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Nourish & Simplify-My Favorite Kitchen Tools

Shallow Pan of Food emoji 10 items
Simple tools that make healthy cooking a joy — not a chore. Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s all about having the right tools on hand. These are my favorite kitchen essentials that make preparing nourishing meals simple, efficien...
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🍴 1. Vitamix Blender

This is my ride-or-die kitchen tool. This is my go-to blender for creating smooth, nutrient-packed recipes in seconds — from soups and sauces, protein shakes, vegan cheese to plant-based milk that actually keep you full. It’s powerful, durable, and w... 

 
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Personal Tip: I have had mine for over 10 years, and I am still able to use this powerful blender daily for creamy soups, nut milks, and energy-boosting protein shakes — it’s my #1 kitchen investment.
Explorian Series E310 - Classic Blenders

2.🍲Multi-Cooker

The ultimate time-saver for meal prep! It makes perfect rice, but it's also wonderful because of its 12 preset cooking functions. (Great for when you want to limit counter space.) You can use it as a slow cooker, you can sauté in it, make soups and c...

 
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Personal Tip: I love using it for making brown rice delicious, as well as ancient grains.
Multifunctional Electric Rice Cookers - Comfee

3. 🔪WUSTOF Classic 8 Inch Chef's Knife

A good knife makes you want to cook. I can’t tell you how much easier meal prep feels with a sharp, balanced blade that glides through veggies. It’s one of those investments that pays for itself every single day.

 
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FYI, this particular knife I've had since graduating from culinary school. As long as you keep it sharpened it should last you a long time:)
WÜSTHOF Classic 8" Chef's Knife

🌿 4. Cutting Board Set (Wood or Bamboo)

I’m all about keeping things clean and organized when I cook, so I use a few different boards — one for produce, one for proteins, one for cooked foods. I love bamboo because it’s sturdy, eco-friendly, and gentle on my knives.

 
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Personal Note: I also use the larger board for rolling out dough. Works really well!
Cutting Board Sets

🥣 5. Glass Meal Prep Containers

These keep me on track when I want to do meal prep.! I prep meals oftentimes on Sunday, portion them in glass containers, and I can see exactly what’s in my fridge. It’s a small habit that helps me eat balanced, home-cooked food all week long.

 
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Side Note: Also great for holding leftover meals even if you don't meal prep often.
C CREST 10 Pack Glass Meal Prep Containers

6.🍳Lodge Cast Iron Skillets

My kitchen workhorse. It goes from stovetop to oven with ease and lasts for decades. I use mine for everything — crispy salmon, veggie hash, cornbread… you name it. Once you season it right, it’s naturally nonstick and adds a little extra iron to you...

 
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Personal Tip: Cast iron skillets will last a lifetime when properly taken care of and are durable. They hold heat very well.
Skillets

7. Cuisinart Air Fryer/Convection Oven

My air fryer is one of my favorite tools for healthy, quick meals that still feel indulgent. It crisps veggies, delicious oven fries, and baked salmon with little to no oil — perfect for those nights when I want something satisfying without the extra...

 
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Personal Tip: This item is helpful for cooking things in half the time of a traditional oven. Also, less heat in your kitchen.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven with Grill

8.🍋 Microplane Classic Stainless Steel Zester & Grater

Tiny tool, big flavor! I use my zester daily — for fresh garlic, ginger, or a little lemon zest on top of salads and soups. It’s one of those tools that instantly upgrades a meal with zero effort.

 
Microplane Black Classic Stainless-Steel Zester and Cheese Grater (hard handle)

9. Salad Spinner

Fresh, crisp greens make all the difference. I wash and spin my lettuce as soon as I get home from the store so it’s ready to go. It sounds simple, but it’s what keeps me eating more salads during the week.

 
Salad Spinner 3 QT with Bowl & Mesh Basket

10. Digital Scale

I use this mainly when I’m developing recipes or when I'm teaching about mindful portions. It’s super helpful for measuring ingredients accurately — especially in baking or when you’re getting to know what “balanced” really looks like on your plate.

 
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This also goes beyond basic features. Sync with your apps (Apple Health & Fit Bit)
Etekcity Nutrition Smart Food Kitchen Scale