This is a collaborative post
An orderly, well-organized kitchen is visually pleasing. It can also do a world of good for eating habits. At least some scientific studies have shown that people who work in orderly environments are more likely to make healthy food choices and eat more nutritious snacks and meals. Keeping your kitchen organized and free from clutter will enable you to find everything you need with minimal time and effort. For example, healthy fresh food products would be readily available and within reach at eye level, while full-fat potato chips and creamy pastries would not.
This slight shift will cue you to crave a healthy snack, not processed junk. You may also want to think about getting clear storage containers for your pantry to see all of your healthy ingredients. If you see it, you will use it in your meals. Plus, you won’t buy duplicates of things you already have, saving money and preventing food waste.
Reduced Stress and Clutter
A cluttered kitchen can be a source of stress and may breed feelings of anxiety; this is, in turn, likely to lead to emotional eating and poor food choices. With less clutter and chaos, it’s relatively more straightforward to prepare a healthy meal or snack if there is no extra time to cook.
One will be more likely to take something fast and easy, even if it isn’t the healthiest choice in terms of nutrition, but at least it is better than fast food or junk food. A clutter-free kitchen supports a relaxed space for mindful eating.
Clean off your countertops and clean your cupboards to have an experience of meal preparation that is less visually distracting. If it feels overwhelming, consider hiring out to Sparkly Maid Austin.
When your area is less disorganized, meal preparation becomes more accessible and you waste less time. It is always easy to pick tools and ingredients when the place is organized, thus making it easy to prepare meals, hence cooking healthy meals at home instead of fast food or processed meals. Invest in good kitchen organizers like drawer dividers, shelf risers, and lazy Susans to maximize your storage space. This way, you can group similar items into such places—for example, all the baking goods or spices—so it is easier to find what you need.
A place for everything, and everything in its place—this keeps your kitchen organized and clean. Another great way to make sure that, throughout the week, you have healthy options on hand is by doing your meal preps. It makes it easier to see, then, of course, what you have for ingredients and to plan meals accordingly. You spent a little time during the weekend chopping up veggies, cooking a few grains, and portioning out snacks, so you end up with a list of healthful options that are good to go during crazy weekdays.
Safety in Food
A clean kitchen is your best defence against foodborne illnesses. Scrub all surfaces, appliances, and utensils frequently to kill bacterial multiplication and cross-contamination. It keeps you safe and the food you are preparing fresh for eating.
Make it a habit to clean counters, wash dishes, and sanitize cutting boards after each use to get into the habit of keeping a clean cooking environment. Store food properly and date them in airtight containers to prevent them from spoiling. Regularly clean out expired food from your refrigerator and pantry to make room for fresh new ingredients.
Promotes Mindful Eating
A well-organized kitchen nurtures an inviting and beautiful ambiance for mindful eating. Being in a clean environment with food, you are more likely to sit down and eat without acting destructively. It also may lead to better portion control, eating slower, and feeling more satisfied with your food.
Have a part of the kitchen or in your house designated where you can sit down and focus on your meal while working on proper dining behaviours. Eliminate all distractions, including putting aside your phone, turning off the television, and stepping away from your computer so your mind can focus on being present at this very moment to fully engage your senses in the act of tasting the flavours, textures, and aromas of the food.
Use all of your senses to notice the sight, taste, feel, and smell of your food, which will bring awareness to the cues of hunger and fullness that your body is giving you. This prevents overeating and will help to establish a healthier relationship with food.
So, in sum, keeping a clean, neat kitchen just may be the easy, effective way to promote healthier eating habits without thinking it through. Fill your kitchen with healthy foods, free of stress and clutter, with which to quickly prepare nutritious meals, safety for food, and a space that invites mindful eating.
Take small steps: declutter one area of your kitchen at a time, and if needed, hire a professional cleaning company in Austin to help you get to the bottom of the issue and maintain a clean and organized space. With a little effort and organization, you’ll be off to the races with lifelong, healthy eating habits. Underneath the decision to eat healthier is a clean and organized kitchen!
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post