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January 1, 2012
Eating Healthy in 2012 - Just Like We Resolved
We all know eating healthier starts at the grocery store, and it's important to stock your refrigerator and pantry with fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean meats.
BUT let's face facts, unless these foods are pleasing to the palate and as easy to grab as a bag of chips this plan isn't going to work. We all have busy schedules and a limited amount of time to prepare dinner. We'd like to recommend a few gadgets that will cut down on the amount of time it takes to prepare healthy dishes and boost the nutritional value of midweek meal staples - all without breaking the bank!
Immersion Blender
 
Retail Price: $59.99 USD
Sale Price: $39.95 USD
Health benefit: Stealthily adds vegetables to family meals. (Admit it, sometimes you have to hide the vegetables to get your kids to eat them...)
The immersion blender is a handheld appliance with blades at the end, so you can puree foods directly in the pan while they cook. The payoff? First, it prevents dirty dishes from stacking up (which is a relief if you've ever had the pleasure of scrubbing a blender). Second it makes meals more nutrient-dense, especially if you have family members who refuse to eat their vegetables. For example, if you are making tomato sauce on the stove, add spinach, carrots, peppers, mushrooms or any other vegetable to the same pot. Once the veggies are soft, put the immersion blender directly into the pot and puree until they're no longer detectable. Add the sauce on top of whole-wheat spaghetti with shrimp (or other lean protein), and dinner is served.
Steamer Basket
Price: $34.99 USD
Health benefit: Maintains health benefits of vegetables.
If you're used to boiling vegetables, it's time to get a steamer. This method prevents 77 percent of vitamins and heart-disease and cancer-preventing compounds from leaching into the boiling water. When it comes to cooking brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage this is the best method to make sure the nutrients stay in your food. It's easy to use, just fill with water, add the insert and steam corn on the cob, asparagus, sweet potatoes or vegetable potstickers. The "Full-Cap" base ensures even heating so your long-simmering recipes won't burn.
Spice Grinder
Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder, Stainless
Retail Price: $60
Sale Price: $39.95
Health benefit: Dried herbs and spices such as oregano, sage, thyme, clove, allspice, and cinnamon contain as many (and in some cases more) disease-fighting antioxidants as foods known to be brimming with the stuff, such as fruits, berries, cereals, and vegetables.
A spice grinder can be used to reduce herbs and spices into a powder for cooking. Whole spices have a much richer flavor than pre-ground spices that have been sitting in your cabinet for...hmmm, how long has the cinnamon been in that cupboard? Add freshly ground spices to marinades, or sprinkle them directly on meat, fish, or poultry before cooking, you won't need to enhance the taste with salt, sugar, oil, or butter. You'll also be reaping spices' disease-fighting benefits.
George Foreman 80-in. Contemporary Indoor Grill
 
Price: $49.95
Health benefit: Reduces carcinogens caused by charring meat; offers a healthier cooking option even when the weather turns cold.
This sloped grill is designed to drain away fat without drying out your food and creating a tasty sear. In addition, the grill uses a non-stick cook plate so there is no need to use butter or oil to grease the grill. Did we mention those plates are removable and dishwasher safe?
Bodum Bistro Juicer with Bonus Cups
 
Price: $69.95
Sale Price: $39.99
Health Benefit: Absorb more nutrients from fruits and vegetables and ensure that you are getting your daily servings of both.
If you're thinking about adding fresh juice to your diet, this moderately priced juicer is a wonderful way to start. Some people have trouble eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet, and juicing is an excellent solution. When you are just starting out stick to the fruit and vegetables that you enjoy eating before adding more bitter vegetables like kale or cabbage.
Gordon Ramsay's Healthy Appetite
 
Retail: $35.00 USD
Price: $23.09 USD
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