Are you frustrated with your attempts to make healthy food? Much of the stress generated by one’s kitchen is due to the accumulation of cookware — to the point where you don’t know where to find things. It takes some planning to maintain a stress-free kitchen that has space — both literally and mentally — for food inspiration. And this sort of project is worth the effort. Remember, the kitchen is at the heart of your household.
When you undertake a kitchen reorganization, it is wise to consider your health priorities. What do you need to turn your kitchen into a healthy paradise? Discover the 7 mighty tools to stay thin and healthy as you prepare yummy meals!
#1. High-Quality Blender and/or Food Processor
In the modern age, it is inconceivable to have a kitchen without a food processor or a blender. I know I would be lost without my Vitamix! These types of tools make it so much easier to prepare the variety of healthy ingredients available. Food processors and some blenders make cutting, slicing, chopping and, of course, blending a breeze.
Smoothies are a popular meal choice for health. And, a food processor can empower you to make a wide variety of sauces, pastes, soups and salsas with just the turn of a button. This keeps your recipes healthy and easy to do.
#2. Healthy Non-Stick Frying Pans
Most people’s diets fail once in the pan: Indeed sticky pans will require a lot of oil or grease to make sure that the food doesn’t burn or stick, and there go your dreams of a healthy vegetable omelet. In contrast, non-stick options, such as elegant pebble frying pans, will ensure that your food needs only a dot of oil to cook. So you control exactly what you eat.
#3 Steamer
There’s another way to cook your vegetables, and even your fish, without any oil, and this is with a steamer. You will find simple, inexpensive options that only need a pan of water or you can try a more advanced electric steamer. Both provide the same quality of results, so it’s up to you what you choose!
#4. Apple Divider
The apple divider is a smart tool that cuts your apple into manageable wedges. Not only is it inexpensive and easy to use, but it also guarantees that you’ll grab some fruit more often than not! You can find affordable and quality options directly in most grocery stores, as well as in your local IKEA. Keeping an apple divider visible by the bowl of fruits can have a very positive impact on your diet, as most people avoid eating fruits that demand too much work to prepare.
#5. Quality Zester
Skip the extra pinch of salt that can be unhealthy and grab a quality zester instead! I love mine, made by OXO. Using citrus zest in your everyday cooking is a delicious way of adding a refreshing and calorie-free touch to your favorite meals. You can also use it on whole nutmeg, garlic and even ginger. This simple utensil can completely change the taste of your salad or pasta dish with a tasteful and zingy flavor. I did tell you that healthy could be yummy too, right?
#6. Small Plates
Plates have become larger and larger — especially in America! — and it is now difficult for people to control their portion size. Adults shouldn’t need to eat more than what fits on a salad plate, which is around 9 inches wide. So check that your plates are up for it and discard anything that is bigger than 9 inches, as this will encourage you to fill it with more food, leading to you eating more than you truly need. You can find plenty of elegant salad plates in most shops and bring a new touch of fun to your kitchen.
#7. Small Shot Glasses
Small shot glasses, or espresso cups, are ideal for serving puddings and mousses. Indeed, their small sizes allow you to control the portions and the calories easily. Don’t worry, though; they have just the right size to satisfy all sweet cravings and make sure that everyone has had enough dessert. All you need now is to look for dark chocolate mousse recipes, or mini tiramisu perhaps. The choice of sweet is all yours!
These are changes of habits that are worth embracing for a healthy lifestyle in the kitchen. After all, your health starts on your plate! So make the most of it and stock your kitchen with smart and helpful tools for a thinner and leaner you. You can go healthy without losing any of the pleasure of good food.
[divider]
[one_third] 
[/one_third]
[two_third_last]
Take Charge of Your Health!
Changing your eating habits can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be if you take a little time to think it out and create a plan.
This Healthy Eating Worksheet will walk you through the process of creating a healthy eating plan. All you need to do is print it out, set aside some time to complete it, and then fill it out. Then you can create your plan, knowing that you have addressed potential obstacles and came up with some creative ways to handle them.
[/two_third_last]
There are several brands that make chocolate hazelnut spread — Nutella being the most commonly known. Most of these brands use palm oil for texture, however, due to its high saturated fat and caloric content, it is a dubious choice for health. But chocolate hazelnut spread tastes so good, right?
With all the pasta that Italian cuisine is famous for, you’d think it would be the last type of cuisine recommended for folks with diabetes. But, according to author, chef and Mediterranean expert Amy Riolo, the core of classic Italian cooking is preparing fresh ingredients, such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry, seafood and more, with time-honored techniques that preserve flavor, as well as tradition.
[/one_fifth]
[/one_fifth_last]
Overall, I found the texture of the smaller popcorn to be quite pleasant. Texture is a part of your overall experience of taste, and the size of these mini popcorns added an interesting solidity to my experience. Traditionally sized popcorn often is more fluffy, whereas this was more kernel-y.
The flavors were very subtle. The butter mini popcorn tasted like plain popcorn. I couldn’t really perceive much cheesy-ness in the white cheddar flavor. And although the truffle sea salt has that nice earthy quality, it was still very lite. I would have appreciated a more bold flavor.
Baking brings up so many wonderful memories for me. There is something wonderful about the smell of freshly baked … well, anything filling up the room. Cookies, sweet breads, yeast breads, you name it. And the best thing about baking at home is that you can create fantastic treats on a budget. Here are some tips for baking at home on a budget while also making your sweets taste and look professional.
