Stock Your Refrigerator for Weight Loss

Stock your refrigerator to be your best weight loss tool or it am turn your intentions of healthy eating into a disaster. If your fridge tempts you with leftover Chinese food while fruits and vegetables rot, it’s time to stock your refrigerator for weight loss. All you need is a little organization, and it’ll go a long way in helping with your weight-loss goals. Follow the tips below, and you’ll be eating healthier in no time:

Get Organized

When all your food is crammed into the fridge, it makes healthy items less accessible, which means you’re less likely to reach for them. Being able to see food neatly arranged in your fridge will inspire you to create healthy recipes and eat good-for-you snacks. A decluttered fridge also helps you keep track of staples, so you never run out of things like Greek yogurt or breakfast basics like eggs.

Make Produce a Priority

If you file away your fruit and veggies into the produce drawer, reconsider: Most produce will store well in see-through, covered containers on the shelves, and you will be more likely to choose them when they are within view. To make produce an even more automatic choice, wash it and chop it up into bite-size pieces before putting it in the containers.

Snack Center in the Fridge

Create a snack center in your fridge,so you have a go-to spot to find healthy munchables when hunger strikes. Place the bin in front at eye level, and stock it with premade baggies of cheese and crackers, trail mix, fresh fruit, cereal, pretzels, fruit and nut bars and other healthy faves.

Make Fridge Rules

Here are a few to get your started: Avoid processed foods. Don’t stock foods that contain trans fats or white flour. If sugar is the top ingredient don’t buy it.

Make Your List and Stick to It

Here’s something really simple, but effective: If it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it. No more “just in case company comes” or “I buy it for the kids” excuses! If you are really serious about losing weight, you know deep down that there are certain foods that shouldn’t cross your threshold. Fine-tune your grocery list and try to stick to it as closely as possible. Resist promos or buy-one-get-one offers that seem too good to pass up. Those deals may seem like a bargain while you’re at the store, but you will regret them later on when you realize those impulse purchases are undoing your success.

Find A Motivational Message

Find something that inspires you: motivational words, a picture that represents you at your best and put it on the fridge. Remember, its the last thing you’ll see before you open the door.

Store Healthier Alternatives to Your Faves

You know that ice cream is your weakness, so don’t deprive yourself — it’ll only lead to cravings. Make sure you have a lower-calorie option, such as sorbet bars, available to satisfy your sweet tooth. The same goes for other high-fat or high-calorie foods. Stock up on healthier alternatives, so you can still enjoy the foods you love without derailing your weight-loss train.