Kitchen Accessories for Your Diet

It's hard enough to stay on a diet without having to try and calculate proper portion sizes, learn how to read labels, count calories and learn to cook in a healthy way. Portion control and eating healthy are often two of the biggest challenges dieters face. But, believe it or not, the addition of a few inexpensive kitchen appliances can make a huge difference. Take a look at what I think are the two most important kitchen appliances to maintain healthy eating habits and stick to your diet.

1. Food Scale

A food scale is a great way help control portion size while educating yourself on what a serving really means. You will likely be surprised to find out how small a serving of chicken or pasta looks when measured on to a scale. Food scales are inexpensive (typically costing between $15 and $25), easy to use and can be stashed in a drawer between meals.

2. Countertop Grill

A countertop grill is a great way to cook up flavorful meat and vegetables, without all the fat. These grills are typically designed to sit on your counter at an angle, allowing any excess fat to drip off into a tray. They are also a great way for kitchen novices to cook up a quick chicken breast or steak. Countertop grills come in a variety of styles and can range in price anywhere from $20 for the most basic George Foreman Grill to over $150 for a large high-end model.

3. Portion Control Plate

Portion control plates are another great way to help you control what you eat or stick with a particular diet. Portion control plate eliminate any guesswork on how much of each food group you should be consuming. All plates are different, but most portion plates come divided into sections, showing how much of your plate you should fill with fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein.