Pessimists often assume that eating healthy is difficult, time-consuming, and unsustainable. But by starting with just a few of these kitchen tools and gaining the knowledge to use them, you can transform your daily dietary habits and eat cleaner with minimal effort.
1. Blender
High-quality blenders like Vitamix and Nutribullet are incredibly useful tools to have around the kitchen. Instead of having to prepare cooked food in the morning, tossing ingredients in a high-powered blender makes healthy breakfasts quick and easy. Blending is also an easier way to get your greens and other vital nutrients.
2. Spiralizer
If you’re trying to cut back on grains, a spiralizer is your best friend. Spiralizers slice vegetables into thin, noodle-like spirals, giving you the feel of a pasta dish without all that heavy grain. Shred up some sweet potatoes or zucchini, add a sauce or dressing, and enjoy!
3. Ice Cream Maker
Believe it or not, owning an ice cream maker can help you eat healthier – especially if you eat ice cream often. You can start by making ice cream with organic ingredients, or whip up some low fat sorbets. Many vegan ice cream recipes call for all-natural ingredients like bananas and almonds. Experiment to find recipes that are both indulgent and healthy.
4. Dehydrator
While removing the water from your snacks may not sound particularly healthy, dehydrators open up a world of natural snacking opportunities. You may want to make your own veggie chips free of hydrogenated oils, or throw together some raw ingredients for wheat-free crackers. Dehydrators are also great for making fruit snacks for kids — sans the high fructose corn syrup.
5. Citrus Juicer
Tropical fruits have long been known to be both nutrient-dense and effective in helping you reduce body fat. Exotic fruit extracts like garcinia cambogia are said to help ramp up the body’s fat burning ability. Similarly, citrus fruits are known for their cleansing capabilities. A citrus juicer gives you the opportunity to get the freshest, straight-from-the-source juice, free of preservatives.
6. Steamer
For a quick and oil-free way to prepare vegetables, try a steamer. Steaming is the best way to heat vegetables because it preserves vital nutrients better than any other method. While steamed vegetables may sound bland, there are several ways to jazz up steamed vegetables.
7. Food Processor
Food processors a great kitchen tools for creating clean snacks like granola bars, and meals like raw vegan burgers. You can also make your own nut butters, grind meat, or create homemade pesto with a basic food processor.
8. Oil Mister
Whether you are dressing up your salad or cooking in a frying pan, it’s far too easy to dump an excessive amount of oil into your food. Oil misters solve the problem, spritzing just the right amount of oil onto your food. Some of the best android apps for food, like Big Oven, contain dozens of oil-free recipes.
9. Colander
Colanders are useful not only for draining pasta, but for easily cleaning fruits and vegetables. For certain dishes, stainless steel colanders can also be used to drain grease and fat.
10. Crockpot
Crockpots require minimal cooking skills, and provide the perfect set-it-and-forget-it routine for folks who don’t love cooking. Pick up a crockpot cookbook and throw together some simple and clean meals, like vegetable stew, coconut curry chicken, or even cinnamon apple oatmeal.
11. Slicer
Much of the reason people don’t prepare salads at home is the perceived prep work involved. However, picking up an affordable slicer will help you chop tons of veggies in a short period of time.
12. Herb Mill
The Herb Mill defines convenience, solving a widespread problem that all busy people are familiar with – no time to cook. Fresh herbs taste better and provide the live nutrients that bottled ones don’t. But who wants to do all that prep work? Herb Mills efficiently grind up herbs for you, speeding up the meal prep process.
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