We’ve been talking about reducing stress and one way to do that is to clean up your kitchen environment. How can you do that? By cleaning out the fridge and freezer to store only healthy foods for your health and wellness. The easiest way to stick to a healthy nutrition plan is to keep the unhealthy temptations out of your home. Really! That’s what I have to do. Or if it’s there, I’ll eat it.
Cleaning your fridge and freezer are two places that really will help you with organization and time management when cooking and eating healthy.
What about you? Or are you thinking that’s too hard, and you don’t want to clean out your fridge and freezer. I get it. But let me give you some easy and practical strategies so you will be successful.
Strategies to Clean and Organize
*Set the timer for 20-30 min. Whatever you can do is fine – even only 10 minutes. Work until the timer goes off. Then you can stop. Or you can keep on going. Often, once we start we want to work a little more. Success breeds success!
*Put on some music, a podcast, or an audiobook to help the time fly by.
*Use a non-toxic cleanser (I like Branch Basics.) Or use just soap and water with a sponge.
*Look at your food shelf by shelf. Remove items and wipe off each shelf, sides, and back of the fridge. Wipe out and wash drawers if needed. Look at the expiration date and toss if expired. Remember this: “If in doubt, throw it out.” Take that to heart from someone who has had food poisoning three times. If you’re not sure if the food has expired, toss it!
*Your top shelf is best for leftovers, drinks, and ready to eat foods – not raw meat. One idea is to get a clear bin and label it “Eat me first” and store foods like yogurt, berries, and deli meats.
*Another idea is to use a small lazy Susan. Or try tiny clear baskets or bins that have suctions for fridge walls for small items like cheese rollups or tiny hummus packages. Or to categorize things like herbs, leftovers, & sandwich fixings.
*Your lowest shelf is for raw meats (and put a small tray under them just in case they drip. )
*Your Crisper vegetable and fruit drawers can each be divided using dividers made for clothing drawers. And one idea I use is to line the bottom of drawers with paper towels to absorb moisture.
*Your refrigerator door is a handy place to store items. If you don’t use milk quickly, don’t store in the door because that is one of the warmest spots. Milk is best stored on a middle shelf since temps there are consistent. Use the door for condiments, butter, sauces, and organic nut butters. Use labels to mark door trays for categorization. The lower door shelf is ideal for items for children like drinks and applesauce.
*Above all, don’t stress. Take tiny steps. You have tomorrow (or all week) to finish up. And once you finish, you will have a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Hope that was helpful. Use these ideas and let them work for you – not against you. Toss the tempting foods or hide them in opaque containers if they’re for another family member. That way you won’t be tempted! Cleaning and organizing is to help us be more efficient and savvy. We don’t want to waste time while cooking or hunting for items. And when your fridge and freezer are organized, you won’t “forget” leftovers or throw away the forgotten wilted lettuce again!
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and help women over 40 who have fatigue, digestive issues like bloating, constipation, brain fog, weight management problems, as well as thyroid and autoimmune conditions. I work with you and as a team, we focus on nutrition and lifestyle factors to help you have more energy, think clearer, and fit into those favorite jeans again. You can do this! You just might need some help from someone who’s been there herself and worked with clients – helping guide, support, and encourage you each step of the way. Contact me here to set up a free strategy session to see how we can work together. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
