We know cooking at home and meal prepping is healthier, but more often than we’d like to admit, we instead order takeout. But, experts agree that home-cooked meals are just healthier—especially if you’re trying to shed weight without breaking the bank. That’s because when you cook, you’re in charge of the ingredients and how you’re cooking. That helps you watch your calorie intake, unhealthy fats, carbs, and sugar.
And, meal prepping is important for weight loss because you can track your meals and make sure you’re eating healthy ingredients. If you already have a meal available for lunch, you won’t feel tempted to get unhealthy fast food. And, the best way to simplify your cooking at home for weight loss is to invest in gadgets that do most of the work for you.
To learn more about the best Amazon cooking tools that make weight loss easier, we spoke with Dina Mustabašić, a dietitian, nutritionist, and writer at GainingTactics. She said that food scales, air fryers, non-stick cooking sprays, and blenders/food processors are some of the best kitchen tools to help with weight loss. In general, these gadgets use less oil and teach portion control. Read on to learn more about these tools and what to look for on Amazon!
1. Food Scale
Whether you're looking to bake more precisely or cook for weight loss, every home chef can benefit from having a food scale. Not only does it make your measurements more precise, but it also cuts down on prep and cleanup time. "A food scale allows you to accurately measure your portion sizes, which is important for keeping track of your calorie intake and achieving weight loss goals." Mustabašić, who is a nutrition writer at Gaining Tactics says. And, they are not that expensive! Check out the Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale on Amazon.
2. Air Fryer
Another cooking tool for weight loss you may already have in your kitchen is an air fryer. Who doesn't love that crispy crunch that comes with air-fried vegetables? Not only do air fryers make delicious foods and snacks in no time, but they're also much healthier than frying on the stove or oven. Switching from deep-fried foods to air-fried foods can reduce the intake of oils that are high in fat and inflammatory. This is because deep-fried foods tend to be high in fat and calories. "An air fryer uses hot air to cook food, which can result in lower fat and calorie content compared to traditional frying. It can be used to make healthy versions of favorite fried foods. Make sure you use a Teflon-free air fryer," Mustabašić explains. There are lots of air fryer options on Amazon. You could go for the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 or splurge on the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer.
3. Non-Stick Cooking Spray
Can the key to healthy cooking be found in an aerosol can? Whether you're sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, or baking in the oven, the cooking spray you choose and how much you use can make or break an otherwise healthy meal. There are pluses and minuses to using cooking spray. "Using a non-stick cooking spray instead of oil or butter can significantly reduce the calorie content of your meals," Mustabašić notes. But, some cooking oil sprays contain unnatural additives such as lecithin, which can cause indigestion, inflammation, and weight gain, if consumed in excess. Thankfully, these additives are not included in avocado oils or sprays. So, try La Tourangelle's Avocado Oil Spray.
4. Blender Or Food Processor
Lastly, blenders and food processors are an ideal way to include foods you may not be able to easily have in your diet. With a blender, you can make smoothies, bowls, and protein shakes, while a food processor can make it easier to make soups and dips. Mustabašić adds, "A blender or food processor can be used to make healthy smoothies and dips that are packed with nutrients and low in calories." If you're looking for a food processor, try out the Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor and Vegetable Chopper or if you want a blender, you can't go wrong with the mini but mighty Magic Bullet Blender.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, we all need a little help in the kitchen, especially when it comes to making weight-loss-friendly meals. Mustabašić recommends kitchen gadgets like an air fryer or a blender to make shedding pounds that much easier. And, she also suggests meal prepping because it can save on time, money, and make healthy eating more convenient. She says, "I suggest planning your meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options on hand. This can prevent making unhealthy choices when you're short on time or hungry."
READ MORE: What's The Healthiest Way To Prepare Potatoes For Weight Loss? We Asked Experts.
