Introducing: Nourishing Solo

I started Nourishing Solo because in my nutrition clinic I talk to more and more people who cook for themselves and struggle to find motivation and inspiration in the kitchen.  They also find it really hard to cook for one rather than a whole family.  I know what it’s like to get to the end of the day and wonder, yet again, what you’re going to make for dinner, end up making a meal for an army and having to eat it night after night, eventually you get sick of it, and it’s possible that you even end up wasting some of it.

I have been cooking for myself for a long time as my partner works away a lot.  I have to come up with ways to keep me motivated in the kitchen so I’m not ordering takeaways all the time, and to keep me inspired so I’m not eating the same thing all the time.  I also want to make sure I’m looking after my health and eating nutritious meals. 

Once I found out that I’m not alone in this solo culinary adventure I started to do some research.  Culinary loneliness, culinary solitude, and culinary grief are terms that describe eating alone, whether at home or at a restaurant.  More and more people are living alone due to many reasons, including demographic shifts, lifestyle changes, and the changing norms in gender roles.  Some people isolate themselves on purpose because of their health status and the judgement they receive when eating in a public space and food restriction can also lead to increased loneliness. 

Loneliness or social isolation and dietary behaviours have significant health consequences and are recognised as determinants of health.  Studies have shown that loneliness is associated with poor diet and unhealthy eating patterns; the intake of fruits and vegetables decreases in people with increased loneliness and the consumption of highly processed convenience foods increase.  The isolation that people experienced during the Covid-19 lockdowns across the world has meant that more studies currently being conducted to understand the eating habits of people who live alone.

You’ll notice I have added a page to my website called Nourishing Solo. I have a lot of exciting things planned for it.  First up is an ebook that I’m working on, it explains the latest research and the health implications of culinary isolation, lots of recipes for quick, no fuss, healthy, enjoyable meals with minimal clean up, and advice to help you find inspiration in the kitchen.  In the meantime, follow me on Instagram @nourishingsolo and subscribe to my newsletter for inspiration to motivate you in the kitchen when you’re cooking for one. 

My aim is to show you how to cook delicious, healthy, nutritious meals that are quick, easy, and practical, and have the least amount of clean up as possible. 

References:

DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107051

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063624