The kitchen gadget that Reddit swears can make you eat healthier

The kitchen gadget that Reddit swears can make you eat healthier Nothing’s easier than getting swept up in all the new kitchen appliances that take over the internet. From potato ricers to ice cream makers, these tools serve only one purpose and take up precious countertop space. Instead, there’s one machine that can cook up multiple healthy dishes without sacrificing convenience: the rice cooker.  On the r/HealthyFood subreddit, one user shared a picture of their meal, a well-balanced mix of perfectly-cooked rice, umami chicken, broccoli, and carrots.  Meanwhile, on the r/Cooking subreddit, another user commented that they swear by the appliance, despite only using it for rice. Reddit seemed to agree, as the post earned over 1.2K upvotes. Here’s how you can get the most out of a rice cooker to reach all your healthy eating goals, without all the hassle and extra cooking time. Image Credit: kuppa_rock/ iStock. Rice Although it’s the most obvious use, there are ways to enhance the rice you cook in a rice cooker. To start, try using brown or red rice instead. These lower-calorie alternatives are higher in fiber, so they’ll keep you fuller for longer. The only catch is that it’ll take a little longer — usually up to an hour — compared to white rice, which takes about 20 minutes. Consider investing in a rice cooker with a specific brown rice setting. They’ll have longer cook times and use specific temperatures that cook the rice perfectly each time.  Depending on your health goals, cooking the rice in broth instead of water might be a great way to add extra flavor. Substituting bone broth or vegetable broth can add collagen, protein, and essential micronutrients like calcium. If you’re looking for lower-sodium options, stick with water. Image Credit: letterberry/istockphoto. Quinoa If you’re someone who opts for quinoa instead of rice, a rice cooker might still be worth the counter space. It cooks in essentially the same way as rice in a rice cooker, and can also be cooked with broth. It takes up to 30 minutes to cook and is full of nutritional benefits. Compared to the standard white rice, it has fewer calories but more fiber and protein. In fact, it counts as a complete protein since it contains all nine essential amino acids.  Image Credit: Julia_Sudnitskaya / iStock. Oatmeal Rounding out some of the best grains you can whip up in a rice cooker, oatmeal is a well-loved breakfast staple for healthy eaters. It’s excellent for heart health and full of fiber. Some cookers come with a porridge setting, which can have rolled oats ready in about 30 minutes. Once cooked, a rice cooker can also keep the oatmeal warm without overcooking it, meaning less stress about getting the timing right. Oatmeal also offers a great deal of flexibility, depending on your personal health goals. If you’re looking to cut calories, go with water. Using milk will make it thicker and creamier, and can be a great way to increase protein and calcium intake. As for toppings, nuts and nut butters are good options for anyone looking to increase protein, magnesium levels, and healthy fats in their diets. Looking to add some sweetness? Opt for dried or fresh fruits instead of pure sugar for a healthier swap. Image Credit: DepositPhotos.com. Steamed Vegetables Together with chicken and rice, steamed vegetables are a staple in easy, healthy meals. Some rice cookers have a “cook” or “steam” setting that can be used to cook chopped vegetables in about 10-15 minutes. Simply add water, place the vegetables in the steamer basket, and let the rice cooker do its work. Cooking time may vary depending on the specific vegetables, so test for doneness before removing everything from the heat. Steamed vegetables often have a bad reputation for being bland, making proper seasoning an absolute necessity. Herbs, spices, lemon, and vinaigrettes are your best friends when it comes to low-calorie flavor.  Image Credit: Karisssa/iStock. Lentils As far as meat-free proteins go, lentils are one of the easiest and healthiest to whip up. They’re rich in fiber and iron, making them beneficial for heart health, the digestive system, and weight loss. Similar to rice, they can be cooked with water or broth, using the “cook”, “grain”, or “brown rice” settings.  Different types of lentils — brown, black, and green — require varying cooking times, so set a timer accordingly. Brown lentils typically cook the fastest, making them the ideal choice for those in a hurry. For seasoning, aromatic herbs such as rosemary, bay leaves, and oregano are the best options. Image Credit: undefined undefined /iStock Wrapping it up Despite being known for their white rice, a multi-purpose rice cooker can be the perfect tool for whipping up a complete meal, complete with grains, protein, and vegetables. The options are endless, with orzo, steamed dumplings, and even cakes being, quite literally, on the table. Searching for more recipes? The r/RiceCookerRecipes subreddit perfectly encapsulates the versatility of the rice cooker. Though healthy eating can look different for everyone, one thing is sure: a good rice cooker makes the journey a whole lot smoother. Related: Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us. This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org. AlertMe

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