Last updated August 4, 2021
Did you know that the inside of your fridge can have a huge effect on your diet? Not just the food that’s in it, but how it actually looks? If you’re looking to embrace healthier eating, the first step might just be the fridge itself.
Storing food in a beautiful way not only appeals to our sense of aesthetic but the colors and convenience of fresh food ready-to-go can minimize food waste. Win-win.
Ready to get started? Grab a clean cloth for wiping up and let’s dive in.
1. Clean It Out
Before you shop, take stock of what’s already there. Pull everything out, clean the shelves, check expiry dates and clean house. If you know it’s been in there a long time (I’m looking at you, take-out packet of soy sauce) it’s time to let go.
Do a big purge if you have to, then plan to do a small clean-out each week. I know, it seems a lot. But it will soon become a habit once you’ll notice the difference.
2. Prep for Quick Access
Herbs? Store them upright, in jars, with fresh water. Clean and chop all the veggies (celery, carrots) and store them in water.
Store other veggies in mesh produce bags, glass containers or silicone if possible. Beating the plastic game is easy if you have the tools.
Fruit is generally best washed and prepped right before eating, but can still be stored in said containers so everything is visually appealing.
You can also prep salad jars, if you’re feeling inspired, or snacks for a quick bite between errands.
3. One Word: Jars
All those random sauces and condiments? Transfer them into recycled glass or mason jars. Label with stickers or Sharpie right on the glass. You can use bowls and other attractive containers from your cupboard as well.
Literally SEEING things in your fridge will go a long way to using them and not letting them hang around in the back.
You can do this with almost everything in your fridge. And if you are lucky enough to have a zero-waste or bulk shop near you, you can fill up jars and containers without ever having to look at unattractive labels in your fridge again.
4. Buy Fresh, Shop Smart
Next time you shop, make a list. Buy only what you need to avoid waste. There are probably a few items you find you’re always tossing or have leftover so consider that before purchasing again.
Maybe you can find a smaller-sized version. Buying more or bulk costs less in theory, but not if it’s going into the bin later.
5. Organize
With the fresh produce and products, go through the same steps above. The result? A beautiful fridge, filled with fresh, healthy food, ready to eat or prep for a meal. You will feel inspired to eat cleaner and better every day, just by looking in your fridge.
It might sound a little Pollyanna, but organizing things by color may be the happiest part of your day. And you just might feel inspired to tackle that pantry next.
