Motel accommodation is a convenient and cost effective option for man, offering a bed, basic amenities and the security of parking your car directly outside your room. The absence of a kitchen however, encourages people to eat out, which can be expensive. However, it's possible to cook homemade meals in a motel providing you have a fridge, microwave, and kettle and basic cooking utensils, equipment and cutlery, etc. As motel fridges generally offer minimal storage space, an esky with ice or a portable car fridge is also handy for storing leftovers and perishable food. Below are several meal ideas you can easily prepare with minimal ingredients. 

Breakfast

There's nothing wrong with milk and cereal, but if you want to be a little more inventive, try instant oats with chopped banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a baked apple with sugar and a little cinnamon. For a bigger appetite, use an egg poacher to poach eggs in the microwave, and if you're feeling cheeky, cook some bacon strips covered with paper towel in a microwave-safe container or plate and serve with sliced bread or toast. 

Lunch

Besides sandwiches, you can use up those eggs with a simple microwave-friendly frittata. Add some ham and capsicum for extra flavour and serve with a pre made salad from the supermarket. For a warm soup, combine some freshly chopped vegetables, precooked chicken or canned chickpeas and seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, curry powder and soy sauce) into a container, cover with hot water from the kettle and place the lid on the container. Leave for 1–5 minutes, depending on how soft you like your vegetables, and enjoy! Alternatively, you can drain the soup water and heat up some precooked noodles with boiled water for an easy stir fry.

Dinner

If you're feeding fussy children then you can't go wrong with mac and cheese. All you need is macaroni, cheddar cheese and water (to boil the pasta). Baked potatoes are also delicious with cheddar cheese, broccoli, chives, butter and yoghurt. If you're craving Italian, why not try chicken penne pasta with cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), chicken stock, dried basil, mozzarella and precooked chicken breast?  

Cooking your own tasty and nutritious meals in a motel room without a kitchen is easier than you think. It can help save you money, which you can put towards other important things—perhaps even another holiday—and it can save you from gaining weight.