Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology have examined 41 existing studies look at how living alone can affect our diets.

Why? The last census in 2010 found that 23 percent of homes had only one person, and that number is expected to rise.

The results were pretty grim; finding that if you live alone, you are more likely to have an unhealthy, poor diet.

Inadequate cooking skills, lack of motivation, and no shopping buddy were a few of the reasons noted by researchers Dr Katherine Hanna and Dr Peter Collins

“Our results found that people who live alone have a lower diversity of food intake and a lower consumption of some core food groups like fruits and vegetables and fish,” Dr Hanna wrote.

“The research suggests living alone may represent a barrier to healthy eating that is related to the cultural and social roles of food and cooking. For example, a lack of motivation and enjoyment in cooking and/or eating alone often led to people preparing simple or ready-made meals lacking key nutrients.”

We think this mezze for one is a good plate to start if you’re single and stuck for motivation. Or dig in to our health section if you’re worried whether your diet is up to scratch.