In a world of supersize and value meals, it is difficult for any hungry individual to gauge appropriate portion size. Even in the grocery store, it is rare that you come across the perfect measured ingredients to cook up a portioned meal for one.  You’re forced to buy several servings of almost any ingredient, be it an oversized package of chicken or a large container of mushrooms.  Part of the ease in cooking comes from the leniency of measurements yet people find themselves overwhelmed by the size and quantity that is offered as well as the waste and expense that go hand in hand.

Well, it is finally time that you take advantage of the value stores sometimes offer and create delicious, fast, and easy meals that can be enjoyed at any time of day throughout the entire week.   With some simple planning and a hungry stomach you will be surprised at the variety of meals you can create after just one trip to the supermarket.  While we all love to enjoy our meals with some company, the reality is that busy work schedules and late nights at the office often leave us alone for dinner the majority of the week.  Think of this time as a chance to pamper yourself with exactly the meal YOU want.  

This emphasis on quantity continues to neglect the “party of one” market, but here are some tips on how to transform quantity value into quality meals-for-one. 

Take a package of chicken for example.  Even the smaller packages contain about 3-4 pieces on average.  Monday night, while baking one piece of chicken with some tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a classic American favorite, chicken parmesan (see Kat Odell’s super easy chicken parmesan video), you can season the remaining pieces of chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a small skillet on your stovetop.  Then, prepare a grilled chicken sandwich for lunch the next day. Or, toss with whole-wheat pasta and your favorite sauce for another mid week quick fix meal.  You can even keep one piece uncooked in a zip lock bag with your favorite salad dressing or marinade for a quick fix dinner the next night.  So, the next time you become intimidated by the multiple servings you’re forced to purchase, think of it as an opportunity to explore your favorite tastes in a variety of ways.