…your table is ready! Does anyone else ever feel like it’s easier to slap some bread together or throw some spinach in a tortilla and call it dinner? This may be easy, but where is the fun, where is the inspiration, where is the EXCITEMENT?! Who says elaborate meals have to be enjoyed with other people? I want to start making them for myself..solo style.
I haven’t been in much of a cooking mood these days, but with a bit of a push I am slowly getting back to making myself some decent meals. Not to say that a PB&J isn’t decent, it’s just not decent to eat every morning, afternoon, and evening. Sure, cooking with others is WICKED fun, but don’t think for one minute solo dining isn’t worthy of a solid meal.
A classic meal is always a good place to start when jumping back onto the cooking bandwagon. Whole wheat spaghetti with roasted Brussels sprouts, sauteed asparagus, raw Swiss chard, and an avocado. Lightly tossed with lemon juice and simple seasonings.
Even after a long, LONG day, there is something so rewarding about taking the time to prepare a proper meal. No body likes a lazy lass. I look forward to making lots of squash and potatoes in the next few months. Fall is coming, and we’ve already started to decorate.
Sure it’s still August..but you can never be too early for fall, HAHA! Just ask Starbies, they already have the PSL mix (not available to the public yet)!! Sadly it contains milk, perhaps there is a vegan with benefits day in my fall future! Or maybe I should create my own..
I’m feeling optimistic today, and I have a calm/positive mind. If I could, I would take a leaf blower and send some of my feel good to all of you! Sharing is caring my friends. Next time you feel like you’re lacking motivation to treat your body to a good solo meal, slap your hand and get your fanny to the market to buy some fresh delicious food! You’re welcome.
Food for thought!
Q: Do you cook for yourself (or your family) everynight? I find it’s easier to consistently cook meals when there are other people involved. Cooking for one is harder for me, but SO much more important. Treat yourself right!
Blissfulbritt 
55 thoughts on “Brittany, Party of One…”
pickyrunner
I’m really bad about cooking for myself. I have the worst habits ever with snacking my way through the day and then feeling sluggish and gross. I know I’m better off with a legitimate meal, regardless of whether I’m cooking for myself or for someone else (never happens…). I’m glad you’re loving life right now! It’s rubbing off on me and helping me out of this end-of-summer funk!
kathy @ vodka and soda
i love this and for serious girl, i wish you lived near me. you’re one of the bloggers who are so awesome and i get giddy when i ready you’re posts!
i don’t really cook; my mom lives with us so she does most of the cooking but i do cook on weekends and stuff and by that, i’m awesome at heating stuff up! LOL
Megan
I cook for myself just about every night / I make food and eat it through out the week at night. I always manage to cook something though. Microwaving left overs and eating is far too quick of a process for me.
If i could try anything… I’d obviously be running. NOW.
Davida @The Healthy Maven
I try to do a solid food prep on Sundays and plan most of my meals for the week. I definitely eat out at least 2 or 3 meals a week. Lately I haven’t been feeling too motivated to cook either…it’s resulted in oatmeal for breakfast and lunch for most days this week. I suppose there is worse I could be eating!
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
Loving your optimism today. I hardly ever make myself a fancy dinner. I’m more of a cook-everything-at-once type, that way it’s done for the week. I eat the same thing all week, but it works for me. 🙂
PNWRunner
I agree, cooking for one is hard. I get home so late at night- around 730-8pm. I just put together something real quick. I dont think I have ever gone out to eat just by myself. Sometime I’ll have to step outside my comfort zone!
Brittany
Ahh that’s rough getting home so late :/. I would have a quick snack if I got home that late. Thankfully I only work late shifts about once a week! I’ve actually never gone to a restaurant alone either, only small cafes or coffee shops, I would love to try stepping out of my comfort zone too though!
chasingchels
I know this is true (cooking a good meal for yourself is just as important as if you were cooking for friends), but before Joe came home, I rarely went crazy. Usually I was too tired to make anything beyond omelettes or pasta; I did try to make a big Sunday meal that would leave leftovers for a few days, but when that was done, bring on the easy stuff. Joe does most of the dinner cooking in our house now, and it’s a lot better than mine haha. Might try to surprise him this weekend, though!
