Eating alone/ meals for one

[Adrundel]

I live alone with my 2 children. Due to days they are at their dads for dinner I cook family meals around 3/4 per week. 2 of those meals tend to be really quick freezer food because of there activities/ clubs in evening. The other days I try to cook “wholesome” food as I worry there diet isn’t as varied as it should be (although they’re not too fussy generally)

I wish I could say it was resulting in weight loss but tending to snack on crisps etc on evening and really unhappy with my weight currently. I tried buying little ready meals but didn’t eat one and end d up throwing it out just now which actually prompted me writing this thread.

I have an air fryer. The oven costs too much on gas and doesn’t get to temperature either which is a little frustrating. Have freezer but it’s not huge. Relatively Limited budget for food too- really can’t be throwing food out or it going to waste. Have basic kitchen stuff but left my old house due to DV so don’t have a lot of my kitchen wares- think this is why it’s troubling me as I used to meal plan and enjoy cooking! Had a beautiful kitchen etc Do struggle with motivation generally too at moment

lots of unnecessary detail in this but just thought I’d add to save any questions or any suggestion of what to cook for myself that was very elaborate!

any ideas? Anyone else in similar position? What works for you to do?

Oh read this back and missed off the first paragraph that I’m struggling to know what to eat myself on the other days or days when I don’t eat with them

sorry! Just noticed

I tend to cook large portions of our favorite meals and freeze the rest. That way always got a a spare dinner. Its not easy sometimes x air fryers are a godsend......we do a roast/curry/ pizza in ours x

I’ve just got a book called meals in a mug and it’s a variety of things you can cook in a mug in the microwave for one. Risotto, spag Bol, curry and numerous other mains, sides and puds are included and it’s great it’s really made a change from something in toast

It’s this one

When my H is on tour I tend to make things like fish finger sandwiches with rocket and tartar sauce and half a tub of low fat coleslaw on the side

Omelettes with salad or some mushrooms and tomatoes cook in air fryer

I cook only for myself a fair bit when DS is out and I prefer quick but healthy.

I cook omelettes with plenty of veg, or risottos. I have a slow cooker and prepare cassoulet or casseroles at lunchtimes when I'm wfh, and put it in the slow cooker so it's ready by evening.

Plenty of home made soups with chunky bread, useful for veg that are getting a bit past their best.

Wholemeal pasta with homemade sauces.

Nothing I do takes me more than 20 mins effort.

I would cook big family meals on the 3/4 days a week when you don’t have dc with you. Eat a portion of this for your meal for one and save another few portions for a night when you are otherwise eating freezer food. Then you have homemade meals every night and you won’t have to cook at all on nights when you have dc and are busy with activities, etc.