The kitchen is usually the last place that people think needs a makeover. Most women are more concerned about their closet than their kitchens. Many people also just don't know where to start.
Well, the type of makeover that I'm talking about doesn't involve upgrading your cupboards from laminate to stainless steel or your counter tops from wood to marble. My proposal is to look at your fridge, your pantry, and any other kitchen crevices where you like to pack unhealthy, packaged, and processed foods. Just follow the easy steps below.
Get Rid of The Junk!
Just like cleaning out the clutter in your closet, you need to remove the clutter from your cupboards and fridge. There is probably a wide variety of chips, crackers, cookies, and cereals in your cupboards that can be expelled because they are loaded with sugar, salt, and fat. Moving on to your fridge, there are jars of jams, peanut butter, and other condiments, salad dressings, and fruit juices that can be discarded. You must let go of your ties to these foods. While you may think they make your life happier or healthier, I can assure you that most things in your cupboard are only sabotaging your food image! Remember, low-fat popcorn and 100-calorie pudding do not count as health snacks.
Dump or Donate
Anything that is open needs to go directly into the garbage. Unused and unexpired food can go to a food bank -- use your discretion on what to donate. Otherwise, just dump it! If it's not doing you good, chances are it is not better for anyone else to consume. Junk food is junk food!
Get Over it!
After detoxing your cupboards you may be a bit sad, as though you just got rid of all your favourite comfort foods and staples and have nothing left to eat. I can assure you that is absolutely not true because there is a healthy, wholesome (and tasty) alternative to everything you got rid of. Trust me, I don't believe in tasteless food or dieting. I believe in whole, fresh, and delicious food, which is what you need from now on.
Restocking
Now is the time to get to the market and stock back up! You can find pretty much everything you need at your local health food or grocery store. Most stores now have sections that are just bursting with natural, fresh, and organic products. Get a hold of a cereal that is high in fiber and low in sugar, cookies that are sweetened with maple syrup, and crackers with sea salt. Buy almond butter instead of peanut, and apple butter instead of jam. Even try making your own salad dressing from apple cider vinegar and olive oil -- and this is just a start!
I know it can be overwhelming but just take small steps and soon you will have a kitchen stocked with the best foods and you'll feel inspired to prepare more foods at home. And don't forget that with your kitchen freshly made over, you just happen to be making over your health too!