It can be hard to find the motivation to cook wholesome, nutritious food when you’re living alone. And with the cost-of-living crisis really beginning to bite for some people, it’s not easy to cook and eat well without overspending or wasting a lot of food.

Here are some tips to avoid the boredom and make your meals more interesting without costing the earth.

#1 Plan ahead

Meal plans can save you a lot of time and money. Knowing what you’re going to cook for the week before you go to the supermarket will mean you’ve got the list of ingredients you need, and you won’t choose random extras that end up being wasted. If you can buy in bulk for dried foods like pulses and tinned foods, you’re likely to keep costs down as well.

#2 Use all of the items you buy

Make sure to use all the parts of the ingredients you buy. For example, if you buy a whole chicken, you can use the bones to make a stock that can be used later on in soups and other dishes. It’ll also be more cost-effective if you can use a $12 whole chicken to provide you with the protein component for the following three meals. Think roast chicken, chicken stew and chicken stir fry.

#3 Take advantage of slow cookers

Slow cookers are a great way to cook meals easily. They are an especially great option for winter, as they can be left to cook while you are away doing other activities. You can also freeze what you don’t eat, and then when you’re ready to eat it again, you can defrost the meal and just add rice or vegetables.

Take the first step towards a successful Retirement!

#4 Remember frozen foods

Although it may seem uninspiring to rely on frozen foods, they can be a great choice for people living independently. They are usually picked when in prime ripeness and frozen within just a few hours, locking in the nutrients and flavours. Because you just take out the quantity you need each time, you’re not going to waste the whole vegetable.

Please note: New Zealand Food Safety advises people to be aware of the risk of Hepatitis A if eating frozen berries. They are advising those who are pregnant, elderly or with chronic liver damage to briefly boil frozen berries before eating them or ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degrees Celsius for 1 minute. In addition, they advise washing hands before eating and preparing food.

#5 Get creative

Try out new recipes or find ways to make your favourite winter dishes lighter, healthier or more interesting. For example, a classic beef stew can be made with a variety of vegetables and spices to make it more unique and flavourful. Most supermarkets sell different mixes or sauces that can completely change the flavours; for instance, chipotle sauce or a Cajun mix can make a world of difference. Look at recipes online for more inspiration.

#6 Change your mindset

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with food, particularly when you live on your own. Try and change your perspective on cooking and see it as an opportunity to learn some new recipes or get creative with preparing your food. Retirement often brings more space and time, so why not fill some of it with eating well and being mindful of how much you spend.