Eating Right: Dinner for 1

 People say that when you get married, you let yourself go, but research suggests otherwise. Studies actually find that married people typically make better diet and lifestyle choices than singles. Nutritionists believe that living on your own can lead to a host of unhealthy choices for a variety of reasons. For example, when you’re just one person, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to prepare a meal each night that you’ll only eat a small portion of. It’s much simpler (and less time consuming) to drive through McDonald’s. And when you’re a young professional, you’re often logging insane hours in the office rather than penciling in times to hit the gym or playing pick-up with friends. While it may be a little harder for you to stay healthy, there are lots of things you can do to avoid the singles slump. First off, plan ahead. Cook meals for a couple of weeknights on Sunday so you’re prepared and won’t be in a situation where you will depend on the drive-through. Crock pots are an easy and efficient way to cook something that will last you the whole week. You can also be prepared by buying convenience foods that are also healthy. We’re not talking about a 24-pack of sugary single serving cereal boxes or potato chips, but rather granola bars, string cheese, and whole-grain crackers. By stocking your pantry with healthier items, you can create low-fat meals without sacrificing variety. Select skim milk, natural peanut butter, fat-free shredded cheese, and lean proteins such as chicken and salmon. Cooking and eating right for one may take a little getting used to, but your body will thank you for it!