One of the lesser-discussed struggles of adulting is figuring out what to eat, especially when you live alone. It sounds simple until you’re standing in your kitchen, tired and hungry, staring at an empty fridge or pantry, wondering how to solve the age-old dilemma of “what should I eat today?”
If this feels all too familiar, you’re not alone. Here are practical ways to handle this common adulting challenge and make your meal decisions easier, healthier, and more budget-friendly:
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead
Meal planning is one of the easiest ways to reduce the daily stress of food decisions. At the start of the week, decide what you’ll eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You don’t have to plan every meal down to the last ingredient, but having a general idea will save you from the nightly “what should I eat?” debate.
2. Embrace Batch Cooking
Cooking a fresh meal every day can be exhausting. Batch cooking solves this by allowing you to prepare large quantities of food at once and store them in the fridge or freezer. Dishes like jollof rice, stews, soups, and beans are perfect for batch cooking and can last several days.
3. Stock Your Kitchen with Essentials
Always keep versatile staples in your kitchen that can be used to whip up quick, easy meals. Some must-haves include:
- Rice, pasta, and noodles
- Eggs
- Frozen vegetables
- Bread
- Canned foods (like sardines or baked beans)
With these staples, you can put together simple meals like noodles with boiled eggs or toast with scrambled eggs on busy days.
4. Create a Go-To Meal List
Make a list of easy, no-brainer meals you enjoy. This could include dishes like yam and eggs, spaghetti and sauce, fried rice, or grilled plantains (boli) with groundnut. When you’re unsure what to eat, check your list for inspiration.
5. Try Meal Prep Services
If you have a busy schedule and don’t enjoy cooking, consider meal prep services. Many businesses offer pre-cooked meals or pre-portioned ingredients that make cooking easier and faster. It’s a bit more expensive but can save time and stress.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Keep It Simple
Not every meal has to be elaborate. Sometimes, a simple bowl of cereal, a sandwich, or fried plantain with a boiled egg can hit the spot. The key is to listen to your body and not overcomplicate things.
7. Experiment with New Recipes
If you’re bored with your usual meals, try exploring new recipes. Follow food bloggers, watch YouTube tutorials, or download a cooking app for inspiration. You might discover new favorite dishes to add to your meal rotation.
8. Eat Out Occasionally (But Be Wise)
It’s okay to treat yourself to restaurant food once in a while. However, eating out can be expensive, so try to keep it occasional and within budget. You can also explore affordable local spots like buka joints for hearty, budget-friendly meals.
9. Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
On days when you’re too tired to cook, healthy snacks can save you from reaching for junk food. Keep things like fruits, nuts, yogurt, or granola bars on hand to fill the gap until you can prepare a proper meal.
10. Practice Mindful Eating
As you navigate adulting, it’s easy to eat mindlessly or skip meals altogether. Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry, stop when you’re full, and avoid emotional eating out of boredom or stress.
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