Tips for Cooking Healthy Meals for One or Two on a Budget

Are you struggling to cook healthy meals for one or two people on a budget? You’re not alone. Jessica Ball, a nutrition editor and registered dietitian, understands the challenges of grocery shopping and meal planning for smaller households. In her weekly column, “Thrifty,” she shares her tips and tricks for saving money, eating healthy, and reducing food waste.

Moving from a bustling household to a solo studio apartment was a big adjustment for Jessica. She realized she needed to make changes in the kitchen to avoid overwhelming leftovers and wasted food. Her first piece of advice? Make a menu plan and grocery list each week. This simple step can help you avoid buying unnecessary items and ensure you have everything you need for healthy meals throughout the week.

Jessica also recommends utilizing your freezer space effectively. Buying in bulk can be cost-effective, especially if you portion out and freeze individual servings of meat or fish. Freezing perishable items like bread can also help you avoid waste and always have ingredients on hand for a quick meal.

For those tired of eating the same leftovers for days, Jessica suggests halving recipes or dividing them by three to make smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy a variety of meals without feeling overwhelmed by leftovers. And if you’re looking to save money on groceries, consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Beans and legumes are affordable sources of protein that can be just as satisfying as meat dishes.

Lastly, Jessica shares her “kitchen-sink” recipes, versatile meals that can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Stir-fries, shakshuka, stews, curries, frittatas, and pasta bakes are all great options for using up leftover veggies and creating delicious, budget-friendly meals.

By following Jessica’s tips and tricks, you can cook healthy meals for one or two people without breaking the bank or wasting food. Give her advice a try and start enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals tailored to your household size.