The 2nd Helping, a Fed & Fit Substack

The 2nd Helping, a Fed & Fit Substack

My Honest Kitchen Essentials

April 10, 2026

Apr 10, 2026
∙ Paid

A quick note: some links below are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy — at no cost to you. Nothing here was gifted or requested. These are just what’s actually in my kitchen.

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I get asked about my kitchen tools constantly, and I’ve always felt a little weird answering because most of what I’d recommend isn’t glamorous. It’s not a $600 dutch oven or a stand mixer I use twice a year. It’s the stuff I reach for on a random Wednesday when I’m trying to get dinner on the table and lunches prepped for the week at the same time. Practical, durable, a little unsexy. Here’s the real list.

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Glass meal prep containers → https://amzn.to/4c0rPUb

I keep two sizes on hand and I’d recommend you do the same. The 3.5-cup size is ideal for prepped lunches — think buffalo chicken bowls, salads, anything portion-ready. The 8-cup is for larger components: cooked rice, a big batch of roasted vegetables, shredded chicken you’ll pull from all week. Four of each. That’s the system.

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Grill basket → https://amzn.to/4tGRU0A

This one will change your grill season. Proteins go on the grate, vegetables go in the basket, and your kitchen stays clean because you’re not running inside every five minutes. The char you get on carrots, broccoli, and squash in this thing is so good. If you grill at all, you need one.

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