Cooking healthy meals and snacks is easier than you think

Most people would like to eat a bit healthier, but in a world of endless easy options the less healthy alternatives often win out. But with the right appliances and utensils, you can make preparing healthier meals easier.

A VARDAGEN cook’s knife, a VÖRDA paring knife and some garlic on a bamboo butcher’s block, plus a bowl with mushrooms.

Fast food can be good for you

A handful of freshly sliced vegetables is just as delicious as a handful of processed snacks. However, people often go for the packaged snacks just because they’re convenient. With a mandolin, preparing healthy snacks is almost as easy as opening a packet.

A person in blue SANDVIVA waist apron slicing vegetables with an IKEA 365+ mandoline on a beech PROPPMÄTT chopping board.

The right tools for the job

With the right basic tools like a chopping board and a sharp knife, everyday food prep is easier—and can even be fun. Seriously, is there anything more satisfying than a sharp knife slicing effortlessly through a mushroom? Well, probably—but it’s still pretty satisfying.

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One pot for the lot

A one-pot meal will save you time, energy and washing up. Creating a menu for the week will help you plan your time and avoid all those impulse buys at the supermarket. And while you’re at it, posting your menu on a notice board in the kitchen will let everyone know what to expect. After all, anticipation is part of the enjoyment.

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A person lifts the lid off a stainless steel IKEA 365+ pressure cooker on a cooktop beside a bamboo APTITLIG chopping board.

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Luscious leftovers

Don’t throw those leftovers away or let them go green and furry in the fridge. Fry them up instead. In Sweden, this is called ‘pyttipanna’—literally ‘small pieces in a pan’—and is usually topped with an egg.

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A VARDAGEN frying pan with pyttipanna and a beech wok spatula on a birch table set with light turquoise FÄRGKLAR plates.

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The oven saves you time

Cooking several things in the oven at the same time is super convenient. Just remember to swap racks at some point to ensure even browning.

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An open stainless steel SMAKSAK oven with a FÖLJSAM glass oven dish, HEMMABAK roasting tin and other trays with food inside.

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Oven cooking gives you more and less

There’s a lot to be said for cooking in the oven: more nutrients, more flavour, more convenience. On top of that there’s less fat, less supervision, less mess. Add it all up and you’ll find that the oven is a true friend in the kitchen.

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Stainless steel SMAKSAK oven in a kitchen with grey-green BODARP fronts and ÖSTERNÄS leather handles, plus a rail with hooks.

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