Fitness
Wacky Fitness Devices That Really Work
Diet
7 Best Meals When You're Cooking for One
Eating alone? Put down that microwave dinner and step away from the Pop-Tarts. We found these very healthful (and very tasty) ways to eat solo
Be a slow cooker
Haven't you heard? Slow cookers aren't just for grandmas anymore. In fact, they're actually perfect for people eating alone. "Making food with a slow cooker is simple and doesn't require much prep time," says Kathy Hester , author of "The Vegan Slow Cooker." Even better? "Coming home to a ready-to-eat meal discourages the temptation to call for a greasy takeout meal, or have yet another wine and cheese dinner. "Hester recommends using a 1 1/2- to 2-quart slow cooker -- i.e., one that won't serve an entire football team -- to make healthy, filling recipes for dinner, such as protein- and fiber-filled Spicy Southern Chickpeas and Grits. Add the following ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 9 hours.
Spicy Southern Chickpeas and Grits 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped small
2 cloves garlic, minced (can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder instead)
1 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (or 1 can rinsed)
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes (or 1 can Muir Glen diced tomatoes)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder, to taste
A few dashes liquid smoke or smoked salt, to taste (Start small if you're not a fan of smoky foods or leave it out altogether.)
Tabasco or other hot sauce, optional (Use instead of chipotle powder or in addition to depending on your taste for heat.)
Salt and pepper, to taste
SEE NEXT PAGE: Prepare your protein
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