooker, which basically will cook you a stew, or a chilli, etc.

Enjoy.

[springersrule Moderator 76kg]

Hi, i'm female and once the kids left home i didn't see the point of cooking for 1 - the time to prepare, cook and wash up certainly didnt feel worthwhile for what i was cooking that took a few minutes to eat. That's when my really bad habits kicked in. I'm currently waiting for a half knee replacement so exercise is currently 3,000 steps a day, physio exercises and using a mini bike to help build my leg muscles back up.

I started my weight loss journey in August, found this site in September and haven't looked back. Most of what i cook is one dish, occassionally two and i love cooking again and all (well 90%) with fresh produce. I love a tray of roasted veg with added chicken or sausage.

I too would encourage you to join or even just look at the daily diaries. I pinch lots of meals from there.

I wish you well on your journey. I dont call it a diet as that suggests to me that when i get to target i will stop the diet. I can 100% say this is now a way of life for me. Xx

[Scaffie Host 2 stone]

There are only 2 of us and I double up all our meals, eat one and freeze one so then we have something healthy when we are tired so we don't eat junk. So much freezes. Even Cheese. I try freezing to see if it works.

[toomuchwool 6lbs]

I sympathise with your knee issue. I have had partial knee replacments in 2 years. Pain leads to less movement, leads to weight gain, leads to more pain on the joints 😞 Unfortunately it's a downward spiral! However, you have recognised the issue which is a step in the right direction. I agree with the replies above- cook more than one portion and freeze. Roasting a large portion of veg is handy 1) as a healthy filler if you get peckish and 2) they can be added to curry spices or Mexican spices for quick meals. And remember, you are worth cooking for! Best of luck with your poor knees

[setterlover]

Hi Mikechid, it's a good idea to make a normal recipe (usually for four people) of whatever meals you like and then freeze them in individual portions. A lot of meat sauces freeze well. You can also freeze individual portions of cooked rice. Baked potatoes are a brilliant diet food if you hold off on the butter. Winter soups can be made in any quantity. Its important to do yourself the courtesy of cooking for yourself with as much love and care as you would for other people. Have fun with the cook books. And yes, sweets are an addiction some of us have to tackle every day, one day at a time.

[Eryl Visitor]

I'm single and I use many of the tips already posted. I find frozen veg very useful as shops normally sell them in family sized quantities whereas I can buy frozen brussel sprouts and peas or nuggets of chopped kale or spinach in bulk packs which I store in my freezer and just take out what I need. I buy packs of whole root veg and celery, which I chop myself and freeze. I also freeze ginger root for grating from frozen to add to curries or dahl. I have a soup maker which makes around four good sized portions which I freeze in bowls with plastic snap top lids. I also have a large wok for making around five portions of curry which when frozen keeps me going for five weeks. A large freezer can pay for itself as you can take advantage of sales when shops are overstocked with short dated goods.

It's my belief that you should keep your fruit intake down as many are high in sugar. Also keep off the prepared breakfast cereals as they can also be high in sugar and be wheat based so high in gluten. I'd stick to porridge.

[Mikechid in reply to Eryl]

Thank you for the info. If you don’t mind when you say meat sauces what do you mean? Like I said I’m new to this kinda eating. My younger days pre30’s I couldn’t gain nothing no matter what I ate but now I’m late 30’s and it’s easy to gain lol. But I’m looking into the kale . How to make wjat to make ect. Thanks again

[Eryl Visitor in reply to Mikechid]

? I didn't mention meat sauces in my reply.

[Mikechid in reply to Eryl]

Wrong person.