When meal preparation feels like too much of a hassle, it’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing fast food or high-calorie snacks. The convenience of these options often outweighs the effort required to cook something healthy, even if we know it’s not the best choice. But instead of opting for something heavy or overly processed, there are simple, nutritious alternatives that don’t require a lot of time or effort.
While muesli, oats or cornflakes may seem like an easy go-to, many versions are packed with added sugar and lack the protein necessary to keep you feeling full and satisfied. A boiled egg, on the other hand, provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, offering a much more balanced and sustaining option for breakfast or a snack.
The key to making healthy meals easier is preparation. There are several kitchen appliances that can make food preparation quick, easy, and healthier by helping you avoid frying and minimising the use of oil. Here are some great options:
1. Egg Boiler: This simple appliance takes the hassle out of boiling eggs. It ensures perfect, consistent results every time, making it easy to prepare high-protein snacks or add to meals without any guesswork. This appliance will cost you roughly R330 and helps you prepare eggs for a few days without them cracking. You can store them in the fridge and grab them to go.
2. Steamer: A steamer is perfect for preparing vegetables in a healthy way and it helps you retain the crunch. It preserves nutrients, flavour, and texture without the need for added fats, offering a quick and nutritious meal option. This appliance will cost you roughly R550. Freshly steamed vegetables every day without the hassle and you never burn them.
3. Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A slow cooker is a game-changer for effortless meal prep. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and by the time you return home, you’ll have a hot, delicious meal ready to enjoy. Perfect for stews, soups, and protein-packed dishes, the slow cooker works wonders to tenderize meat and develop rich, deep flavours with minimal effort. You can cook your protein and vegetables with just salt and pepper, without needing any oil—the protein will cook in its own fat, making it incredibly flavourful and healthy. I absolutely love my slow cooker! For around R1000, you can set it up and let it work its magic. Whether you’re making a chicken and vegetable stew, pulled pork, roast leg of beef, beef brisket, or even a hearty vegetable soup, the slow cooker is the go-to appliance in my kitchen.
4. Grill: A countertop grill or the grill in your oven is an excellent way to cook lean meats and vegetables with minimal oil. Grilling not only helps reduce fat but also preserves the natural flavours of your ingredients. Unlike frying on the stovetop, which often requires seed oils, grilling is a healthier option. Seed oils, such as canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn oil, are harmful when heated. They contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, undergo problematic processing, and break down into harmful compounds when exposed to heat. To improve your health, it’s best to limit the use of these oils, especially when cooking at high temperatures, and instead choose healthier alternatives with more stable fats. A grill helps you to achieve this with ease.
5. Oven (Baking): Baking in the oven is a great way to cook everything from vegetables and beef to pork and chicken breasts with little to no added fat. Roasting or baking helps retain nutrients and flavours, offering a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), which is ideal for cooking protein evenly and locking in the natural juices. To help retain moisture, pat your protein dry with a paper towel before seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover the dish with foil or a lid to trap steam, keeping your meal moist. Remove the cover toward the end of cooking to allow the meat to brown and develop a delicious crust.
6. NutriBullet: Making healthy green shakes in a NutriBullet which retails just under R2000 is a quick and easy way to pack in essential nutrients while retaining all the fibre and pith from your vegetables and fruits. Unlike traditional juicing, which often strips away the fibre, blending in a NutriBullet ensures that you get the full benefit of the whole fruit and vegetable. By including ingredients like spinach, berries, apples (with the skin), and citrus, you preserve the fibre content that aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. The powerful blending action of the NutriBullet breaks down the tough fibers and releases vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients, giving you a nutrient-dense shake that supports overall health and energy levels. A NutriBullet helps prepare shakes rich in fibre and flavonoids, enhancing the nutritional profile of your shake.
Take control of your health today! Don’t wait —start your weight loss journey now with expert coaching and the right tools to make meal prep effortless. With appliances like egg boilers, steamers, and slow cookers, you can prepare healthy meals quickly and easily, without the hassle or added fats.
Our program will guide you how to cook smarter, lose weight faster, and finally break free from unhealthy eating habits. Call us now to sign up and get started on your transformation today. Your healthiest self is just one call away!
