During my time working various jobs, I noticed many young men living away from home struggling to find good food options. Many felt homesick, often ordered too much food, or ended up with unnecessary groceries—like large packs of turmeric—because they didn’t know what to buy or how to cook. This often led to unhealthy eating habits, causing issues like constipation or piles. That’s why I decided to write these tips for bachelors living and working alone.

1. Divide chores fairly if you have a roommate. Either split all tasks equally or alternate—if one cooks, the other cleans.

2. Stick to basic spices like salt, turmeric, red chili powder, or a ready-made masala mix. Don’t stock up on large quantities, especially if you might move soon.

3. Buy essentials like flour, rice, sugar, and milk in small amounts—enough for a week. Communicate travel plans with your roommate to avoid waste. Buy fresh, use fresh, and avoid large packs of butter.

4. Keep a small pack of milk powder and a tin of condensed milk for emergencies.

5. Limit tea and coffee. Instead of many cups a day, try one cup of milk in the morning and at night with a health drink. This also reduces dishwashing.

6. Take out the trash daily and keep the kitchen clean. Wipe surfaces with a wet cloth as you work. Never pour liquids into the garbage bin.

7. Learn simple recipes like boiled potatoes mixed with grated carrots, corn, and other veggies. Use this as a sandwich filling, burger patty, or cutlet.

8. For an easy breakfast, mix milk, curd, nuts, honey, chopped apple, banana, and oats. Refrigerate overnight or blend fresh in the morning for a nutritious meal.

9. If you eat heavy lunches or order junk food, keep dinner light—fruits, shakes, juices, and salads work well.

10. On weekends, make one special dish that can serve as both brunch and dinner with salads. Don’t keep leftovers for days; give them away if you can. Eat fresh.

11. Look up easy recipes online, on YouTube, or food blogs for inspiration.

12. Keep recipes simple. Basic spices often bring out the best flavors in vegetables.

13. Stock cornflakes, biscuits, chips, and a box of sweets for quick snacks. Prepare a big salad for midnight cravings.

14. Make homemade iced tea: Fill a bottle with water, add lemon juice, tea bags, and some sugar, then chill.

15. Use tea masala to enhance the flavor of pulao, boiled potatoes, or veggie omelets.

16. Achar masala works well for making dry potato dishes.

17. With wheat flour, rice, basic spices, pulses, bread, potatoes, green chilies, and onions, you can make most meals at home without ordering out.

18. Quick snack: Mix chopped onions, green chilies, diced potato, wheat flour, salt, and cumin seeds. Deep fry in small batches for tasty ata pakodas.

19. Jam, jelly, marmalade, ketchup, and butter are handy staples for quick meals.

20. Mix boiled rice with curd and sugar for a fast, simple meal.

All the best!