As a self-proclaimed #mealprepqueen, I have tested many gadgets, pans, machines, utensils, containers, and a variety of cookware…and found my absolute favorites. The biggest bang for your buck, the ones that make meal prep and cooking more manageable. To sum it up, I put in the work so you didn’t have to!
Most of my clients initially have a mindset around healthy food as hard, expensive and bland. Which, I understand because I used to think that too! But, with the right tools and hacks, you can get confident in the kitchen as you find optimal health through blood sugar bliss!
Recently, I’ve put a bigger focus on ensuring the cookware and containers I use are non-toxic, safe, and don’t leach any harmful chemicals into my made-with-love food. This was a strong priority for optimizing my hormone health prior to pregnancy but continues to be a strong standard for all my clients, too.
I linked my must-haves below for meal prep ease, and to make cooking a breeze!
Tools for Kitchen Confidence
Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer
This air fryer is great for roasting potatoes or veggies – even salmon or homemade chicken nuggets!
Caraway 7-Piece Non-stick Ceramic Cookware
My favorite non-toxic cookware set! Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but they are wonderful to cook in. Similar to the boujee non-toxic cookware at Sur La Ta, these are at a more affordable price, i love my GreenLife non-stick pans!
Primal Palate Organic Spices
These spices are my go-to! Made with no sugar and organic ingredients, these spices elevate the flavor of every meal!
Cusinart Immersion Blender
This is a must-have if you love to make your own sauces! Great for homemade ranch, mayo, or even making soup. Such a versatile tool that I couldn’t live without.
ThermaPro Meat Thermometer
A necessity in any carnivores kitchen! This ensures your meat is cooked to the proper temperature, ensuring all harmful bacteria are killed. Folds up for nice easy storage with your other utensils!
Silicone Cupcake Pan
This may be called a cupcake pan, but in true Whitney fashion, I use it to meal prep egg cups for the week! Easily cleaned and cooks egg cups to perfection.
Glass Meal Prep Containers
These glass meal prep containers are perfect to use when prepping for any meal! I love that they’re glass, so they’re safe to reheat in. And the dividers allow you to pack different components of a meal without them touching!
Stasher Silicone Re-Useable Bags
These bags are great – and dishwasher safe – for storing snacks, fruits, or vegetables! They are leakproof and seal really well! Variety of sizes linked here!
OXO Salad Spinner
To wash those greens! Makes the process of cleaning those veggies easier.
So as you can see, cooking nutrient-dense meals doesn’t require fancy gadgets or overly expensive cookware. Invest a few good utensils and tools, and you’ll be set for cooking with confidence!
Sneaky, yet Nutrient-Dense Shortcuts
Another one of my favorite meal prep hacks? Let it be easy. There is no reward for a hard meal but wasted time. If there is a way to substitute something that makes my life a little bit easier (and doesn’t take away from the health or nutrition of the meal I’m making) – I’m doin’ it!
Think of how much time you save buying pre-shaved frozen cauliflower rice, instead of getting a whole cauliflower and ricing it yourself; or buying a pre-made dressing (that fits my standards of a healthy oil base; avocado or olive oil) instead of having to whip up a DIY version each night.
I also have a section on my blog that lists some of my favorite healthy swaps and grab-n-go foods!
Here are some of my favs to consider for sneaky time savings!
Cauliflower Rice
In my opinion, it’s just as good as the real thing – just a little easier 🙂 Furthermore, it’s lower in carbs and higher in fiber. Blood sugar win!
Primal Kitchen Dressings
Flavorful and delicious sauces that will cut some time off of your meal-prep, but are still healthy like homemade dressings!
SafeCatch Tuna Pouches
For when you want a quick protein source to throw on top of a prepped salad. I mix mine with mashed avocado or hummus to get it nice and creamy, then smear on some cucumber rounds. So easy and so good!
EggLife Wraps
A great low-carb, high protein and quick option for breakfast, lunch or dinner prep! In fact, you can use EggLife wraps instead of bread, tortillas and even pasta!
Zucchini Spirals
For that delicious zoodle dish you’re wanting to make – but saves the time of actually zoodling!
Thrive Market
This is probably my favorite sneaky shortcut of all…sometimes life is a little hectic, and the last thing I want to do is grocery shop. Ordering pantry staples, blood sugar friendly snacks and fun new finds on Thrive Market is one way I ensure kitchen confidence for myself. Set up a recurring monthly order and you’re good to go on staples like sauces, seasonings and snacks!
Kevin’s Natural Foods
When you’re looking for a clean source of protein in a pinch, thank goodness for Kevin’s. I like to use these as a meal starter because the flavors are fun and can easily be paired with frozen veggies and cauli rice for a meal!
Chomps Sticks
If you haven’t seen me pulling jerky out of my purse, where ya been?? But really, a high quality meat stick is the perfect source of protein for on the go snacking.
Gluten-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix
Sunday breakfast and meal prep isn’t complete without protein pancakes or savory gluten-free waffles. We batch prep these to pair with sausage and veggies during the week for an easy, yummy breakfast ready to go!
Still feel unsure about ways to make easy, nutritious meals? Work with me, and I’ll help you build simple meals that are customized to your lifestyle and goals! If you’re looking for more VPFC inspiration, make sure and follow the @whitnessnutrition Instagram for dietitian approved eats and fun new finds!
