Cooking for yourself is the most underrated act of self-care. For years, I believed solo meals were something to rush through or avoid altogether. I’d grab a granola bar, eat cereal standing up or reheat something boring and bland just to “get it over with.” I reserved my real cooking energy for guests, holidays, my partner, my students and my job. Meals for myself? Those didn’t count as real meals. 

But they do! Learning to cook for one — intentionally, generously, without apology — has quietly become one of the most radical things I’ve done for my own well-being. 

Most of my life, I showed love in the language I knew best: food. But somewhere in all that giving, I forgot how to feed just me. On nights when I was home alone, I’d default to lazy snacking or leftovers, as if a “real” meal wasn’t worth the trouble. Should I use the good olive oil? I’ll save it for guests. The pretty plates — why dirty them? A proper dinner — what’s the point? 

Then, slowly, something shifted. You’re allowed to roast a single chicken thigh. You’re allowed to eat fancy olives out of a ramekin. You don’t have to earn it. You just have to be hungry and worthy — and I promise, you are both. 

Women especially are taught that food is something we give. We feed the family, we bring the cookies to the party, we cook to show love. But rarely are we taught that feeding ourselves with the same level of care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. 

There is real freedom in cooking for yourself. You get to be picky, spontaneous, simple or extra. You can use the good fork. You can eat dinner at 5 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. There are no rules and no compromises. 

For me, it started with a lemon. I had one lonely lemon rolling around the fridge and decided to make a single serving of pasta al limone. It was extra creamy, full of garlic, topped with cracked pepper and a scattering of herbs. I lit a candle, sat at the table and savored every bit of it. No one else was there to witness it — and still, it mattered. 

Remember, even with no one else at the table, you are still worthy of a meal made with care. Cooking for one is not about performance either. It’s not about impressing anyone or posting a perfect plate. It’s about listening to what you want to eat and giving yourself permission to enjoy it. 

Some of my favorite solo meals lately include: 

• Roasted carrots, hummus and warm pita eaten picnic-style on the couch
• A jammy egg on buttered toast with flaky salt and za’atar
• A chopped salad with too many toppings (because no one is stopping me)
• Crispy tofu and rice noodles with peanut sauce
• A cheese plate and wine (just because it’s Tuesday) 

There’s freedom in cooking for yourself. Try this easy peanut-sesame noodles recipe next time you need a little self-care dinner. 

Peanut-Sesame Noodles for One 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. noodles (soba, rice noodles, spaghetti — whatever you have) 
• 1 tbsp. peanut butter 
• 1 tsp. soy sauce 
• 1 tsp. sesame oil 
• 1 tsp. rice vinegar or lime juice 
• 1/2 tsp. honey or maple syrup 
• 1 small garlic clove, grated or finely chopped 
• Crushed red pepper or chili crisp (to taste) 
• Optional toppings: shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, green onion, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, crispy tofu (my favorite) or grilled chicken 

Instructions: 

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse under cold water if serving chilled. 
2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar or lime juice, sweetener and garlic. Add a splash of hot water if the sauce is too thick. 
3. Toss the noodles in the sauce until well coated. 
4. Customize with your favorite toppings. 
5. Eat immediately, or chill for later. 
6. Serve in your favorite bowl, and eat with a fork or chopsticks!
7. Enjoy!

About

Lincoln Land Community College offers credit programs in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management and Baking/Pastry, and non-credit cooking and food classes through LLCC Community Education.

Cooking or food questions? Email epicuriosity101@llcc.edu.