does it make sense that grocery shopping and cooking for 1 person (myself)...?!
I cant just buy one carrot, I have to a bag of them and thats how grocery stores sell almost all fruits and veggies. And I also run out of room in my fridge.
Then I feel like cooking takes up so much time.
(this is coming from someone whos been having take out food for 10 yrs)
Answers:
Sounds as if you just don;t make dinner often enough. Actuyally many stores are not selling carrots by the "each" as well as cemery, broccoli, cauliflower etc...
A bag of carrots and celery can last for arounbd a month or so.
Buy meats in the family pack tosave money then freeze in the protion sizes that work for you.
It doesn't take that much time, and if you feel that fresh veggies are beinbg wasted you can buy most everythng frozen wich is the next best thing and Much cheaper.
Don't buy "1 carrot" or "1 onion". Think more long-term. There are new recipes for casseroles, enchiladas, soups/chilis/stews, and even pressed sandwiches that can be prepared in more limited quantities, enjoyed one night and held in the fridge or freezer for enjoying later. It cuts down on lots of prep and cooking time and you can tailor recipes to your tastes and ingredients.
It's paramount for anyone to have a proper kitchen and a properly stocked pantry too which makes cooking for 1 or 4 or more much more enjoyable. Keeping pantry staples on hand eliminates frustration when it comes time to cook, and with a well-stocked pantry of non-perishables you can find inspiration inside your cupboard when you think all hope is lost.
If you're happy with take-out look for new options to keep things fresh (new places are always opening) but if you're really ready to start cooking, look to resources the offer recipes for cooking for 1 or 2, but don't forget the option of making a casserole (it can be in an 8 x 8 dish, you don't have to go all out with a 9 x 13) and consider portioning leftovers in single serving sizes that can be enjoy as leftovers or taken to work for lunch, and even shared with friends. Speaking of which, food is never better than when we share it with others.
I hope this helps
Nope - just because you're only shopping and cooking for one doesn't mean food has to be wasted. The important thing is to only buy what you need - and it is definitely possible to buy loose fruit & veg (even if this means trekking it to a fresh fruit & vegetable grocer)
Try to plan meals around your ingredients - for example if it's cheaper to buy 1kg of mince, plan meals that will use the mince differently throughout the week. Or, you can freeze any leftovers in single serves (nice and easy to reheat on nights you can't be bothered cooking)
If it's cheaper to buy bulk meat but you won't cook it all during the week, freeze it in individual bags that can be defrosted. Also freeze items like bread which can be removed from the freezer (slice by slice even) as you need it.
Don't buy large containers of yogurt, milk, eggs etc (items you can't freeze well) if it won't get used before the use-by-date. It might be cheaper in a larger quantity but it won't be saving you money if you end up throwing half of it out.
Find a local vegetable market if you can. Even if you waste some of the food, it is still a lot cheaper and better for you than eating most restaurant food. Cooking does take a little time, but it is a comforting hobby. Try a glass of wine while you are in the kitchen.
I work in the produce department of a grocery store and we are always "halving" things for customers. Cabbage, lettuce anything! Even packages of strawberries. Just ask the manager if it's possible to do that for you.
Try a farmers market or something where you can buy as much or as little of something as you want.
Get a FoodSaver, it seal wraps food so it is safe to freeze for a longer period of time. Google them!
sound ok