By Nicole Zaybak Drepaniotis, MS, RD, CDN
Cooking and prepping your food at home can help you eat more nutritiously and wisely. When you can control the ingredients, it is easier to decrease calories and unnecessary fats in meals. But have you ever felt overwhelmed in the kitchen and said to yourself, “I wish I had a gadget that could do that?” Well, if so, here are some kitchen gadgets and tools that can help make your experience with cooking and prepping a bit easier and healthier.
- Spiralizer
A spiralizer can help you eat more vegetables in a delicious way. Butternut squash, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash are just some examples of some healthy meals created when using the spiralizer.
- Mini Food Processor
This gadget can help you quickly chop foods such as salads, nut butter, homemade pesto, chopped veggies, and hummus.
- Immersion Blender
This handheld device is easy to use, light weight, and can help you make protein shakes, puree soups, make pesto, and fruit smoothies. They are easy to clean and very functional.
- Salad Spinner
This helpful gadget can remove excess water from your greens and leave you with a nice, crisp salad!
- Foreman Grill
This non-stick coating on the George Foreman Grill allows you to grill proteins and vegetables quickly and healthy without the use of added fats (oil and butter). Marinades welcome!
- Multi-Cooker
The new multi-cookers have the capability of pressure cooking, slow cooking and steaming as just a few options. Whether you are making a stew, quickly making a meal, or steaming vegetables, this is convenient pot in many different ways.
- Slicer
Using an adjustable slicer is a quick way to slice onions, carrots, and other vegetables to compliment a meal.
- Herb Mill
Season with fresh spices with an herb mill. Handy and convenient to flavor all foods.
- Table Top Mister Spritzer
Spraying instead of pouring oil on foods and salads (preferably olive oil) with this spritzer can decrease extra fat calories.
- Dressing Lid
One way to control dressing is with a portion control dressing lid that can dispense the correct amount of dressing for your salads.
- Iced Tea Maker
Have some refreshing unsweetened iced tea with your own iced tea maker. Brew, chill, serve!
Have fun in the kitchen and use some fun gadgets too! Less time prepping means more time enjoying your meal and masterpiece!
Nicole Zaybak Drepaniotis is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has been practicing in the clinical and outpatient settings for the past 15 years, specializing in Bariatrics and Weight Management.