Eating healthy can sometimes seem like a daunting task, but with these seven kitchen hacks, it can become significantly easier. These simple tips and tricks will help you stay on track with your healthy eating goals and make your time in the kitchen more efficient.
- Prep in Advance
One of the most effective ways to make eating healthy easier is to prep your meals and snacks in advance. Set aside a few hours on the weekend to chop vegetables, cook grains, and portion out healthy snacks. For example, you can wash and cut up a variety of fruits and vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re hungry or in a rush, you’ll have healthy options readily available. Prepping in advance also helps you avoid the temptation of reaching for unhealthy convenience foods. - Use Mason Jars
Mason jars are a great tool for healthy eating. You can use them to make overnight oats, salads in a jar, or even store homemade smoothies. Layer your ingredients in the jar for a visually appealing and convenient meal or snack. For overnight oats, simply combine rolled oats, milk or yogurt, and your favorite fruits and nuts in a jar and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, you’ll have a delicious and healthy breakfast ready to go. Salads in a jar stay fresh for several days, making it easy to have a healthy lunch on hand. - Invest in Good Storage Containers
Having quality storage containers is essential for keeping your food fresh and organized. Look for containers that are airtight and microwave-safe to make reheating leftovers a breeze. Use different sizes of containers to store everything from individual servings of fruits and vegetables to large batches of cooked meals. Label your containers with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of what’s in your fridge and freezer. This helps prevent food waste and ensures that you always know what healthy options you have available. - Keep Your Kitchen Stocked with Healthy Staples
Make sure your kitchen is always stocked with healthy staples such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This way, you’ll always have the ingredients on hand to make a nutritious meal. Some examples of healthy staples include brown rice, quinoa, lentils, chicken breast, fish, eggs, apples, bananas, berries, spinach, kale, avocados, nuts, and seeds. When you go grocery shopping, make a list and stick to it to avoid buying unhealthy impulse items. - Make Your Own Salad Dressings
Store-bought salad dressings can be loaded with added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Instead, make your own salad dressings at home using simple ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs. You can customize the flavors to your liking and control the ingredients to ensure they’re healthy. Making your own dressings is also more cost-effective in the long run. Store your homemade dressings in a jar in the refrigerator and they’ll last for several weeks. - Use Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables are a convenient and healthy option when fresh produce isn’t available or is out of season. They are often picked at their peak ripeness and frozen quickly, which helps preserve their nutrients. Frozen fruits are great for making smoothies, and frozen vegetables can be added to soups, stir-fries, and casseroles. Keep a variety of frozen fruits and vegetables on hand so you always have healthy options for meals and snacks. - Cook in Bulk
Cooking in bulk is a great way to save time and ensure you have healthy meals throughout the week. Make a large batch of a healthy soup, stew, or casserole on the weekend and portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners. You can also cook a big batch of grains like brown rice or quinoa and use it in various meals throughout the week. Cooking in bulk reduces the temptation to order takeout or eat unhealthy convenience foods when you’re short on time.
In conclusion, these seven kitchen hacks can make eating healthy much easier and more enjoyable. By prepping in advance, using mason jars, investing in good storage containers, stocking up on healthy staples, making your own salad dressings, using frozen fruits and vegetables, and cooking in bulk, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy diet. Incorporate these hacks into your routine and watch as your healthy eating habits become more sustainable.