When you begin eating a healthier diet, usually that involves more cooking at home. Some of you may not have previously cooked much and wonder what is necessary to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal. Besides the ingredients, here are several kitchen tools and appliances that are either necessary or just really helpful to have to make meal prep and cooking quicker and easier.
- Glass storage containers – since they’re clear, you can easily see what leftovers are hiding in there. And they’re also much better for your health since they’re not made of plastic with harmful chemicals. I love this type because it has the snap and lock lids. (Note that these are affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission, with no change in your purchase price, if you purchase these products through my links. But I only recommend products I use and enjoy.)
- Stainless steel (or glass) mixing bowls – stainless steel and glass are healthier for you than plastic ones; everyone needs a set (at least 3 different sizes). I love having the stainless bowls with the rubber or silicone bottom to prevent slipping on your counter and you ending up with food all over yourself! Here’s a link for a similar set that looks even better than mine because it has lids.
- Stainless steel pans or pots – I’ve researched various types of pots and pans and stainless is better for overall health. Please don’t use the nonstick pans – I know they’re so easy to use for cooking; I did it for years Research has shown that the synthetic chemical covering the pan can cause health problems. Although some manufacturers removed this chemical, problems can still occur if you heat the pan to 500 degrees or higher. So use stainless — makes cooking easy, and I’ve even learned the key to cooking scrambled eggs (just add more coconut or avocado oil, ghee, or butter – if you can tolerate butter).
- Food processor – great for homemade guacamole, sauces, nut butters, cookie or bread batters, chopping veggies, and more.
- Instant pot or crock pot – I’ve had a crock pot for umpteen years and have loved being able to toss something in it in the morning and have dinner ready in the evening; got my first instant pot about 3 years ago and love, love, love it! Since it’s pressurized cooking (very safe now), food cooks quicker than in a crock pot; you can cook a variety of foods such as meats, stews, soups, homemade bone broths, “baked” sweet potatoes, even “boiled” eggs. Everything you used a crock pot for can be done in the instant pot – just quicker! Here’s the link for the brand of instant pot I have. And there’s even a yogurt feature on it now. I love it.
- *High speed blender (Vitamix, Ninja, Blendtec, etc.) – Most of my married life we had a rinky-dink blender. Oh, it blended soft foods decently. But when I decided to do a food elimination diet and really begin eating clean several years ago, my research indicated a high-speed blender would definitely be useful. And boy, was the research right! I don’t know how I survived without it now. Personally, I use a Vitamix but have friends and family who use other brands. I can make a homemade cashew or almond butter from fresh nuts, coconut oil, and a little salt which tastes so-o-o much better than the store bought and is cheaper! I also make pesto, chocolate avocado pudding and shakes, guacamole, soups, smoothies almost daily, and cashew cream just to name a few. This is probably one of the more expensive products I’m recommending, but you can find a reconditioned Vitamix for a cheaper price as well. And there are a variety of models – some cheaper. But this one has been worth the price since I use it one to three times daily. Here’s the link for the one I have:
Hope that is helpful as you cook healthy and easy dishes. Pick out one you’d like and add it to your wishlist. You won’t be disappointed. If you liked that and would like some extra help in staying on a healthier eating plan and achieving your health goals, please reach out to me. As a health and wellness coach, I love helping others realize eating healthier and living healthier is easy — one step at a time. I’d love to help you, too. You can contact me here.
*Please note that the links above are affiliate links which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. But also know that I only recommend products I like.
