5 Kitchen Appliances That Can Help You Diversify Your Diet
If you're like me, then you might find yourself resorting to the same old recipes for nearly every meal. We tend to stick to the foods we're comfortable making, but that isn't always the best choice for our bodies. A person's diet should be diverse and well-balanced.
A diverse diet is one that incorporates multiple items from all of the major food groups over a certain period of time. While recent studies have come out suggesting that a fully diversified diet might not be the healthiest type, nutritionists still agree that a diet needs plenty of fruits and vegetables, which not everyone is getting.
It can be daunting trying to incorporate unfamiliar foods into a diet, but adding new gadgets to your kitchen can help give you the motivation you need to try something different. We all have the basic appliances in our kitchens — a stove, an oven, a microwave, etc. Other types of appliances can make it easier to add fruits, veggies, and healthy grains into meal plans. There are many to choose from, but these are the ones I have in my kitchen that have transformed my eating habits.
1. Blender
This might seem like a kitchen basic, but a surprising amount of people don't own a blender. The bulkier models are quite expensive, but smaller single-serve alternatives like the NutriNinja will run you around $60. Smaller units are perfect for kitchens with limited space, but it might be worth the splurge for a larger model if you're looking to make bigger servings.
An immediate benefit of buying my blender was being able to add more fruit to my diet with smoothies. Although they can be high in sugar, when prepared with the right ingredients smoothies can account for a hefty portion of your fruit, fiber, and even protein intake.
2. Air Fryer
My air fryer is by far my favorite kitchen appliance. I've prepared countless dishes with it and I've only had it for a couple of months. Not only does its design cut the amount of oil required in half, but it cooks things more evenly than a conventional oven does.
Adding an air fryer to my kitchen encouraged me to try out new recipes. Putting things in my larger oven was always intimidating to me, and my food never seemed to come out correct. The smaller air fryer makes me feel like I have more control over my dish, and the frying drawer is just big enough for one or two servings. It has many different functions that can aid in diversifying your diet — it dehydrates fruit, cooks frozen veggies, fried fish, and so much more.
3. Countertop Grill
Depending on where you live, you might not have the liberty of grilling outside. This is where countertop grills come in handy. My ex-roommate gifted me with a George Foreman grill before I moved out, and it has been a lifesaver.
Certain grills can be used to make a variety of different food items, such as turkey burgers, paninis, and more. Personally, I love grilled asparagus and would like to add more of it into my diet, but my current apartment's grill is old and crusted over. Luckily, the countertop grills can handle almost anything a regular grill can, and recently I was able to cook it to perfection with other protein items.
4. CrockPot / Rice Cooker
If you're looking to add more grains to your diet, a rice cooker or CrockPot is a must-have. I bought this small red unit for my dorm years ago in college, and I've used it for so many things. Like air fryers, Crock Pots can cook almost anything. However, they are slow cookers, so be prepared to wait a while!
I've used my CrockPot to experiment with different stews and soups. These are quick dishes that incorporate a variety of different vegetables — perfect for diet diversification. Additionally, it can be used to cook meats to juicy perfection, and to make fluffy, flawless rice dishes.
5. Juicer
Juicers have been all the rage in the healthy-eating community for years now. I can't even count how many times I've heard, "You can juice anything." I tested this theory and can confirm, you can pretty much juice anything (results may vary). When used in the traditional sense, juicers are perfect for those who prefer to get their fruits and veggies in liquid form.
I've always been the type of person who runs to fruit juices or vegetable blends for my recommended daily values. I'm very picky about what I eat and the texture of certain foods does not agree with me.
However, I know the juices I buy from the store are packed with hidden sugars. It's always better to make things at home where you can control what goes into it. My juicer has allowed me to make my own juice blends and experiment with the tastes of different fruits and vegetables I normally wouldn't try.
It isn't absolutely necessary to buy new products just to experiment in the kitchen. With the right amount of research and practice, you can incorporate healthier choices into your meals the old fashioned way. However, new appliances can often inspire new ideas for potential meals.
If you do need the extra push, these appliances often come with small recipe books that start you off in the right direction. I think it's beneficial to start small and make new creations in smaller doses, and then graduate to making larger batches on the larger appliances. Whatever you prefer, it's undeniable that these appliances can help you begin your food diversification journey.
Opinions and Perspectives
I love how the article breaks down different appliances that can actually make healthy eating more accessible. My air fryer has been a game changer!
Never thought about using a countertop grill for asparagus. I usually just steam my veggies but grilling would add so much more flavor.
The price point of blenders has always held me back. $60 for a NutriNinja sounds reasonable though. Anyone tried it?
