The weather is warming up, the birds are back in town and flowers are in bloom…it’s time for spring cleaning! Although you’ll probably be working diligently to deep clean and organize your house, it’s also a perfect time to spring clean your kitchen and your health. If your wintertime diet was a little blah, consider these eight easy steps to clean things up.
Not only does spring cleaning burn calories, but making over your kitchen is a great way to control the amount of calories you are taking in. Ensuring you always have fruits and vegetables on hand (in any form) is a great way to always have a low-fat, low-calorie meal or snack available at any time!
Steps to a Safe and Healthful Spring
1. Wipe down walls, ceiling, light fixtures, and windows in the kitchen.
To thoroughly clean your kitchen, start by wiping down the walls, ceiling, light fixtures, and windows. Removing dust and grime from these surfaces not only improves the appearance but also ensures a hygienic cooking environment.
2. Check the ‘use by’ date.
Check the 'use by' date on items in your pantry and remove any outdated food items. This simple step helps prevent food waste and ensures that the food you have on hand is safe to eat.
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3. Wipe down pantry shelves and take inventory of food items.
Next, wipe down pantry shelves and take inventory of your food items. Having a variety of canned goods, tomato sauce, canned and dried fruit, and 100% fruit juice on hand can make it easy to prepare healthful meals in minutes.
4. Clean the oven.
Cleaning the oven is an important task that should not be overlooked. Remove any food residue and grease buildup to prevent smoke and odors when cooking.
5. Wipe down the inside and outside of the refrigerator.
Wipe down the inside and outside of your refrigerator, discarding any outdated food items. Stock up on fresh, in-season produce like honeydew, mangoes, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and spinach to have healthy options readily available.
Note: Ensure that fruits and vegetables are always prepared for easy access when the craving for a snack strikes. This includes having carrot and celery sticks, fresh salsa, and cubed melons readily available.
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6. Wipe down the inside of the freezer.
Don't forget to wipe down the inside of your freezer as well. Discard any outdated or improperly stored foods to maintain a safe and organized freezer space.
7. Make sure you have frozen mixed fruit and berries on hand.
Keep your freezer stocked with frozen mixed fruit and berries for quick additions to smoothies or cereal. Frozen vegetables are also great for quick and easy mid-week meals, such as a stir-fry or succulent side dish.
8. Wash the sink and countertops.
Finally, wash the sink and countertops, and keep a basket of fresh fruit available for 'grab and go' snacks. Having these items readily accessible encourages healthy snacking habits.
