1. Blender

To me, a good blender is one of the most important kitchen accessories for healthy eating. Although I was hesitant to spend the money, I bought a Vitamix blender a couple years ago. It is one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I like to make healthy smoothies, hummus, soups and fruit sorbets. A cheap blender just won’t cut through ice or hard vegetables and beans. Before the Vitamix, I wasted money on all sorts of cheap blenders that just couldn’t keep up.

2. Juicer

Juicing is all the rage these days. It is an excellent way to get a concentrated burst of vitamins and nutrients, without trying to eat all those fruits and veggies. Before you buy one, do your research. There are centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, wheat grass juicers and others. The one that’s right for you depends on your budget and the kinds of foods you plan to juice.

3. Small Coffee Grinder

Besides coffee beans, a small coffee grinder has other useful benefits. I like to grind up fresh herbs and spices in mine, like fresh cumin seeds. If you want to get the most health benefits from adding flax to your diet, grind up flax seeds in a little handheld coffee grinder. This will keep them the freshest. I hardly ever use my coffee grinder for actual coffee beans, anymore.

4. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a must-have for any kitchen. I use mine year-round for things like soups, fruit cobblers and stews. The options are really endless. I’ve owned cheap ones and pricier ones, but they all work basically the same way. The higher-end versions generally just offer additional features and digital displays. This is one kitchen accessory that usually works just fine, even if it’s a cheaper model.

5. Food Dehydrator

Dehydrating your own fruits and meats will save you a boatload of money. After a while, those tiny bags of dried apricots and beef jerky can be hard on the wallet. Plus, they usually have tons of additives, preservatives and sugars. Invest in a good food dehydrator and do it yourself. This way, you will know exactly what you are eating.

6. Grill Pan

I love to grill veggies right on my stove top using a grill pan. There’s something about those little grill lines that makes my food taste better. This is a great kitchen accessory to have during the cold season, when I can’t grill outdoors. I’m not a big asparagus fan, but when it is cooked on my grill pan, I actually don’t mind it at all. Plus, it’s a healthy way to eat foods without adding extra oils.

7. Green Bags

I thought green bags were a gimmick until I actually tried using them. When I store my fruits and veggies in green plastic bags, they stay fresher longer. Why? Green bags help lower the level of ethylene gas inside the bag, which keeps the food from becoming overripe too fast. I don’t know if they work for all types of produce, but they preserve produce like peppers, apples and avocados much longer than regular clear plastic bags.

These are the seven kitchen accessories and gadgets I can’t live without. They just make it a little easier to eat healthy. What other kitchen accessories make your life a little easier?