It can be hard to find the motivation to cook — especially when you're tired or stressed. On days like that, dinner easily takes a back seat. But there's a big payoff when we stick to our evening rhythm. Sitting down to a good meal is relaxing and calming — especially on those kinds of days. It also supports good health, weight management, and gives us time to connect with family. It's a simple pleasure that nourishes the body and spirit!
But what about when you're cooking for one? Is it worth taking the time to cook, sit down, and enjoy? It's easy to fall into a routine of getting takeout or just nibbling here and there, thinking, It's just me. It's not that important.
That's exactly why it's important — it's for you!
And who deserves it more than you? It's a simple, affordable luxury.
The rewards are worth it: Good health. Better digestion. Saving money. And we can't forget pleasure!
So let's set up a few simple steps to stay on track.
Even if you grab takeout, don't skip the routine.
Put your food on a plate. Pour yourself water or wine.
Sit down. Take a breath. Relax.
Just a few deep breaths signal to your body it's time to eat. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the rest and digest state. How apropos.
Admire your plate. Enjoy your food. Don't rush.
And if you're feeling lonely or bored, why not watch something or read? While I advocate for no devices at the table, a little entertainment that helps you relax and enjoy your meal is much better than scarfing down a sandwich at the kitchen counter or snacking while walking around.
When you're done, pause. Take just a moment to let your meal settle and digestion get underway. Savor this moment — it's yours.
Some people think it's hard to shop and cook for one, but it's actually a gift. Leftovers become your work lunches. Or they go in the freezer for a night you don't want to cook. And of course, you can repurpose throughout the week.
It's always worth cooking for one.
When you're cooking for one, you only have to please yourself. Some of the best meals come together in minutes.
Each week, jot down a few easy meals that sound good. You don't need a day-to-day meal plan — just a few ideas to pull from, based on your energy and what sounds good. Then keep your staples on hand, and you'll be ready for delicious dinners.
If cooking at the end of the day feels like too much, break it up in stages — I almost always do.
Prep something small in the morning.
Just measuring a few ingredients, making batter, or taking something out of the freezer to thaw gives you a great head start when you get home.
Weekends are also great for making staples like simple sauces, dressings, and roasted meats and veggies. Many can be prepared in just ten minutes, and you'll have great ingredients on hand to put together something fabulous in minutes.
On the days you're in the mood, preparing something in the evening is also a smart move. That's when I'll prop up my phone and listen to a podcast or Netflix — yes, I listen to a show. It may seem a little silly, but it entertains me when I'm alone in the kitchen. I recently admitted this to someone, and she said she does it too!
As for the dishes — they may only take five minutes to clean up, but when we're tired, it can feel like twenty. So, if I'm low on energy, I'll put any leftovers away, load the easy stuff in the dishwasher, and leave the rest for the morning, when I'm fresh (and five minutes feels like five minutes).
Most evenings, however, I'm motivated to move after dinner. And I always feel better after.
Once you have ideas and ingredients on hand, the rest is easy.
Come home. Pull together a simple meal. Warm something up. Plate it. Sit down.
When we eat well, we feel well — and we all deserve that.
I hope this piece helps you the next time you think about grabbing a quick carryout, eating while standing at the kitchen counter or just snacking to replace dinner because you don't feel like cooking for one — you'll save calories and money, and eat better too!
Regardless of what’s for dinner — even if it’s just leftovers and a bit of this and that — taking the time to sit, eat, and relax for a few minutes is a simple luxury we all deserve!
