The Tools That Make Eating to My Needs Easier (Not Harder)
- Elly McLean

- Feb 4
- 3 min read
This isn’t my weekly shopping list. And it’s definitely not a list of “must-haves”.
These are simply some of the tools that reduce friction for me - the things that make it easier to eat in a way that supports my energy, body composition goals, nervous system and consistency.
They’re also the items I get asked about most by clients and followers, so I’ve pulled them together here as a reference point.
Nothing here is sponsored. You can shop these wherever suits you - through brand websites, Vital.ly or Woolworths.
1. My Braun Blender
I use my blender almost exclusively for smoothies and I couldn’t live without it.
Smoothies are one of the simplest ways for me to:
get veggies in early
support training recovery
avoid decision fatigue around breakfast
When breakfast is satisfying and predictable, the rest of the day just runs better for me. This blender is reliable, powerful and does exactly what I need it to do - without fuss.
2. White Wolf Protein Powder
I personally use White Wolf’s Vegan Natural Lean Protein. I’ve also had consistently excellent feedback from clients using their Whey + Collagen protein and I take that seriously, because both I and my clients have tried a lot of protein powders over the years.
What matters to me most:
quality
taste (so people actually use it)
texture
Protein powder is a very effective support tool when whole-food protein intake feels challenging.
3. Quick-Access Foods
These aren’t necessarily everyday foods for me. They’re quick-access tools, there to support consistency when real life gets in the way.
Smart Protein Bars - for protein
There are days where I’m moving between clients, don’t have much time to eat and meals need to be easy to prepare and digest.
Smart Protein Bars help me:
quickly bring protein intake up
avoid long gaps between meals
support steadier energy across the afternoon
They’re not a replacement for meals - they’re either part of the meal or a practical bridge. I also love travelling with them.
KOJA Bickie Bites - for a chocolate fix
When I want something chocolatey, especially pre-menstrually or during calorie cycling, KOJA Bickie Bites do the job.
For me, it’s a small, satisfying hit with very little risk of blowing out to huge portions. And I’m also completely comfortable offering them to my daughter as a chocolate-style option.
4. San Remo Pulse Pasta (Red Lentil Spirals)
I don’t have it daily - more like once a week - but when I do eat pasta, this is my go-to.
San Remo Pulse Pasta:
is naturally higher in protein
naturally gluten-free
quick to prepare
It gives that pasta-style comfort without needing a separate plan or workaround.
5. Koala Eco (Especially the Fruit & Vegetable Wash)
One of my most-used Koala Eco products is the fruit and vegetable wash.
I don’t always buy organic produce and that’s a reality for many households. Using a fruit and vegetable wash is a simple way to help reduce surface residues before food is eaten.
Depending on the produce, residues can include:
pesticide and herbicide traces
waxes used to preserve shelf life
dirt, bacteria and handling contaminants from transport and storage
Washing with a dedicated produce wash, rather than water alone, helps remove more of this surface residue before food reaches our plates.
I also regularly use Koala Eco’s:
kitchen spray
body wash
hand wash
If you’d like access to Koala Eco products through Vital.ly, I can help set you up with an account. Just let me know via reply email.
A final note
This list isn’t exhaustive. It doesn’t include supplements or everything I rely on week to week.
These are simply the enablers, the tools that make it easier for me to eat to my needs and my plan without adding challenge, stress or unnecessary effort.
If something here helps you remove friction in your own routine, that’s a WIN.
Before you go... Aligned Weight Loss (AWL) is the program where I teach women how to reduce friction, eat to their goals, build their plate and so much more.
Not just what to eat, but how to:
adjust portions to your body and goals
respond to training, stress, hormones and appetite
reduce decision fatigue without rigid rules
eat in a way that works in real life
If you'd like to learn more about whether spaces are still available for AWL (commencing March 1st) email me - hello@nutritionelly.com

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