Meghan @ fitnesscrEATures
I rarely cook for others, I typically cook for myself (and by cook I mean veggies + salads haha) and I think it’s so nice when I do that for myself. I always feel so accomplished. I am thrilled that fall is coming girly!!! I didn’t really have a legit summer because the weather in atl has been awful so I’m ready! I got a pumpkin spice coffee from Caribou (do you have those up there?) today and it was amazing. My seal has been broken and I can’t wait till Starbux joins! 🙂
Brittany
Ohhh I have never heard of Caribou, so I am guessing we don’t have them in Washington!! HA! Sounds DELICIOUS though!
Choc Chip Uru
I guess I am somewhat of a lazy ass considering after taking a blogging holiday it takes me so long to actually just get back into the swing of cooking! I don’t know exactly how I’m going up be when I have to do it everyday 😛
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Emily
I actually LOVE cooking for myself, but I definitely cook for me and my main squeeze most nights. Sometimes though I’m like “look I just want a massive green smoothie, make something for yourself”. Plus, whenever a recipe calls for veggies, I usually double the amount and if I am feeding someone that isn’t used to that, then they probs would gag from the amount of spinach or something. Not sorryyyyyyyy
Ja @Ja on the RUN
I love love Fall decorations!!! I love Fall Season! I actually had it as my wedding theme to incorporate my love for Fall Season! Have fun decorating!!! 🙂
Post a pic of the whole finished product! 🙂
Brittany
YES YES YES!! My wedding WILL be in the fall, with amazing fall decorations!! I cannot wait..I’m not even dating anyone, but I am daydreaming ideas!! HAHA!
B.
One of my greatest loves in life is cooking for other people. And it’s usually a big compliment if I do because I tend to go all out.
When it comes to myself, I have my moments. Lately I’ve been sticking to veggie sandwiches and paninis but I make them as fancy as possible. Usually when it’s higher quality, it’s because I’m testing something out. It must be a mental thing, but I feel more full and satisfied if I’m eating something I took time on as opposed to peanut butter toast and grapes for the 5th night in a row.
Amalia
I love to cook, but somehow I don’t treat it as an experience. Maybe I should start putting on my apron, getting a glass of wine (well, I’m not drinking, but something sparkly and fizzy), and then really EXPERIENCE the act of cooking.
Hmm.. this gives me an idea! Also, as always, love your posts.
Amy
Wow, good for you for cooking for one! I spent two years living by myself and cooking for myself basically every night, and it was pretty rewarding. The only problem was what to do with the other half of an onion from my pasta sauce or the other 6 tortillas after I made tacos. 😉
jessiebearwhat
Agree so much with a ‘classic meal is a good start on jumping back onto the cooking bandwagon’ bit. And omg yes fallllllll!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’ve definitely been lacking in the creativity department when it comes to cooking lately, and yeah… most of it is because I’m only cooking for myself and can’t really find the motivation to put in a lot of effort. I -love- cooking for others and seeing them enjoy what I made, but when it comes to myself? A yogurt mess or ABJ will usually satisfy me well enough.
And fall…. Squeeeeee!
Jane C.
I feel the same about cooking for 2! Especially when you’re working on the timing of having the food ready — Too early, and it gets cold before he gets home. Too late, and he’s waiting for me to finish cooking. Also, those fall decorations are gorgeous!
