Kitchen Makeover - Part 2

A few months ago, we posted a blog, Kitchen Makeover, where we talked about how to get your kitchen in working order so you can improve your healthy eating habits.  Today, we are going to talk a little more about little things you can do to further improve your odds of cooking and eating healthier in your own kitchen.

We said it last time and we'll say it again...organize, organize, organize.  When your kitchen (including pantry/cupboards/refrigerator) is organized, you'll be much happier spending time preparing food.  Here are few more kitchen organization tips.

• Do you have a lot of plastic, zip-top bags floating around?  Store like-size bags in one larger bag and label it.  That way you don't have to sift through numerous bags to find the right size.
• Keep masking tape and a Sharpie close by.  Use the tape to label leftovers for the refrigerator or freezer.  Be sure place a date on the label also to ensure freshness of the food item.
• Keep leftovers in one place in your refrigerator.  This will ensure you know what's in there and how long it's been in there.  No more searching through the fridge to find a container of moldy, leftover food.
• Have bottles of water (already filled) in the fridge.  Fill reusable bottles with water and store in your refrigerator so you can just grab and go!

Beyond the fridge and the pantry, a healthy kitchen involves a number of other items and a lot of smart organization.  See how many of these you have right now, and then see how you can slowly add more over time.

• Picture of your goal on the fridge
• Healthy cookbooks
• Very visible grocery list
• Coupon envelope or storage system
• NO pizza coupons
• Cutting board for chopping fresh fruits and veggies
• Easy-to-read and categorized recipe box or book
• Full set of measuring cups and spoons
• NO television in the kitchen or eating area (distractions can cause overeating)
• Usable kitchen table – free of clutter, bills, bookbags and projects
• Spice rack and spices
• Water filter
• Snack bowl on the counter, for all of those fresh fruits and healthy snacks you’ll have!!

Healthy eating isn't difficult but it does take some planning and preparation.  Keep your kitchen canvas clean and you'll be more apt to experiment and spend time preparing healthy, delicious meals.  Try some of these tips and get your kitchen organized and ready.