Hello there! As a professional organizer and natural health fanatic, I’m always looking for ways to help people get organized in the kitchen and as a byproduct, to eat healthier. And let me tell you, there is no better place to start than your fridge! Your refrigerator is ground zero for meal prep and healthy snacking, so getting it in tip-top shape can make a huge difference.
In this post, I’ll share my best tips for giving your fridge a healthy makeover. With some simple organizing tricks, helpful labels, and a bit of meal planning, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your health goals. Let’s do this!
Disclosure: There may be some affiliate links in the post below which means I may receive commission for purchases made through links in this post. These are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Out With The Old
First things first – it’s time to toss anything past its prime. Take everything out and check expiration dates. Toss moldy, spoiled or questionable foods. This clears the way for new healthy habits.
Pro tip: wipe down shelves while empty to disinfect. Check out my healthy cleaning recipes (Baking Soda Recipes and Hydrogen Peroxide Recipes. I also love Target’s Method Eucalyptus Mint Cleaning Products Bathroom Cleaner for Tub + Tile).
Categorize With Labels
Now for the fun part – labels! Grab some chalkboard bins, clear containers and printable labels. Divide fridge real estate into zones like produce, snacks, meals, drinks. Use labels to identify categories. This makes it easy to find what you need. Try using color coordination too.
If you have your own label maker (the Brother P-Touch Cube is fantastic!), here are some ideas to create for your fridge categories:
- Butter
- Dessert
- Cheese
- Deli
- Condiments
- Dressings
- Drinks
- Eggs
- Fruit
- Juice
- Lunches
- Yogurt
- Kids
- Leftovers
- Meat
- Produce
- Sauces
- Shakes
- Snacks
- Veggies
- Spreads
- This + That
Amazon offers labels already printed out for you. I love these labels from mDesign (one of my favorite organizing companies!).
Strategic Fridge Placement
Think through optimal placement for different items. Produce should go in high-moisture drawers. The warmest places in your fridge are the upper shelf and the doors so condiments are best stored in the doors; eggs, dairy and spreads are best kept on the top shelves. Meats belong on lower shelves. Grab-and-go snacks can live at eye level. Place healthier options in front. Situate leftovers and meal preps front and center.
Prep Healthy Grab-And-Go Snacks
One of the best things you can do is prep healthy snacks in advance. Wash and chop up fruits and veggies right after grocery shopping, then store in clear containers. Hard boil eggs for high-protein snacks. Measure out nuts and seeds into single-serve portions. Stay on track with healthy snacks at your fingertips!
Plan Out Mini-Meals
Take meal prepping to the next level by preparing balanced mini-meals to stash in your fridge. Make things like protein breakfast bowls, healthy lunch bowls or overnight oats. Having ready-to-eat meals available means you’ll be less likely to make unhealthy choices when hunger strikes.
These containers are great for meal prepping! Find them on Amazon: MEAL PREP CONTAINERS. They’re glass – which is much better for your health than using plastic containers!
Stock Up On Healthy Staples
A final tip is to keep your fridge stocked with healthy staples at all times. Having ingredients like fresh produce, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, eggs, yogurt, hummus and more will make throwing together meals and snacks a breeze. Shop with a list and be strategic.
There you have it! With these fridge organization tips, you’ll be primed for healthy eating success. A organized, well-stocked fridge makes sticking to your goals so much easier. Try implementing some of these ideas and let me know how it goes! Here’s to meal prep and mini-meals for the win.
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