My Birthday is Coming Up and I Need IP Friendly Cookware Ideas to Ask For
I've already added the veggie chip maker to my Amazon wish list. Does anyone had any other idea for items I could ask for that would make the IP diet easier?
Just after I started IP I went to look for a couple new pans to replace my old ones. I saw a demo for a pot and pan line that would let you cook without oil yet no sticking and easy to clean. It sounded too good to be true and the price was high for a whole set but I went for it. Now it's the best stuff I have in my kitchen. It can go from stove top to oven too so I have no reason to use some of that older stuff for roasting. I can fry chicken, fish or stir fry veggies without oil. It saves my oil for roasting veggies, salad dressing, etc.
Whatever you get enjoy the new stuff that will make cooking easier or more exciting because it will make it easier to stay OP.
Just after I started IP I went to look for a couple new pans to replace my old ones. I saw a demo for a pot and pan line that would let you cook without oil yet no sticking and easy to clean. It sounded too good to be true and the price was high for a whole set but I went for it. Now it's the best stuff I have in my kitchen. It can go from stove top to oven too so I have no reason to use some of that older stuff for roasting. I can fry chicken, fish or stir fry veggies without oil. It saves my oil for roasting veggies, salad dressing, etc.
Whatever you get enjoy the new stuff that will make cooking easier or more exciting because it will make it easier to stay OP.
I got an immersion blender that I use every day. You can blend soups right in the pan without having to transfer a hot liquid to a blender. I got the Stainless Steel one from Kitchen Aid because they are well made and I don't like the idea of putting a plastic one in hot liquids, plus they come with different attachments.
I also got a new 8" sautee pan that is non-stick, but environmentally friendly to humans, i.e., not teflon. The brand is Ecolution - I got it at my local health food store and am very pleased with it.
A wok has also been very useful, as you can stir-fry the vegees easily and quickly without them flying all over the place.
I've come to love my popsicles made from the various IP drinks, so some popsicle molds would be nice.
We got a non-stick wok and use it all the time. It heats up quickly, cooks evenly and is very easy to clean.
Also a mandolin might not be a bad idea.
I also have a cast iron grill pan. Allows me to grill indoors. Cast iron does require some attn. but we were pretty impressed with the quality of the taste of the meat and veggies.
Also, we use oil misters. We spray the above pans with oil and then only re-spray if food starts to stick.
Do you grill outdoors? Last summer we got this vegetable basket for the grill and it's awesome! I think it will work really well with IP eating (I just started 2+ weeks ago, so haven't had a summer on IP yet).
I also bought a mandolin and I love it. A knife for chopping vegees is a good investment. I am in the process of sorting out utensils that I never use, don't like, etc., and getting a smaller group of them that I really like. They are mostly Oxo-good grips, as I tend to drop things easily and these are so well designed. A garlic press and ginger grater (micro plane works great) are also helpful, as well as a pair of kitchen sheers - I use them to snip pieces of fresh parsley and cilantro for my salads.
I also took to making batches of soup and then freezing the 2 cup portions in ziplock containers with the screw on lid. I freeze meat portions in the 1 cup smaller ones with a snap lid. I use the plastic containers with the lids that snap with flaps, to put my vegees and lettuce in for the icebox. They last longer that way, especially with a paper towel in the bottom to absorb moisture.
Another thing I've done recently, on Phase 3, was to get a few small dishes that will fit on my breakfast tray and that are pretty. It makes my yogurt, granola/oatmeal, eggs or whatever look like something made in a restaurant and special. Of course, I live alone, so that is probably not feasible for everybody, but making the food look good helps.
You could also ask for your favorite spices, as they can be spendy and really make such a difference in the food.
I use my Pampered Chef microwave steamer almost everyday. You just throw frozen veggies in, put the lid on, nuke it for about 3 minutes and they are done. Love how easy it is to steam veggies.
George Forman Grill?
Ninja Chopper/blender?
nice looking spice rack
mandolin or wavy slicer
oil mister
green plastic veggie bags (keep veggies fresher in the fridge)
Do you grill outdoors? Last summer we got this vegetable basket for the grill and it's awesome! I think it will work really well with IP eating (I just started 2+ weeks ago, so haven't had a summer on IP yet).
I totally agree! This grill basket was probably the best IP cookware purchase I made. I buy produce--asparagus, zucchini, colored bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.--on the weekends, wash and chop them into chunks to have rready in the fridge, then throw different combinations in the grill basket (with some olive oil, Mrs. Dash seasoning mix and sea salt) throughout the week. I usually make extra for dinner then have leftover grilled veggies with some romaine and baby spinach salad for lunch the next day.
I also agree the immersion blender is very helpful for IP. I use mine for shakes (chocolate drink mix, ice and Torani or WF syrup) and for blending veggies in soups.
Do you have good knives? The other thing I would suggest is a GOOD set of knives, or at least one good knife like a santoku or chef's knife for prepping vegetables. And a good cutting board.
My Birthday is Coming Up and I Need IP Friendly Cookware Ideas to Ask For
