by Betty Blake

Created on: July 20, 2010

Many single guys tend to grab a take out or order a pizza at home in order to satisfy their culinary needs at home. But, the trouble with this habit is that after a while it can cause the waistline to expand especially if a couple of beers are added on a daily basis.We all know the consequences of too much of restaurant foods. These meals are generally loaded with sodium, sugar and saturated fats. Moreover, when it comes to the food budget, this could add up a few dollars at the end of the month. In this declining economy, no one can afford to spend unnecessarily on food.

Although a guy is single, for health and budgetary reasons, it's good to develop the great habit of cooking meals. At least, he will have control over the ingredients and the quality of foods utilized. These meals are quick, easy and will provide him with essental nutrients for the body. Some easy meals for the single guy are:

Steak and Potatoes

This meal doesn't involve hours in the kitchen. A filet mignon takes a few minutes on each side to sear. This could be done on the stovetop in a hot skillet. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Rub steak with a clove of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and cook same in skillet to your preference (rear, medium or well done). Topple with a little crumbled goatcheese if desire. It takes a few minutes in the microwave to bake a potato. Prick with fork in order to prevent exploding of potato. Serve meal with a small green salad and sour cream for potato. A glass of merlot is excellent with this meal.

Baked salmon and vegetables

A dish like this takes less than thirty minutes. In addition, the whole process is carried out in the oven. There is virtually little or no clean up as it will be done in foil or parchment paper. Julienne some bell peppers and cut up broccoli and asparagus. Season these with salt and pepper.  Place salmon on top and season to taste as well. Drizzle a little oil on these with a pat of butter. Fold foil or parchment paper pricking a few holes in order for steam to escape. Place on a cookie sheet pan and bake until fish is flaky and vegetables are crunchy. The vegetables will sweat and produce its own buttery sauce. Serve this over a bed of instant Uncle Ben wholewheat rice. The pouch can be done in the microwave.

You will be reaping much needed omega fatty acids from the fish, and tons of fibers, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients from the whole grain rice and vegetables.

Burger and grilled vegetables

If the weather is cooperative you could fire up the outside grill and have some friends over. Burgers require very little time on the grill. While they are cooking you could simultaneously grill the vegetables like corn, bell peppers, etc. on the other side of the grill. Don't forget to also grill the buns. Some ice-cold beer would be excellent with these burgers.

As a single guy there is no need to spend those hard earned dollars on daily take outs. How about preparing any of the above dishes and impress that special girl. It goes both ways, 'the way to a woman's heart is sometimes through that tummy.'  Do remember the candles and flowers. Now, that's where the extra savings from take outs should go! Well, along with a special night out.

Learn more about this author, Betty Blake.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.