Whenever either Nate or I go on a rampage for some sugar, chances are you’ll find one of us complaining that we don’t keep any of the “good stuff” in our apartment. I wish I could tell you how many times I’ve heard him say “I want ICE CREAM but all we have are DRIED DATES AND COCONUT CHIPS!!” Or how many times I’ve gone searching around our kitchen for anything, ANYTHING that resembles a cookie. Ok fine, *ugh*, I’ll settle for half a Kind bar. Woof.
But obviously, we do that on purpose. Because studies (and general pragmatism) have shown that if unhealthy food is out of sight, or at least there is a greater barrier to obtain it, means that you’re less likely to eat it. How many times have you had a healthy and filling lunch, but there are leftover cookies sitting in the office kitchen and suddenly you want/need one? Probably if it wasn’t there, you wouldn’t really have thought about eating a cookie.
Here are five ways to organize your kitchen in a way that whether you’re hungry, cooking, or not hungry but just want something to eat that will truly help with making healthy choices, and also help you understand your own cravings a little better.
1.Keep fresh fruit front and center. When you walk into the kitchen - it will be the first colorful thing you see! This will always give you an option to grab fruit if you’re inkling for something sweet.
Uncommon Goods offered to send me a couple of items that I could share with you, and I chose several items that would make my kitchen one that facilitates healthy decision-making in all forms. They have a ton of super unique kitchen furnishings and I snagged that gorgeous display platter above. All of their goodies are made with sustainability in mind - everything from wages for their workers to using recycled products. I like the idea of setting that vibe in my kitchen too!
2. Don’t buy the food that you know you will overeat in one setting. For me, it’s granola. For Nate, it’s ice cream. You simply will not see these in our apartment, or else it will not be a pretty sight.
3. Set up your fridge so when you open it, you see healthy food first. I always have a big bag of cut up carrots, snap peas, and celery to grab if I’m feeling peckish or need something to tide me over for dinner. I line the front of the fridge with fresh vegetables and proteins and condiments. The chocolate is hidden in the back.
4. Store nuts and trail mix in pretty jars. It’s a nice reminder that you always have this option if you need a heftier snack, or even to grab a couple of dried cranberries after dinner if you just need something sweet. You can add a couple of the nuts onto salads for healthy fats. A very versatile addition to your kitchen - learned that one from my mama!
5. So if you’re not buying a ton of less healthy stuff, make sure to stock up on healthy and tasty foods that can be used for entertaining/snacking/a pulled together dinner/you name it. For us, it’s hummus and Mary’s Gone Crackers and salsa and veggies and those dates that Nate loves to hate mentioned above. And keep them front and center in your cabinets and fridge! You never want to feel deprived of the things you love, but you also don’t want to be tempted. Find out what kinds of items you can have around your house that you’ll be encouraged to eat in moderation.
I especially liked the bar items sold through Uncommon Goods - I couldn’t help myself but choose those San Francisco coasters in the shot above to liven up my kitchen. Here’s a close up - so cool and personalized! A lot of what is sold on the site is handmade and made in the USA. They sell everything from gardening items to housewarming gifts to jewelry. Father’s Day, anyone?
Hope these tips will give you some inspiration! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for stopping by! 
