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The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Cooking: My Favorite Cookbooks and Kitchen Tools

Healthy cooking at home gets so much easier—and way more fun—when you have the right kitchen tools and a few go-to cookbooks by your side! Over the years, I’ve found that having the right setup can make all the difference in turning a “What’s for dinner?” panic into something I’m actually excited to cook.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite kitchen tools and cookbooks that make healthy eating a breeze in our house. These are the things I reach for again and again, and if you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve probably seen me talk about a few of these on Instagram.

My Favorite Cookbooks and Kitchen Tools for Healthy Cooking and Eating

Looking for more of healthy cooking inspiration? Check out some of my favorite recipes to make for our family here.

My Favorite Cookbooks and Kitchen Tools for Healthy Cooking

my favorite healthy cookbooks, paleo, gluten-free, whole30 recipes

My Go-To Healthy Cookbooks

Defined Dish Cookbooks- An essential trio by Alex Snodgrass! The Defined Dish is packed with Whole30 recipes, Comfortable Kitchen is all about feel-good meals for every day, and Dinner Tonight makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Well Fed by Mel Joulwan– A Paleo cookbook favorite with recipes so good, you’ll be adding them to your weekly rotation. The Pad Thai, Sunshine Sauce (paleo version of peanut sauce), and Chocolate Chili (try it this winter!) are family favorites!

Juli Bauer’s Paleo Cookbook – Fun, creative Paleo dishes that prove healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Against All Grain by Danielle Walker – A must-have for gluten-free cooking, filled with comforting, wholesome recipes the whole family will love.

No Crumbs Left – Beautifully simple, flavor-packed recipes with lots of Whole30 inspiration. Don’t miss her delicious (and easy!) marinated onions- the best!!

Betty Crocker Cookbook – I always keep a few classic cookbooks in my collection, and the Betty Crocker Cookbook is at the top of the list. It’s a timeless staple packed with tried-and-true recipes that every home cook should have in their repertoire.

Betty Crocker Cooking Basics – This cookbook is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on their cooking skills! I got this one when we were newlyweds and loved the simple format and classic recipes. I still have it!

Favorite Small Appliances

Ninja 3 in 1 Food Processor / Blender – If I had to pick a favorite small appliance, it would hands-down be my Ninja! I use this every single day for everything from smoothies to soups! It makes chopping, blending, and pureeing a breeze. I also love that it has one base and doesn’t take up a lot of space!

Fellow Hot Water Kettle – This kettle paired with a good french press is a total game-changer for tea and pour-over coffee. It doesn’t hurt that it looks nice on my countertop, too!

Beautiful Toaster – Speaking of pretty appliances, we have been loving this toaster from Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful line! It comes in a ton of great colors like white, black, taupe, navy, cornflower blue, etc., so you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Available in a two-slice or a four-slice option.

Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Maker – If you’ve been a reader for long, you probably know I couldn’t live without my Nespresso! It makes the best coffee, espresso, and hot or cold frothed milk/creamer. It really saves a lot of money because I can make all my favorite coffee drinks at home for a fraction of the price.

Crock Pot – The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it appliance for soups, stews, and so much more.

Hand Mixer – I hate pulling out my giant stand mixer, so I usually reach for this hand mixer instead! It’s perfect for whipping up everything from cakes to mashed potatoes.

Immersion Blender – One of my very favorite kitchen tools! I use it to whip up Whole30 Mayo, ranch dressing, and just about any sauce. I love it because it takes up very little space, is affordable (under $50), and easy to clean!

My Favorite Kitchen Tools for Healthy Cooking

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Healthy Cooking

Vented Pizza Pan – This is my secret tool for getting crispy pizza crusts at home!

Grill Pan – My go-to pan for cooking meat, veggies, and more.

Material Kitchen Knife Set – These razor-sharp knives make chopping and slicing effortless—and they look gorgeous too!

Bamboo Cutting Boards – These bamboo cutting boards are a dream for prep work! They’re sturdy and gentle on your knives.

Pyrex Glass Food Storage Set – I love starting the week with a little meal prep, and these containers are my go-to for keeping everything organized. They’re also great for storing leftovers!

Kitchen Scissors – From cutting herbs to opening packages, a good pair of kitchen scissors are a kitchen must-have.

Lemon/Lime Squeezer – This tool gets every last drop of juice from limes and lemons with minimal effort! A must-have when you’re making your own dressings and marinades.

Avocado/Potato Masher – When you eat as much guac as we do, this one is a must!

What are your favorite healthy cookbooks and kitchen tools? Let me know in the comments what you would add to this list!

 

Welcome! Loubies and Lulu is a Dallas-based fitness, fashion, and healthy lifestyle blog by Andrea Overturf.

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