Kitchen Essentials for Weight Loss

If you've just begun a weight loss program, it's time to take a fresh look at your kitchen. It can be your ally - really. These are the must-haves for making your kitchen diet-friendly.

• microwave
• full set of microwave dishes
• blender
• quality chopping knives
• medium cutting board
• basket steamer or microwave steamer (e.g. microwave rice cooker)
• microwave steaming bags
• non-stick broiler pan
• non-stick skillet
• countertop grill
• electric chopper
• storage containers
• measuring spoons
• measuring cups
• large measuring cup with handle
• food scale

As you can see by this list, cooking healthy doesn't really require anything fancy or expensive. You probably already have a microwave and will find your microwave indispensable as you cook for weight loss. From making brown rice in a rice steamer to steaming veggies or even chicken or fish in the special steaming zipper bags that are now on the market, you will find that many meals can be prepared without any additional equipment or utensils.

A blender and an electric food chopper can be handy for making your own fresh salsa, smoothies, low-fat yogurt shakes, and more. (For example, I especially like to use my chopper to chop several hard-boiled eggs at a time so I can add some protein to salads when they serve as my entire meal.)

A broiler pan will allow you to broil chicken breasts, and a non-stick skillet will allow you to cook while using less fat than a regular skillet. A countertop grill is a practical, easy way to grill indoors, which comes in handy in winter or if you're living somewhere that doesn't allow outdoor grills.

Lastly, measuring tools will allow you to keep your portions in check, and a good set of knives and a medium-sized cutting board will make chopping up plenty of fresh veggies for snacks, salads, and recipes, less of a chore.

So, if you're ready to lose weight ... it just might be time to go shopping.

Learn More:

• 50 Foods to Keep On-Hand
• Make Your Kitchen More Weight Loss-Friendly
• 15 Ways to Add Flavor without Fat