Looking for ways to cut down on time spent holed up in the kitchen? We’re here to help. We’ve collated 10 of the best energy-saving hacks below.

1. Use the whole veggie.

Some vegetables like celery, broccoli, cauliflower and beet greens can be eaten in their entirety. Don’t cut the stems off the broccoli, they’re even more nutritious than the florets. As are the leaves, which hold a higher count of antioxidants than the rest of the veggie. No more cleaning scraps up after a long night of cooking, just throw it all in the pot!

2. Water bath solution.

Have a recipe that calls for a water bath? Cheesecakes are notoriously difficult to bake without one, but many are deterred by the hassle of the process. Turns out you can simply fill a baking tray with water and put it on the rack below. The steam from it will keep the cheesecake from drying out without having to figure out how to balance the cheesecake tray in the bath and keep it from getting splashed.

3. Freeze your stock.

Ever wondered how to use up all your soup stock before it goes off? Many struggle to get to the bottom of their chicken or veggie stock in time since most recipes only call for a fraction of the container to be used. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw it out! Save your money and time by pouring the remainder of your stock into ice cube trays and freeze them for later use. They’ll last for months and you’ll never again have to duck out to the shops to pick up more stock which will barely be used.

4. Store condiments upside down.

Most of us have had the experience of whipping out a sauce bottle or the honey, only to find the little amount that’s left at the bottom is taking an eternity to reach the nozzle. Just flip the bottles upside down and then they’ll be ready for you when you need them.

5. Vinegar soak for berries.

Tired of berries going off soon after you brought them home? We know. Store-bought berries are often far from fresh, but there is a way to extend their life. Simply soak them in a vinegar wash with 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar. Not only will this keep them holding on through the week, it’ll also help wash off any bacteria or mould hanging around. Win win!

6. Freeze onions before chopping.

We’ve all been there, trying to see through burning eyes while chopping onions. But it’s not an unavoidable part of cooking – we have a hack that will stop your tears. Freeze your onions ahead of time, then you’ll be able to chop freely without having to resort to wearing goggles.

7. Holding the mixing bowl still

A common baking trouble is keeping the bowl from slipping around the bench, but did you know a damp towel is the answer to this universal struggle? Simply place the towel under the bowl and you’ll find it much easier to use.

8. Finding a substitute for buttermilk

It’s the ingredient we always forget when making pancakes. When a recipe calls for buttermilk, many either run to the supermarket or try to make do with regular milk. But there’s another option – add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar to the milk. It will create the same acidic effect and leave you with perfectly fluffy pancakes.

9. Softening butter

You’re in the middle mixing your ingredients, when the recipe instructs you to add soften butter. You’ve left the butter in the fridge and now you have two choices: add it to the mix as is, or wait for it to soften while the rest of the ingredients harden up. Well, there’s actually a third option – simply chop the butter up into small pieces and watch it soften within minutes.

10. Grating cheese without the mess

Cheese graters are notoriously hard to clean as the pieces cling onto the holes, leaving you with a frustrating task at the end of the night. With our easy hack, you can cross this cooking hassle off your list. Spray the grater with oil first and you’ll be left with no mess.

Interested in more fun tips and techniques to make eating healthy easier? Join us for our 8-Week Program where we’ll be quitting sugar. You’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. If you’re ready to take your health back into your own hands, JOIN NOW!