If you know me, you know that my whole approach to cooking and food is about making food as simple as possible while using real ingredients. For me, it all comes down to how we eat. our energy, our mental health, our sleep, the ways we manifest in life, our mood, how we feel in our bodies. It all comes back to what we eat and fuel our bodies (and brains).
But I don’t have endless time to cook gourmet, farm-to-table meals every day (and I have a feeling you don’t either). I like my meals to be quick, efficient, and delicious so I can still enjoy REAL life without stressing about putting a healthy dinner on the table for my family.
Learning to cook this way has been life changing for me. I save time, but I can still feel so good about the foods we serve and eat every day in our home. But, I can’t do it alone.
I’ve found a selection of healthy kitchen gadgets that make preparing quick, healthy meals so much easier. And people keep asking me what my favorite cookware, blender, or knives are, so I figured it was time to put them all together in one concise place for anyone who’s interested.
A few things to note –
I’m not a fan of teflon or non-stick stuff. In general, I’m also wary of any new products that don’t stick “green” either. I stick to stainless steel and my cast iron skillet in my shed for 99% of my cooking. Yes, you have to use olive oil or butter to make sure things don’t stick, but that’s a great thing from a real food perspective. Healthy fats are always a yes in my book.
I also buy quality and reusable items. Because of this, I’m not a huge fan of tons of appliances (especially appliances that only serve one purpose). I would much rather invest in a high quality product like a blender that I can use in multiple ways and that lasts forever. It saves a lot of kitchen space and helps keep food simple.
Some of my ALL-TIME favorite staples and everyday healthy kitchen essentials:
- My stainless steel pot (my everyday matcha pot): I use every day – IFYYK this pan! I’ve had it for decades and use it every day, primarily always for making my matcha, heating up soup, and just about everything else. It’s the PERFECT size, not too small, not too big. I love that it’s stainless steel (ie no chemical additives on the cook surface).
- 10 and 12 inch stainless steel pansThe 10 inch is perfect for heating eggs and small items in the morning. 12 is perfect for pancakes. Or if you’re looking for a new set, the small and large bundle are amazing (we have the small one, it was a wedding gift that just keeps on giving).
- Toaster oven (mini oven). we don’t have a microwave and just got one last year to heat things up faster (so up to 5 minutes) especially with 2 kids. It heats up instantly and even though it takes up space I’d say we use this at least 4 times a day. I got this one because it was one of the only ones available in white. 🙂
- Electric Blender and Beverage Frother (USB Rechargeable)Best thing when I travel to make my matcha without a blender. Or at home, especially for ice.
- Vitamix blender: noand that’s it, it’s the best investment I’ve ever made, both in my kitchen and in my and my family’s health. Smoothies galore, healthy one-minute muffin/pancake batters, soups and so much more! I’ve had mine for over 15 years and it’s still a great job.
- Stainless steel baking sheets (large) or smaller (combined with natural parchment paper) for roasting vegetables, making cookies, brownies, etc. and quick pan meals. These are the best. And I love that they are non-stick.
- Instant shopping cart. yes, the obsession I’ve been giving up for so long that was now my partner in crime for getting a hot meal on the table in less than 25 minutes (usually closer to 15 minutes). If you are responsible for cooking for people, this tool has honestly CHANGED the game for me. Perfect rice, shredded chicken, soups/stews, beans and lentils that are much easier for your body to digest (and cheaper when you cook them dry). everything comes out fast!
More healthy kitchen items I love.
RIGHT IN IKALI! A VERY NICE AND NEWLY UPDATED 4 WEEK FOOD PRESS, READY FOR YOU TO PLAY SUCCESS AND FEEL THE BEST YOU’VE EVER FEELD, IN LESS TIME AND LESS TRAFFIC! Are all your meals healthy, prepared and planned for you?
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