Courtney
That pasta looks delicious! And oh, I am SO excited for Fall! 😀
Katherine
Your titles are always the best Brittany! I wish I was that creative. I want to start decorating for fall, but my mom insists I wait. Ugh that advantages of living on your own 🙂
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
I have to admit, when Todd works nights, I rarely cook a “real” meal for myself and just end up grazing or making a sammie or cereal. I wish I could feel like fall is around the corner. It’ll be a few more months before the temps resemble anything remotely cooler 😦 I’ll live vicariously through you, so make sure to post pretty pictures of fall leaves and you in warm comfy clothes, haha
Alisha's Appetite
I’m the same way- I don’t care if it’s just me eating…I will make a “real meal”! I do not care if it only takes me 10 seconds to gobble it down, it’s always worth it. ALWAYS. Just curious- are you excited for fall? ha!!!
Brittany
SOOOO freakin excited!! GAHH!
Life After Swimming
we do cook every night but nothing too crazy. and i typically rotate through the same things
sugarcoatedsheridan
Um, your glittery pumpkins are like my most favorite fall decoration I think I’ve ever seen! I love those!! Did you make them or did you find those somewhere?
Brittany
I WISH I made these..that would be a great Pinterest idea! My mom bought them at one of the local hospitals (random place I know) in their gift shop! Sometimes the hospitals have some stellar finds!
Kayla Hoffman
I LOVE fall, but part of me is just not ready! Ok so Beeteedubs I nominated you for the Liebster Award. I know you probably already get a shit ton of views, but oh well! My post explains it. http://sculptsavvy.com/2013/08/23/the-nominations-are-in/
wildlyhealthyblog
I like cooking for others, but sometimes get the sads when I eat all my meals by myself and won’t make an effort. Maybe that will help with making it not as lonely? 🙂
sincerelylily
i love your simple dinner.
i love that you have fall decoations already out. i wonder if there is a place you can move to and have fall year round?
i love your positive and upbeat outlook on things.
you da best. i wished we lived closer so w e could have dinner dates and decorate pumpkins together. and run.
Brittany
COME STAY WITH ME! You can sleep on my top bunk…yeah I have a bunk bed. I’m sure Speedy won’t mind..right?! HAHA.
alexvegginout
I seriously need to work on this! I go through spurts where I’ll make several recipes in one day, and then I’ll go weeks of having crackers and hummus, a protein bar, and raw veggies for lunch. Of course now that I’m headed off to school, my cooking will really be limited! BUT I am bringing as much food as I can so that I can do some cooking. And after a few meals in the cafeteria, I’m sure I will be craving some hand-cooked food. 😉
Oh and I love your fall decorations! Pumpkins and gourds will start showing up in stores soon – YES!!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com
Love your purple pumpkin! 🙂
I do cook for myself and my daughter – but it’s not everynight. I make a big batch of say quinoa and veggies, or soup or stew to last us 2-3 days then i cooke again 🙂
I have been craving asparagus and avocados and your sald just fueled that craving again! 🙂
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
Impressive meal little lady! I’m not the best at cooking for myself, though I’m definitely getting better. I started cooking a bit in the morning, and I must admit I really like it! Happy FRIDAY! 🙂 And happy almost fall!
Christine @ Gotta Eat Green
Your pumpkins are too cute! And a reminder that fall is just around the corner – sheesh where did summer go! I love to cook for others – it is a rewarding feeling when people are chowing down and loving the food you’ve prepared for them!
spectacuLAUR
I absolutely adore your Autumn decorations! It is never too early to start such a wonderful season!!! I always get too lazy to cook elaborate meals for myself. If I do, it’s usually some sort of breakfast food or a sandwich! I really want to start cooking for my family, though, so they can start getting a taste of true vegetarian/vegan meals. I think they would be pleasantly surprised and it’s always good to share the deliciousness!
