Spring Cleaning Your Kitchen for Fat Loss

How many times have you set out to start another “diet” and found that your kitchen has been the downfall of your efforts?  

Within the first day you find your stash of chips, and you remember where they were “hidden” from you. You build a heaping salad but end up putting a high fat, creamy salad dressing slathered all over top of the it. You slowly consume a whole bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips by the end of the day and you dig into the “kids'” ice cream by 8 p.m.  

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? A great way to help set you up for success is cleaning out your cabinets, refrigerator and freezer to stop the temptations. Here are simple actions you can take to help you move toward a leaner you.

1. Take an inventory of what is in your cabinets and refrigerator. How many times have you started a program and you instantly grab the shopping list and run to the grocery store without actually finding out what is currently in your house? If you have been on the roller coaster of diets and plans, it is possible you may have some of the basics or you may not.

2. Get rid of the items that are truly not on your plan. Rather than test your “willpower," rid your cabinets, refrigerator and freezer of the items that have tempted you in the past. Although it may seem nice to keep a box of cookies, a bag of chips or special soda for the family, it may not be the best option for anyone.

With the recent reports of everyone getting more than the recommended daily allowance of sugar and sodium, you should make it a practice to not have those items in your home. Get rid of the old frozen pizzas, salad dressings with high fat and high fructose corn syrup, high sugar cereals and meals you need to prepare from a box.

3. Re-evaluate your pots, pans and other equipment. When it comes to eating healthy, how food is prepared and stored can also be a key to your success. If your pots and pans are worn and chipping it is a good idea to replace those items. Also, if you are planning on making healthy smoothies or protein shakes, a great tool to have is a small single serving blender such as a Magic Bullet, or a high-powered blender such as a Vitamixer.  

Then when it comes to measuring be sure that you have a sturdy measuring cup and measuring spoons. Finally, in order to store your healthy foods be sure to check all of your storage containers. Throw out any container that has been used for more than its recommended usage. If they have cracks or stains they should be thrown away.  

These are just three things you can do today to start the spring cleaning in your home and get you a little closer to your fat loss goal.

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks to fat loss.