My CrockPot has been collecting dust in my cabinet. Maybe I should give those veggie stews a try now that fall is coming.
I disagree about juicers being worth the investment. You lose so much fiber when juicing compared to just blending whole fruits.
Actually, juicing has its own benefits. I find it easier to consume more vegetables through juicing than eating them whole.
These are all great suggestions but they take up so much counter space! My tiny kitchen can barely fit a toaster.
The air fryer really does cook more evenly than a regular oven. I was skeptical at first but now I use mine almost daily.
Anyone else notice how the article mentions diet diversity might not be the healthiest? That caught me off guard.
I started with smoothies and now I'm much more adventurous with my cooking. Sometimes you just need that first step!
Interesting how the author mentions being picky about textures. I struggle with that too, which is why I love my blender.
The small recipe books that come with these appliances are usually pretty basic. I prefer finding recipes online.
My George Foreman grill is probably 10 years old and still working perfectly. Best investment ever for apartment living.
Would love to know what recipes the author makes in their air fryer. I mainly use mine for frozen foods.
The suggestion about starting small and then scaling up makes a lot of sense. I overwhelmed myself trying too much at once.
I work long hours and my CrockPot has saved me countless times. Just throw everything in before work and dinner's ready when I get home!
Not sure about that $60 price point for the NutriNinja. I got mine on sale for much less during Black Friday.
The article makes a good point about store-bought juices being full of hidden sugars. Making your own is definitely healthier.
I have all these appliances but barely use them. Motivation to cook is the real issue for me.
Just got an air fryer last week and already made sweet potato fries, Brussels sprouts, and chicken. Amazing results!
Anyone else think its funny how blenders are considered uncommon? Everyone I know has one.
Remember that these gadgets are tools, not magical solutions. You still need to put in the effort to eat healthy.
I found that getting new kitchen gadgets actually motivated me to try new recipes. Sometimes a little retail therapy helps!
The article understates how versatile air fryers are. You can even bake desserts in them!
Living in an apartment with no outdoor space makes the countertop grill suggestion really valuable.
True about controlling ingredients when making your own juice. I add ginger to everything now.
Rather than buying all these appliances, I think investing in good knives and basic cookware is more important.
My tiny blender changed my breakfast game completely. Quick smoothie bowls are my go-to now.
Meal prep becomes so much easier with a CrockPot. I make huge batches of healthy soups every Sunday.
The article could have mentioned food processors. They're great for making cauliflower rice and other healthy alternatives.
I actually returned my juicer after a month. The cleanup was just too much hassle for me.
Anyone tried dehydrating fruit in their air fryer like the article mentions? Curious about the results.
My countertop grill doubles as a panini press. Great for making healthy sandwiches!
The suggestion about hidden sugars in store-bought juices is so true. I was shocked when I started reading labels.
These gadgets definitely helped me eat more vegetables. Something about new tools makes cooking more exciting.
I've had mixed results with air fryers. Some things come out great, others not so much.
Wonder what the author means by results may vary when juicing anything. Some funny stories there Im sure!
Using my blender for protein smoothies has really helped me maintain a healthier diet.
The maintenance of these appliances is something to consider too. My juicer takes forever to clean.
I love that the article emphasizes starting small. Too many people try to change everything at once.
Never thought about using a CrockPot for rice. Always assumed I needed a dedicated rice cooker.
The article makes healthy eating seem more approachable with these tools.
What about the environmental impact of buying all these appliances? Maybe we should focus on simpler solutions.
Been using my air fryer to make crispy chickpeas. Great healthy snack alternative!
Smoothies for breakfast have really improved my fruit intake. The article is spot on about that.
The point about control over portions with the air fryer resonates with me. Helps prevent overeating.
Im surprised they didn't mention instant pots. Those are amazing for healthy cooking too.
Getting my kids to eat vegetables became easier with the air fryer. They love the crispy texture.
Agreed about the CrockPot being perfect for soups. Makes it so easy to pack in lots of vegetables.
The initial investment in these appliances pays off if you actually use them regularly.
Not convinced about needing all these gadgets. A good knife and pan can do most of these things.
Learning to use my blender properly really expanded what I could make. Not just smoothies anymore!
The article could have mentioned budget alternatives. Not everyone can afford multiple appliances.
Love how the air fryer lets me make healthier versions of my favorite fried foods.
Making juice at home helped me appreciate different vegetable combinations I wouldn't normally try.
Small kitchen dweller here. Had to choose between appliances and the air fryer won!
These tools definitely make cooking less intimidating for beginners.
The texture point about juicing versus eating whole vegetables is interesting. Everyone has different preferences.