Skip to main content

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, preparing healthier meals is not only easier but will also save you time and money.

A VARDAGEN cook’s knife, a VÖRDA paring knife and some garlic on a bamboo butcher’s block, plus a bowl with mushrooms.
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, and is usually better for you to boot. 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. And a lot more fun.

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

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.

See all knives & chopping boards
A VARDAGEN cook’s knife, a VÖRDA paring knife and some garlic on a bamboo butcher’s block, plus a bowl with mushrooms.
See all knives & chopping boards

One pot for the lot

A one-pot meal will save you time, energy and cleaning up. Creating a menu for the week will help you plan your time and avoid all those impulse buys in the grocery store. 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.

See all pots & sauce pans
A person lifts the lid off a stainless steel IKEA 365+ pressure cooker on a cooktop beside a bamboo APTITLIG chopping board.
See all pots & sauce pans

Luscious leftovers

Don't throw those leftovers away or let them go green and fury in the fridge. Fry them up instead. In Sweden, this is called “pyttipanna” – literally “small pieces in a pan” – and is usually crowned with an egg. But you can do whatever you like with your leftovers.

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

The oven saves you time

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

See all cookware
An open stainless steel KONSISTENS wall oven with two glass oven dishes and a HEMMABAK roasting tin with food inside.
See all cookware

Oven cooking gives you more and less

There’s a lot to be said for cooking in the oven: more nutrients, more flavor, 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.

See all appliances
Stainless steel KONSISTENS wall oven in a kitchen with gray-green BODARP fronts, leather handles and ash/veneer countertop.
See all appliances