Organize Your Fridge for Success This Summer
Whether it’s to eat healthier, lose a few pounds or just have more energy, it can be hard to stick to your goals. This is especially true if your fridge is packed with ingredients that will thwart your efforts.
When hunger strikes, what kind of foods do you reach for? Did you know that where you put things both inside and outside the refrigerator can have a huge effect on your eating habits?
Don’t make it harder than it has to be! It starts with something as simple as how we stock the refrigerator. Let’s set ourselves up for success this summer, shall we? Here are a few tips to help you organize your fridge for success this summer.
Have a Plan
The first step in any healthy eating plan is to organize your fridge. Remove everything from your refrigerator and set it all in one place. This should include not only foods that you want or need, but also ingredients and tools (containers and other organization items) that you’ll need for meal prep.
Decide where things are going to go. The goal is to determine their designated place so that it stays the same each time you are bringing your groceries in. For example, the fruit always goes in the right drawer, the veggies in the left. If you are a visual person this will be extremely helpful as you will have a clear picture of what will fit where and how much room it will take up.
Free Up Space in Your Fridge
Before you get too far into your fridge cleaning and organization routine, take inventory of your refrigerator essentials. This is where you can condense items to one container and toss food that is past its prime.
Having the extra space in your fridge can help you find the items you are looking for so you won’t be tempted to grab for just anything.
Add In Your Favorites so It’s Ready to Go
Portion out a serving of your favorite nuts or gluten-free granola and put it right on top of a container of Greek yogurt. Tape some individual bags to pieces of fruit or pieces of string cheese. Put pre-cut bags of veggies on top of single serving hummus cups. This is a no-brainer people! It’s healthy, it’s accessible, and it’s ready to go.
Grab Your Water Elsewhere
How many times have you gone to the fridge to grab some water and been distracted by a piece of leftover pie? Keeping your H20 there means inevitably eyeing the food that’s inside every time you open the door. Fill from the tap or use the dispenser on the outside of your fridge door (if you have one) to avoid the unnecessary test of willpower.
Have a Conversation with Yourself
Before you lunge for the fridge for a snack ask yourself A) am I actually hungry? And B) if I am hungry, how much should I eat based on when my next meal will be? Asking in the right order will help you make choices based on what your body needs versus what your eyes see. Try sticking a note on the outside of the fridge with these questions written on it as a daily reminder.
Nutritious Foods Go on the Middle Shelf
Studies have shown that when subjects are asked to select an item from a group, they tend to choose the item in the center. The rule holds true for food, too, according to a study published in the Journal of Marketing that showed that products on middle shelves in grocery stores gain more attention than those on lower shelves.
Put all of your healthy food choices in the middle of the fridge so they are in plain sight and easily accessible when hunger strikes.
Keep Indulgent Snacks Out of Reach
When a particular food is staring you straight in the face you are more enticed to eat it. Place treats in an opaque bowl and keep them out of reach. The bottom shelf of your pantry pushed all the way to the back is a good place for them. You know what they say. Out of sight, out of mind!
Do Some Prep Work
Store those “superfoods” in a place where you’ll see them first! When you’re really hungry, you don’t want to peel an orange when you can just rip open a bag of chips. The trick is to make vegetables and fruit more convenient to eat by cleaning and cutting them ahead of time so they’re ready to go the next time you’re reaching for something in the fridge.
Don’t Stuff Your Fridge
If you want to change your eating habits, it’s a good idea to throw away anything that tempts you into making unhealthy decisions. It will also make those healthier choices look more enticing! If your fridge is overstuffed, you may be tempted to head toward the pantry for a handful of cookies instead of sifting through the clutter.
Post Your Grocery Receipt on The Fridge
Posting your grocery receipt on the fridge serves as an inventory of the healthy stuff inside. The visual reminder can be a motivating factor when it comes time to eat the good-for-you items. Plus, it will be a constant reminder as to how hard you’ve been working at changing your eating habits.
Put Things Back Where They Belong
Where does everything go? When you’re taking food out of your fridge, be sure to put it back in its proper place. You put in the work organizing your fridge, so make sure you get into a routine that will help you keep it that way. Meal planning will be so much easier!
In Conclusion:
Refrigerators can be tempting in many ways and it’s safe to say that we’ve all had our moments! Give yourself the best chance of reaching your fitness goals this summer by organizing your fridge for the upcoming season and beyond. When the refrigerator is organized, cleaned and stocked, it’s easier to make a meal plan, cook at home and set yourself up for a healthier start. Good luck to you!
