Batch prep doesn’t mean cooking all day—it means making tomorrow easier.
Batch prep has a reputation for being complicated, time-consuming, and suited only for people who alphabetize their spice racks. But batch prep for one doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be as simple as preparing one thing. That’s it. One item that makes tomorrow easier.
Pick one: a grain (like quinoa or rice), a protein (like beans or tofu), or roasted vegetables. Preparing just one component gives you flexibility to create multiple meals without spending hours in the kitchen. When you live alone, over-prepping leads to boredom and waste—but prepping one item creates options without overwhelm.
Research from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that people who spend even a little more time on meal prep each week—just 20 to 40 minutes—consume healthier diets and eat fewer fast-food meals (Wolfson & Bleich, 2015). The key is small, consistent preparation, not marathon cooking sessions.
Emeril Lagasse said it best: “Food is love—so make it easy to love.” Lazy batch prep does just that. You’re preparing something small today that your future self will thank you for tomorrow.
Cooking for one thrives on flexibility. A container of roasted veggies becomes a bowl, a quesadilla filler, a pasta topping, or a side dish. A batch of quinoa becomes breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on what you pair it with. One small action unlocks an entire week of nourishment.
Lazy batch prep keeps you out of the kitchen longer while helping you stay healthy.
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Recipe for One: 10-Minute Roasted Veggies
Ingredients: broccoli, carrots, olive oil, salt, pepper
Instructions: Toss veggies → season → roast at 425° for 10–12 minutes.
Chef Quote: “Food is love—so make it easy to love.” — Emeril Lagasse