8 ESSENTIAL TIME-SAVING KITCHEN TOOLS FOR MEAL PREP

It's here.  School is in session and your schedule just got a lot more hectic!  But no need to freak my friends.  I'm so excited to share some life-saving kitchen tools that will keep your meal planning on point this school year!  Keep reading for more from Kristen :) 

​lindsey 

Meal prep is already a major time saver during the busy week. However, I want to save you even more time during meal prep day. Being strategic with your tools can make meal prep a breeze! This list is full of time saving gadgets and tools that will make food prep easier and less involved.

1. Instant Pot: This programmable pressure cooker comes with a serious cult following. Don’t worry though, users are just in love all of the things this machine does! It really is a one pot wonder… slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer. You can set it and walk away. It cooks 2 pounds chicken in about 15 minutes!
   
   
2. Spiralizer: This tool makes veggies into a healthy pasta alternative. I prep veggies once and they can be used for quick meals everyday. No more waiting on the water to boil for pasta! These vegetable noodles are great to use like pasta, stir-fry, or even raw on a salad! It requires no knife skills and you can spiralize directly into your food storage container. Pretty easy, right?
   
   
3. High-Speed Blender: This may be more of an investment piece! I have refurbished Vitamix, but a Nutribullet Rx is a smaller blender that comes in under $150. High-speed blenders are great for smoothies, hot & cold soups, sauces, nut butters, and hummus. These blenders can be a time saver and if you are grabbing smoothies every week, it will end up paying for itself!
   
   
4. Over-the-Sink Colander: I recently got one of these and I regret not having it sooner!  It fits nearly all sinks and is great for rinsing vegetables and fruit. You can also pour & drain pasta without help (or burning yourself like I do).
   
   
5. Salad Spinner: I love my salad spinner. I use to prep and wash greens for salads for the week.  I wash and spin the greens and pour out the water. I make sure the greens are nice and dry and use as a storage container. This is a time saver and sure way you will get those greens in! Also, this means fewer dishes to wash.
   
   
6. OXO 3-Piece Peeler: These are perfect for peeling all fruits and veggies. One peeler will handle the carrots & potatoes while the other is made for waxy fruits like mangos or even those hard to peel tomatoes! The julienne peeler is great for any vegetable or fruit you want to julienne.
   
   
7. OXO Salad Dressing Shaker: I use this to make homemade salad dressings! It comes with measurement markings, which makes following recipes easy. It has a lid and pour spout so you can store in the fridge and use it when you need it!
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8. Kitchen Shears: I love kitchen shears because they are perfect for snipping in herbs and green onions without chopping! They don’t require you getting out a chopping board and you can snip directly into your mixing bowl or pot. Make sure you get a pair that pulls apart for easier cleaning.

Have a favorite kitchen tool that we didn't mention?  Tell us in the comments below! 

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My name is Kristen Edmonson. I am a recent Lipscomb graduate with my Master's in Exercise & Nutrition Science. Previously, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. I am a RD-to-be starting my dietetic internship August 2017 with NHC, National HealthCare Corporation. I am a traveler, foodie, home chef  & lifelong learner. I think healthy and happy is different for everyone and I love helping people find their own way. 
Follow Kristen's delicious dishes at registeredeats.com! 

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