First time cooker! :P

[cynwldkat]

Another idea...even if you are cooking for only one person it doesn't mean you have to prepare food for one. Prepare a recipe for 4 and freeze the other 3 for other dinners. Most anything can be frozen. Make up some crockpot dinners and again freeze the leftovers. I use either seal a meal type bags or those zip lock storage containers. That way you have quick and still healthy meals and yet you can buy things costing less because you can get larger amounts.
I did read where they have a discount grocery store called "Sav a Lot". I don't personally know anything about it othere then it is in CO.

[TakeAhike]

Has anyone used a 'Stove Top Grill'? such as this one or others?
Stove Top Grill

When I was a 20 something almost 'anything' cooked on the grill was good. The TV chefs seem to use stove top grills a lot and I think that would be a good investment.

The OP should be sure to get some good knives and a chopping board. Rachel Ray's advice to chop veggies and store them in a plastic bag for the week is a good idea. Wash and dry the lettuce and then it will be easier to make salads instead of say --LOL--microwaving Marie Callender's delicious entrees.

Establish a good exercise routine ASAP. Keep the stuff for salads handy and fruits. Popcorn for snacking.