Our diet and the food we eat play an absolutely crucial role in our overall health. But sometimes it’s just as important to have the right kitchen appliances as it is to use the right ingredients. Here are 15 kitchen gadgets that will make healthy eating easier for you.
NutriBullet
Undoubtedly one of the must-have kitchen gadgets of the last decade, the NutriBullet has thousands of fans who swear by it. With an impressive 600W of power, this blender is the perfect tool to create everything from nutritious smoothies and soups, to tasty accompaniments like hummus. Of course you can opt for a cheaper blender but the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly applies. Cheaper blenders wear out quickly and are often unable to do some of the heavy-duty blending tasks that the NutriBullet handles with ease.
Juicer
Don’t confuse a juicer with a blender – they are very different. While a blender will simply blend something placed within it, a juicer gets rid of the pulp from the fruit and vegetables and leaves you with only the juice. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the vitamins and minerals contained in the product without eating the whole thing. You need to think exactly how you will use the juicer before you make the decision to buy. If you only need a small juice in the morning, then a cheap juicer will probably be fine, but if it will be used several times during the day then you should consider buying a more powerful model.
Slow cooker
Unlike what its name suggests, the slow cooker can actually save you a lot of time in the kitchen. It allows you to do all your preparation well ahead of time and then let the meal cook during the day. Perfect for cooking hearty and delicious soups, stews and curries, your slow cooker always provides exceptional results with minimal effort. It also leaves your day free to get on with whatever you want to do.
Steamer
Did you know that when you boil your vegetables you may actually be removing a significant number of nutrients from them? Boiling vegetables is often the most convenient option but boiling has the unfortunate effect of overcooking them and killing the vitamins and minerals they contain. Steaming your vegetables is actually a way to cook them perfectly without losing the nutrients. Consider investing in a steamer – it’s as convenient as boiling but better for you.
AeroPress coffee maker
Are you a coffee lover? Most of us now like to start our morning with a tasty cup of coffee but if you find yourself frequently popping into Starbucks near work for a Caramel Latte you may actually be consuming a serious amount of sugar.
Many of the drinks available at your favorite high street coffee shop are packed with sugar and if you’re drinking one a day you’ll be amazed how it affects your calorie intake. A large Caramel Latte at Starbucks is just under 400 calories per drink and contains 42g of sugar – that’s about half your recommended intake in one drink. So for an alternative, how about making your own Latte? Make use of the AeroPress coffee which creates an espresso style coffee shot in about 10 seconds, then add hot milk and a dash of syrup and you’ve got a replacement!
Spiralizer
Spiralizers are all the rage. They allow you to easily create a brilliant pasta substitute using vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant and butternut squash. Get rid of the starchy white pasta that can clutter your diet and replace it with vegetable pasta. You won’t notice the difference in taste but you will be adding to your five a day.
Smaller plates
OK so they may not be kitchen appliances, as such, but smaller plates can make a big difference to your diet. Eating from a smaller plate actually has a surprising effect on the brain – it makes you feel fuller, even if you’ve eaten less. Eat a full plate of clear food that does something to our subconscious mind because if you fill a smaller plate you feel as if you’ve eaten more than if you had the same amount but off a larger plate. Reduce your portion sizes but trick your stomach with the smaller plate – it really works.
Air fryer
Do you want to get healthy but find it hard to get rid of fried food? Help is at hand with the airfryer. These cookers use a fraction of the oil of a deep fat fryer, but produce very similar results. Cook everything from chips and chicken to fish and veggie crisps without having to feel guilty about the calorie content.
George Foreman grill
The famous George Foreman Grill is still a fantastic choice if you are looking for a more powerful appliance for your kitchen. Allowing you to cook without adding oil or butter, the grill will also reduce the amount of fat that is cooked in your food. The grease drains away from the food rather than just sitting on it, ensuring your food is delicious and fresh tasting while being better for you.
Egg boiler
Eggs are an excellent source of protein but can be a bit tricky to get right. So why not invest in an egg boiler? These machines allow you to hard boil, soft boil or even poach your eggs at the push of a button, so you can enjoy perfect results every time. Start your day with some eggs for breakfast or add to your salads – there are many options.
Infuser bottle
Drinking enough water is very important to staying healthy, but many people are simply too bored with the taste to drink loads of it. If this sounds familiar, you can benefit enormously from a bottle of infusion water. Simply add fresh fruit and water to your bottle and you have a tasty drink that gives you all the benefits of water.
Steam bags
Microwave steam bags are actually a cheaper alternative to buying a steamer. They allow you to use your microwave to cook your vegetables like a steamer. They can cook vegetables in less than five minutes without any disturbance.
A healthy cookbook
If you are going to eat healthy then you need to have a range of recipes to work with. Consider picking up some healthy cookbooks for ideas and inspiration for your new regime.
Oil rich
Many people use more oil than they need when cooking. You can get around this by buying a mister. Fill the bottle with oil and then you to dispense a small amount of oil when you need it. Your meals will automatically be lower in fat and calories.
Ice lolly maker
Addicted to ice cream? You can make your own lollies instead – they’ll be healthier and cheaper too. Make use of pure mixed fruit and simply freeze it in molds.
Article provided by Mike James, freelance content writer and healthy breakfast enthusiast – who works alongside Halcyon Interiors on this post.
