Losing weight is never an easy endeavor, but there are plenty of things you can do that will make it easier to reach your goal. One simple thing you can do is to rearrange your fridge so that you can make choices that align with your weight loss ideals.
It’s hard to believe that the way you put your foods away can have much of an impact on your health, but many experts say it has a powerful effect on how many stubborn pounds you can lose. Here’s what your fridge should look like so you can start seeing the number on the scale going down.
Keep Healthy Drinks On The Top Shelf
This is where your eye naturally wanders when you peruse the fridge for a snack. Often, thirst disguises itself as hunger, so keeping low-calorie drinks front and center can help you remember to hydrate before you eat.
Stock the top shelf with water bottles, skimmed milk or unsweetened iced tea. That way you can grab something without having to sift through all the other food.
Put Healthy Foods In Clear Containers
Research shows that when you can see healthy foods, you’re more likely to nibble on them. Store fruits and veggies in clear covered containers so that they catch your eye as soon as you open the fridge.
Pre-cut your fruits and veggies so there is no work involved in eating them. That way you can grab and munch without having to put in any effort.
Experts at Health magazine suggest including the rest of your snack in the same container so you can easily snack without getting distracted by other choices. Hummus for veggies, low-fat yogurt for fruit or low-fat cheese make perfect choices.
Use The Drawers For Junk Food
When you stash your produce in drawers, it’s hard to remember that it’s there for eating. Instead, Woman’s Day suggests putting fruits and veggies on the second shelf where they’re staring you in the face anytime you open the fridge.
Reserve the drawers for indulgent foods that you only want to eat in small portions and not every day. This might be your weekly chocolate splurge or your kids’ snacks. Out of sight really is out of mind.
Stock Mini Versions
If your downfall is guacamole or yogurt, mini versions are a better option. While both are healthy, you don’t want to overdo it on either since they both contain calories. This is true of any food you enjoy, but have a hard time stopping.
Buy the mini versions so that you can grab one single serving and enjoy it without gobbling down a full-size container. This built-in portion control is an effortless way to cut calories and keep your intake under control.
Keep Easy Protein On Hand
You need protein, which satisfies appetite and gives you energy. However, not all sources are good for a weight loss meal plan. You want lean meats, such as chicken breast and sirloin steaks. Choose lean ground beef as well.
When it comes to fish, the American Heart Association recommends eating two servings per week. Salmon, trout and herring are excellent options.
Grill, roast or bake your meats to save on fat and calories. Eggs, beans and nuts are alternate protein sources that you can stock in your fridge.
Store Flavorful Condiments On The Door
Adding flavor to meals is an easy way to keep them from being boring so that you can lose weight.
Choose things like barbecue sauce, vinegar, hot sauces and garlic paste, which are low in fat and calories but will add mega taste to virtually anything you prepare. Go easy on fatty condiments like mayo, which can hinder your weight loss goals.
Get Things Organized
Stop cramming everything in the fridge wherever it will fit. Instead, stack containers neatly, organize produce bags and stock bottles and jars in size order. This way, you’ll easily find healthy foods when you want them and won’t get tempted by junk food when you come across it.
You can take the suggestions here or modify them in a way that works best for you. The best organization will enable you to make healthy choices that help you lose weight.
Now that you know how much of a role your fridge can play in reaching your weight loss goals, you can use the same tactics to help your freezer, pantry and cupboards work for you too. As you try these techniques, you’ll start to see which ones help you the most and which ones don’t.
In no time at all you’ll start to see the number on the scale getting smaller and smaller and you can thank your fridge for helping you get there.
