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7 Simple Tools to Make Healthy Eating Easier (and Less Stressful)


Healthy eating doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. The biggest challenge for most people isn’t motivation — it’s knowing how to plan, prep, and stick with healthy meals amidst busy schedules, commuting, family obligations, and work deadlines. Over the years, I’ve found that clients who use simple, practical tools are far more successful at building habits that last.


Whether it’s a visual plate that guides portions, a time-saving air fryer, or meal prep jars that keep food fresh on the go, the right tools can take the guesswork out of healthy eating. These items not only save time but also help you build awareness, experiment safely with food, and enjoy your meals. In this post, I’m sharing seven tools I personally use, along with tips and ideas to help you make healthy eating easy, practical, and even enjoyable.


1. Divided Balanced Plate


Sometimes deciding how much protein, veggies, or carbs to put on your plate feels stressful — especially when life is busy or you’re trying to follow nutrition goals. A divided balanced plate takes the guesswork out and gives you a simple visual guide. Many clients find that over time, using a plate like this helps them naturally follow healthy proportions, even at restaurants or when eating out with friends, without needing to measure anything.

It’s a subtle daily nudge that builds lifelong habits.


  • Why it works: Nudges toward balanced meals and helps reduce added fats because portions are guided.

  • Great for: Anyone who wants stress-free portion control and to build consistent nutrition habits.

  • Tips/Uses: Practice at home to learn healthy portions; perfect for visual guidance without tracking calories.





2. Air Fryer


Cooking healthy meals doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. An air fryer makes it easy to enjoy roasted proteins, chickpeas, tofu, and vegetables with minimal oil, while still keeping them crispy. Many clients notice that using an air fryer encourages more consistent cooking and eating habits, because the results are simple, delicious, and fast. Plus, it reduces energy costs compared to using a full oven, making it a convenient choice for busy households.


  • Why I love it: Produces crispy, flavorful meals with less added fat, without complicated steps.

  • Great for: Quick weeknight dinners, batch cooking, or when you want easy healthy snacks.

  • Tips/Uses: Roast veggies, make turkey meatballs, or crisp chickpeas. Great for simple recipes that feel indulgent but stay healthy.



3. Meal Prep Glass Jars


Busy mornings, long commutes, and on-the-go lunches can make healthy eating feel impossible. Meal prep glass jars solve this by keeping ingredients fresh, portable, and easy to grab. They’re perfect for overnight oats, layered salads, yogurt parfaits, and even chia jams. Using jars with inserts keeps granola crunchy, hummus separate for dipping veggies, and nuts or seeds ready for topping.


love them because meal prep becomes stress-free, even on days with early starts, long work hours, or kids’ lunches to pack. Mason jars work just as well, making this a flexible, affordable option.


  • Why it works: Keeps ingredients fresh, portable, and easy to prep ahead.

  • Great for: Busy mornings, commuting, kids’ lunches, and meal prep enthusiasts.

  • Tips/Uses: Granola + yogurt, veggies + hummus, overnight oats, chia pudding, salads with dressing separated.

Quick Chia Seed Jam Recipe (2 ingredients!)

Ingredients: 

  • < 1 cup frozen berries

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (less if you prefer it soupy)

Optional splash of lemon juice or drizzle of maple syrup/honey.


Instructions: Microwave berries ~2 minutes, stir in chia seeds, chill if desired. Store up to a week.



4. Prep & Measuring Bowls with Lids


Small tools often make the biggest difference. Prep and measuring bowls with etched measurements allow you to measure accurately, mix easily, and store safely. Because the measurements never wash off, you always know your portions. Clients use them for overnight oats, Greek yogurt dips, chia jams, or leftovers, and the silicone lids make storage simple. Microwave-safe glass means you can reheat without extra dishes, which is perfect for meal prep and reducing kitchen stress.


  • Why I love them: Permanent measurements help with accurate portions and consistent meals.

  • Great for: Meal prep, portion control, and reducing cleanup.

  • Tips/Uses: Overnight oats, yogurt dips, chia jam, leftovers; reheat in microwave without extra dishes.



5. Slow Cooker / Crockpot


A slow cooker is a lifesaver for anyone who wants hot, balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and come back to a healthy, flavorful meal. Many clients who use slow cookers notice they naturally add more vegetables than they normally would and enjoy batch cooking that lasts the week. Recipes like lentil and sweet potato stews, chicken fajitas, chilis, and turkey meatballs become easier to manage, while also allowing plant-based proteins or soaked pulses to be cooked and frozen for later use.


  • Why it works: Keeps meals hot and balanced, helping clients stay on track even during busy weeks.

  • Great for: Families, busy professionals, and anyone looking to simplify meal prep while maintaining nutrition.

  • Tips/Uses: Double or triple the veggies, prep large batches, freeze cooked pulses for later use.



6. Food Tracking Apps


Tracking apps are a simple way to check in on your habits and see how your daily choices — from protein to fiber to carbs — add up. They’re especially useful for people who want more awareness of portions and how different foods affect energy, satiety, or blood sugar.


Short-term tracking encourages mindfulness without overwhelming you, and using digital tools often provides more accurate data than paper logs alone, since people tend to underestimate portions (source).


  • Why it works: Helps clients see patterns and make small, manageable changes that stick.

  • Great for: Anyone who wants to build awareness of their habits, track macros, or support meal prep goals.

  • Tips/Uses: Pair with balanced plates or measuring bowls for accurate portions; free versions are a great starting point.


Popular tracking apps:


7. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)


A CGM is a powerful tool for understanding how your body responds to food in real time. Unlike finger-prick checks, CGMs continuously track blood sugar throughout the day, giving immediate feedback on meals, snacks, and activity. Many clients experience “aha” moments when they see how small tweaks — adding protein, adjusting carbs, or changing portions — make a big difference.


When used in a clinic registered with CGM companies, like Nutrition Bites, the data can be shared in real time with your dietitian. This means personalized guidance is immediate, helping you adjust your habits based on your own biology rather than general rules.


  • Why it works: Shows real-time patterns, allowing clients and dietitians to experiment safely and learn what works for each body.

  • Great for: People at risk for diabetes (learning, not diagnosing), weight management, insulin resistance, or anyone wanting more insight into personal blood sugar responses.

  • Tips/Uses: Track responses to meals, adjust carbs/protein/portions, and review trends with a dietitian.

  • Devices available: Libre 2 or 3, Dexcom G7

  • Coming soon: CGM programs and Blood Sugar Blueprint, launching in 2026 to help clients make sense of their data and take actionable steps.



Healthy Habits Made Simple

Making healthy eating easier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or convenience — it means having the right tools in your kitchen and in your routine. From a divided plate that nudges you toward balanced meals, to prep jars and measuring bowls that save time, to apps and CGMs that provide insight into your habits and blood sugar, each tool supports smart, sustainable changes.


Start small: pick one or two items that fit your lifestyle and try them for a week. Many clients notice that once they have these tools, healthy habits start to stick naturally, without stress or strict rules. And remember, any similar products that serve the same purpose can work just as well — the goal is consistency, simplicity, and enjoyment.


Healthy eating is easier than you think — sometimes all it takes is the right tools and a little preparation.


Disclaimer: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. These products are tools I personally use, but any similar products that serve the same purpose can be used. This content is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.


 
 
 

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