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
I always had problems cooking for one when I was younger.. but that was because I didn’t have the cooking talent you already have! This is so impressive, I am going to roast some brussel sprouts.. they look so yummy in your photo! Thanks for sharing a great recipe.. I’m solo tonight so I will have to spoil myself with this dish:) xx
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
Ok, the first thing I’m looking for in September: glittery pumpkins. Those are just so, so cute. I cook for the boyfriend and myself most nights, and I think that + having a blog motivates me to actually cook. Otherwise, I’d probably just be cooking up a massive pot of rice at the beginning of the week, buying salad greens, and baking a bunch of chicken breasts and calling it good for the week. But fortunately I’m able to force myself to at least attempt to think creatively.
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
Ahhh I can’t wait for a pumpkin spice drink 🙂 I’m glad your getting your cooking grove back. If I’m cooking for myself it’s usually brinner or a crock pot meal I can eat off of for a few days. I guess I’m kinda a lazy ass, but also I jut enjoy simple foods. A fall favorite is sweet potato or squash with Greek yogurt!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I actually found cooking for just myself to be easier than cooking for myself and Kevin. Probably because I’m good with just a pasta and veggies mix and he needs some meat with nearly every meal. I also love leftovers and he’s kinda eh about them.
Yay for excessive feel goodness that you could push around with a leaf blower if possible! Good for you. It’s contagious!
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani)
Errr you can come cook for me anytime because that bowl of spaghetti looks delicious!! I tend to cook for myself most nights, even if that merely means frying up a couple of eggs and sauteeing some veggies :)!
Kristina at damntenpounds
Your “vegan with benefits” comment legit made me crack up. Fall is my favorite season and I count down every summer. I don’t go crazy for all the pumpkin flavored goodies, but Pumpkin Spice Latte’s are my MUST haves. It officially kicks off my fall seasons… even when it’s still 85* and beach weather here 🙂 This whole post just made me giddy with excitement.
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
I often cook for 1 because my bf is working a lot over dinner time so I will make a big batch of something and freeze it in single portions so that it is easy to reheat. I will also do a quick stir fry or salad or pita pizza.
cottercrunch
am i weird that i love cooking or 1 or 5? It’s the process of unwinding. Therapeutic!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m eating a lot of solo meals lately so I get where you’re coming from with cooking for one. Sometimes it can be a lot of work and seem like such a pain in the arse, and then you realize you’re worth it. Love your ease back into cooking dish; so much green makes me happy.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I cook for myself almost nightly, I kinda HATE GOING OUT TO EAT! My problem though is that I don’t really know how to cook for more than just me because I alone eat for a family of five… And I don’t realize that other people are just not as WEIRD AS I AM! So then I buy way too much food and they only eat a tiny bit and I wind up finishing EVERYTHING because I HATE LEFT OVERS! Ah ha ha ha ah! What a conundrum! So when people want to have dinner, I say, LETS GO OUT – because I would rather the CHEF make all of these decisions! BAHH!
However, if you came over, I think we would be OKAY since you wouldn’t be touching my fish and I wouldn’t be eating your tofu casserole! LMFAO!
Brittany
HAHA YES I would NOT touch your smelly fish, however I think we could BOTH do some serious damage on our meals because I too eat a lot. I love/hate left overs. I hate if they are wasted..but I will do some damage on them!! I LOVE eating a good meal twice!
Brandi
I love to cook for myself and others! I’m so obsessed about really enjoying a big meal, so I cook daily. Your salad looks yummy. I can’t wait for fall either! It’s too hot here!
Rach @ This Italian Family
Hello friend! I have missed your blog! So excited to catch up on everything I have missed over the past couple of weeks! This dinner looks delicious! I especially love how simple it is. So great for a summer meal (even if you are already pulling out the fall decor haha)
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allieksmith
Yay for nice solo meals!! I like your fall decorations, too 🙂
missymiller
I love this post… I can feel your good vibes!
Meredith
I agree, I had a hard time staying motivated to cook for myself when I lived alone. Cooking for 2 or more just makes it easier. Plus when people get hungry, it almost forces you to cook! I really need to start cooking more Brussel sprouts. That salad looks yummy!
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