Set Yourself Up to Succeed: Skinny Kitchen Makeover

Who doesn't like clean kitchen counters, free from snail mail, power cords, backpacks, etc.?  It is a breath of fresh air for me to walk into my kitchen and see that dirty dishes have made their way to the dishwasher, the refrigerator is full of healthy, ready to eat options, and that the pantry is organized.  Two opposing but complementary forces are at work here.  First, I have to get the junky food out of my house.  If it is not possible to remove all of the junky food that other family members desire, then at the very least, I have to relocate "red light" foods to harder to reach places.  Second, I have to do some meal planning and grocery shopping so that I can welcome the good foods into the house.  And finally, I have to keep this routine going:  removing trigger foods and gathering healthier options.   

Whew!  That can feel like a lot of work.  I call it the skinny kitchen makeover.  It can happen in the cupboard, refrigerator, freezer or pantry.  Wherever there is food stored, it makes sense to keep it organized.  If you see the healthier option prepped and ready to go--you might be more likely to choose it.  If the unhealthy option isn't even there, it will be that much harder to get to it. 

This all makes logical sense, but this work is not happening unless the mindset is set up for success.  We benefit from losing just as much weight in our mind as we do in our body.  Now is the time to return to basics and reconnect with what works.  Measuring, weighing, counting and tracking works.  It creates mindful eating.  Seeking out any of the 200 zero-point foods and building meals around them works.  It is filling and satisfying.  It keeps the daily point count down.  Removing distractions that keep meals calmer works.  Electronics, a rushed schedule, eating at the counter while standing up do not create satiety.  If you aren't feeling satisfied, you may keep eating even if your stomach is really full.  Leaving the kitchen when meals are finished and works.  If you hang out too long where the food is kept, you might start eating again or might start snacking just because someone else is.  (I have never bought a house with a kitchen and family room together because of this very reason.)

Your physical space matters.  It is either helpful or hurtful in your healthy lifestyle.  Take a moment to observe your kitchen with a critical eye.  Do you have a food scale or measuring cups/spoons always available?  Do you know the point values of everything there?  You might consider scanning everything you have and writing the value on the package with a big black sharpie.  That way, you will always know what you are choosing.  Do you have staples ready and waiting for you in case of emergency?   A good dinner might be stored in your freezer or easily pulled together with some basics in cans.

It is a lifelong pursuit to take good care of yourself.  What you eat and what you choose not to eat is significant to your health and longevity.  This is something you can control.  Set yourself up to succeed.  You are worth it.