In our busy lives, the choices we make about what to eat often deviate from what our taste buds and bodies genuinely desire. Whether it’s due to doubts about the freshness of ingredients, a lack of time, or the allure of convenient but less healthy options, our kitchen environment can significantly impact our dietary decisions.
“Many of us eat with our eyes, influenced by the visual cues around us, such as eye-catching packaging or the setup of our own kitchens,” says Casey Barber, CNN Food contributor and meal-planning coach.
The organization and appearance of your kitchen can make a substantial difference in how you utilize it, as highlighted by ADHD organizing specialist Katrina Green. But optimizing your kitchen for healthier eating doesn’t necessarily require expensive containers or label makers. A bit of time and organization can go a long way, says Natalie Mokari, a dietitian based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Here are some practical steps to ensure that your kitchen encourages healthier food choices:
1. Clear the Clutter: Clear your pantry and refrigerator of unnecessary packaging and clutter. Bags of food, like baby carrots, green beans, or rice, can create confusion and make it difficult to find what you need. Consider storing these items in open containers, like shoeboxes, to keep things organized.
2. Visibility Matters: Think about what you see when you open your pantry or fridge. Clear jars and containers can help you quickly spot the food you have, reducing the visual noise of packaging. However, it’s crucial to choose the organization method that works best for you. Some may prefer to see the labels to make connections with meal ideas, while others find peace in a streamlined, neutral system.
3. Prioritize Accessibility: What you see first influences what you reach for. Place the foods you want to consume more frequently within easy reach. Consider what you use most often and make those items easily accessible while placing less healthy options in harder-to-reach spaces.
4. Rethink Your Fridge Drawers: The drawers in your fridge are often where good produce goes to waste. Keep produce on a shelf where you can see it, reserving the drawers for items like drinks and snacks that won’t spoil quickly.
5. Plan and Prepare: Invest a little prep time to wash and cut your produce or portion out ingredients for meals throughout the week. This can save you time and make healthier eating more convenient.
6. Use Organizational Tools Sparingly: You don’t need to break the bank on fancy organization tools, but consider investing in attractive containers that make it more appealing to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. If a particular container encourages you to consume healthier options, it’s worth the investment.
7. Balance Nutrition and Taste: While it’s essential to focus on nutrition, don’t forget to consider taste. Opt for foods that you enjoy and find appealing. A well-organized kitchen can help make nutritious meals exciting and accessible.
Incorporating these steps can transform your kitchen into a supportive environment for healthier eating, ensuring that the choices you make align more closely with what your body needs and desires.