Eating Alone and Loving It

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

Downsizing Doesn’t Mean Going Downhill

Are There Any Benefits of Dining Alone?

• Eat what you want when you want

• Splurge on special foods occasionally

• Eat at own pace in a nice environment

• Sit down and relax

• Play the music you like

Taking Time to Plan

• Decide what you want to eat for at least one week

• Plan to freeze and store

• Make a shopping list according to the store layout

• Shop when you are not hungry

Divide and Conquer

• Some recipes make in quantity – Eat now– Refrigerate to eat in 1-2 days– Package, label and freeze

• Other recipes can be cut in half or thirds

Plan balanced meals

• For each meal have– 1 milk

– 1 protein food

– at least 1 grain or bread

– at least 1-2 servings of fruits and vegetables

– limit the fats and sugars

Shop Smart

• Look for unit pricing

• Do your own calculations

• Which is the better buy?16 ounces

$2.40

8 ounces

$1.60

.15 per oz.

.20 per oz.

Tips on Storing Bread

• Store bread in the freeze not the refrigerator

• Thaw on the counter in a few minutes

• Thaw in the microwave on HIGH for 10 seconds

• Toast in the toaster

Vegetables and Fruits

• Buy fresh in amounts you can eat in a week

• Buy large bags of frozen vegetables

• Buy canned goods on sale

Meat, Poultry and Fish

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap

• Store in large freezer bags

• Label and date• Eat fish right away or

store on ice or in the freezer

Dairy and Eggs

• Buy in small quantities

• Keep well covered in the refrigerator

Invite Some Company

• Invite friends and family over for special meals and potlucks

• Cook together and share

To Summarize

• Eating alone can be pleasant and nutritious

• Planning makes a big difference

• Smart shopping can save you time and money

• Proper storage of food is important