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We’re just about a month into spring with the hustle bustle of Easter is behind us. The weather is warming up and if you haven’t already done so now is a good time to consider a spring cleaning. A great place to start is with your kitchen!
Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition of renewal, a time to clear the clutter and begin fresh. It sounds so good in theory, but when strapped for time, spring cleaning is hard to get started. As overwhelming as it seems, if you start with something specific like the kitchen pantry you will feel so accomplished and this will set the tone for any other areas that may need a refresh.
Start with Something Specific, Like the Pantry
Most recently I helped a friend organize her kitchen. She had several years’ worth of packaged and canned goods in her pantry, some had expired and some were doubles of untouched products she had forgotten about. The clutter in her pantry was limiting her space for new healthful products and was causing her to overspend on items she already had but wasn’t aware of.
We got rid of the stuff that she could no longer use and completely simplified her kitchen, which is the key to success. Since the clean out she’s felt more motivated to cook and get excited about food again. You’d be surprised how “heavy” a crowded space can make you feel and you may not even be aware of it. It’s not until you take the time to “lighten” the load that you realize how much it was weighing you down.
At this time of year, I always like to start with the pantry as our diet changes with the seasons. We are entering into the season of plenty with lots of fresh fruits and veggies available, which means taking up more refrigerator space and less in the cupboards.
Here are a few ways you can simplify your kitchen:
Fresh Start:
Take everything out of your pantry and give the cupboards a good wipe down. Dust and food particles encourage bacteria.
Double Trouble:
Check expiration dates and toss old food. Donate doubles of items you won’t be using to the local food bank.
Labeling:
Invest in clear food-grade canisters for bulk food items and dry goods like grains, pasta, beans, and cereals. Label them accordingly and have organized zones. Baking items in one section, snacks in another etc. Don’t forget to date them to maintain freshness.
Prevent Rancidity:
Store flours, nuts, and seeds in glass jars in the freezer to prevent rancidity.
Within Arms’ Reach:
Take into consideration what you use and how often. Keep items that you use regularly in easy reach and push less common things to the back.
Fresh is Best:
Most of your nutrients are found in the refrigerator so stock up on lots of fruits and veggies.
Keep an Inventory
Have a notepad on hand so that you can keep proper inventory on what you have and limit aimless shopping trips.
Knowing what’s in your cupboards makes grocery shopping more efficient and economical.
Our Power Up Mission is simply to educate our customers on the importance of using quality food as fuel. For all your Power Up news make sure you check out Vince’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Make sure you follow @VincesMarket and #powerupwithvinces, sign up for our Power Up Newsletter and keep an eye out for nutrition tips and tricks from me, our in-house nutrition expert!
Happy spring cleaning!
Danielle
In-House Holistic Nutritionist (R.H.N.),
Natural Chef., R.M.T.
