Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome had smacked me,
sacked me, and whacked me. I was exhausted and wracked with pain. Eating a
healthy diet free from processed foods, dyes, and chemicals was an absolutely
essential component in the plan I was designing to try to feel better.
But how was I supposed to find the energy to prepare
healthy foods when I barely had the energy to rip open a box of something?
I discovered that having the right tools really helps cut
the time it takes to prepare fresh, whole foods. Here are some of my favorites.
Microplane grater.
I drink fresh ginger tea every day and put freshly grated ginger in a
lot of things I cook. It only takes a
few minutes to peel the amount of ginger I need and grate it with the microplane. I keep a brush in my dish drainer to rinse
and scrub the grater as soon as I use it, so clean up is a snap too.
Pineapple corer.
I eat fresh pineapple every day but cutting through that tough skin to
get to the good stuff can be a chore.
You can buy a simple pineapple corer/cutter for about $15 at your
favorite kitchen store. Mine cuts out
the core, takes off the skin, and cuts the fruit into rings or slices in two
minutes.
Vegetable Steamer.
Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and a ton of other yummy vegetables can
be prepared quickly in a vegetable steamer.
Rice Cooker. Toss brown rice into your rice cooker and
you have a great side dish with no muss, no fuss.
Crockpot. Fill it
up in the morning and dinner is ready when you are in the evening. Cook a roast with potatoes and carrots. You will have a meal ready and leftover meat
to freeze for sandwiches later.
Freezer. I don’t eat processed lunchmeat. So I grill a whole package of
chicken breasts at one time, wrap and freeze.
When I need to fix a quick sandwich, I just defrost in the microwave and
enjoy. Grapes are a delicious frozen
treat. Wash a large bunch of grapes, place in a freezer safe container, and take
out a handful to munch for a healthy, satisfying snack.
Please share your favorite kitchen gadgets.
What tips do you have for making eating healthy easier?
