When I embarked on a Whole30 Journey a few years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I mean I kinda understood how what we eat affects how we feel, but I vastly underestimated just how much affect it has. Since finishing My First Whole30 I have done a few resets since, but continued to use what I learned from the first one to shape what is now my "Whole Life" which is a balance between eating good quality food and staying away from sugar-laden products... while still enjoying my chocolate, cheese, and adult beverages. I have kept many of my Whole30 practices though, and absolutely keep a full jar of Whole30 Ranch Dressing on hand at all times, but there are a few kitchen gadgets that I highly recommend to anyone starting Whole30 or even trying to find the balance for your Whole Life. Here are my Top Ten Must Have Whole30 Kitchen Gadgets.
1. Elite Cuisine Maxi-Matic Egg Poacher & Egg Cooker with 7 Egg Capacity
This little thing is a total game changer. You have probably seen my struggle with boiling eggs, but this little thing has made all of that a thing of the past. This egg cooker perfectly "boils" seven eggs at a time. Perfect for egg salad, tuna salad, and more. It even comes with a little poaching and omelet tray! Throw in your favorite veggies and voila! Your Whole30 Breakfast is done!
I have never been a huge fan of fried foods... but there is something about being told you "can't" have something that makes you suddenly want it. The Power Fryer XL helps you alleviate that by giving you the ability to "fry" with just the power of hot air! Want french fries? No problem. Fried chicken - with almond flour of course - Easy peasy. But my absolute must have in this is my Garlic Balsamic Brussels Sprouts which cook in just 15 minutes - and will absolutely change the way you think about Brussels Sprouts!
One of my favorite things to snack on was always dried fruit... but when you buy it already prepared it is just laden with added sugars. The Nesco Food Dehydrator lets you easily dry out your own fruits, vegetables, and meats - all while controlling just exactly what goes into it!
4. Magic Bullet
While Whole30 recommends you eat your meals and do not drink them, I found some days I wasn't hungry enough for a full meal, and a smoothie would do the trick. The Magic Bullet is the perfect sized portion for your Whole30 Smoothies.
5. Elite Platinum 3-Tier Food Steamer
If I had to give one bit of advice to someone doing whole30 it would be to not overcomplicate it. The beauty of food is that it tastes amazing...all on its own! Once you have broken free from the sugar dragon you will start to discover some of the wonderful flavors you didn't even know existed! This three-tiered food steamer was a life saver for me to get dinner on the table quickly and easily - and everyone loved it. Load up the steamer with your favorite veggies and let it do its thing while you cook up your favorite protein! Voila!
Even with the best-laid plans... I still would have to make full meals in a hurry some days. That is when I relied on my Power Pressure Cooker XL that could get a pot roast from the market to my dinner table in about an hour. You can't beat that. What makes this guy even more amazing is that it can also be used as a slow cooker or for canning!
When Mike and the girls gave me this little gadget as a birthday gift, it was quite possibly the best gift ever. Why? Because to me, I took it as support in my new found healthy lifestyle and an understanding of my love for avocados! Since I literally eat an avocado or homemade guacamole pretty much daily, this baby has gotten a lot of use - and still cuts just as well as it did the very first day. Sure you can use a knife, but this cuts, seeds and slices your avocado all in the twist of a wrist!
8. Spiralizer 5-Blade Vegetable Slicer
Pasta was my weakness way more so than sweets, so when I discovered Zoodles - "noodles" made fro zucchini and other favorite veggies - I knew they were going to become a staple. I admit, it took some time to perfect the cooking of these little things - but this Spiralizer makes it a piece of cake (errr, squash?!) to get them ready!
9. Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
You may have seen my Whole30 Mayo Recipe with a video that shows just exactly how I made that delicious creaminess that you almost want to eat with a spoon... and I did that method for a long time. Until a friend of mine introduced me to the Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender... which takes about ¼ of the time and ½ the mess! This little thing is a must have for any Whole30 Kitchen!
10. Three Compartment Meal Prep Containers
Preparation is the key to success with any lifestyle - but especially Whole30. These Meal Prep containers let you divide the perfect portions of your favorite meals so that they are always ready - giving you zero excuses for "cheating" on your Whole30 because "nothing is prepared." Even though I worked from home, there were days when I got so busy, it would have been easier to run grab something in a drive through. Having these containers and getting in the habit of meal prepping every Sunday was one of the key factors to my Success On Whole30.
There is nothing about whole30 that is necessarily "easy" but these tools can help you make it easier. In the words of Melissa Hartwig - the creator of Whole30: “It is not hard. Don’t you dare tell us this is hard. Quitting heroin is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard.” If you want it badly enough - you can do it. These gadgets will help.
Starla says
SO many great products! I would love to try the pressure cooker and the egg cooker. Both of these items would save me so much time!