Eating healthily is one of the many goals most of us set each year hoping we’ll manage to change things for the better. While most people blame their weak will or lack of motivation for not achieving their fitness goals, sometimes our kitchen can turn out to be our main enemy when it comes to combating those extra pounds. Take a look at some of the ways you can optimise your kitchen for healthy eating and adopt a well-balanced diet.
Mind the colour palette you select for your kitchen
Colours have a big impact on the way we feel and our mood in general, so it is not surprising to hear that they also affect our eating habits. Vibrant, lively colours such as yellow, orange, and red can make you feel excited, but they also boost your appetite and make you and your little ones eat more. That is why these colours are often used in restaurants and logos of big fast-food companies. On the other hand, colours such as blue and green are calming, natural tones which makes them perfect for an environment that promotes healthy eating. You can choose to paint your kitchen walls or you can simply decorate with pieces in these hues.
Keep your kitchen gadgets readily available
We all have those couple of kitchen gadgets we bought with the intention of using them but they ended up collecting dust on our top shelves or somewhere deep in our lower kitchen cabinets. Chances are, you would probably use them if you saw them every time you walk into your kitchen because it would be so much more convenient. Spare yourself the hassle of searching for your appliances – arrange a couple of them on your counter top so that they’re ready to use whenever you need them. Whether it is your blender, slow cooker, or juicer, keeping your favourite gadgets displayed and readily available will help promote healthy eating in your family.
Organise your pantry so that it’s aesthetically pleasing
Everything tends to go much smoother when there is order, and your kitchen pantry is no exception. Be sure to throw out anything that is expired or you don’t really use, and make space for some healthy foods and snacks. Your pantry, as well as your fridge, should be organised in a way so that the first things you see when you open the door are healthy options and low-calorie snacks. Arrange those items so that they are at eye level, and keep the unhealthy foods on the lower shelves (or simply avoid buying them). Consider purchasing containers in one colour so that everything matches, and use pantry labels so you and your family members can easily find what you’re looking for.
Give meal prepping a try
Another great way to help yourself to stay on track and adopt healthier habits is to start preparing your meals in advance. Having to get up early to prepare breakfast for your family or having to cook after you get back from work may feel overwhelming, which is why most of us just reach for foods that are the most convenient at that moment. By preparing your meals in advance, you save time and energy, because you spend a couple of hours cooking (it’s usually done on weekends) and you’ve got meals for the whole week. It also means fewer dishes to be washed, which is yet another reason why moms and dads should consider giving this nifty food prep method a try.
Create a weekly meal plan
Other than meal prepping, another tip that will ensure you maintain a healthy, balanced diet and not give in to temptation is creating a weekly meal plan for you and your family to follow. Gather your family around and talk about what your weekly meal plan should look like – ask your children to pitch in and suggest some ideas. Write your meal plan on a chalkboard or a list that you will keep on your fridge door. That way, you can easily check which ingredients you need to get for that day. On the plus side, you’ll be less likely to order take-outs because you will constantly be reminded that you need to stick to your plan.
Check out these 31 Aldi Slow Cooker Family Meals or maybe Barbecue Chicken in the Slow Cooker
There you have it – five tips that will help you optimise your kitchen space for a healthier approach to eating. Follow them to ensure your kitchen doesn’t stand in your way to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid freelance writer and blogger. He is a regular contributor to numerous lifestyle blogs and online magazines, where he writes about interior design (his speciality!), travel, family, sustainable living and other related and unrelated topics. Mike’s goal is to create insightful and compelling content that will help readers navigate through these vast and ever-changing fields.