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 $ ounces $ 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