Starting the year with a deep cleaning of the places where you store food is a great way to begin a healthier lifestyle. It helps clear your space and encourages better eating habits, making it easier to achieve your wellness goals. I always clean my pantry and refrigerator during the first month of the year, and it helps me stay focused on my wellness objectives. Here’s how to transform them for a cleaner, more organized, and health-conscious year ahead.
- Clean and get rid of the unnecessary
The first step to a renewed pantry is to take everything out and assess what you have. Check the labels on products, especially the sugar content. Here’s a quick tip to put things in perspective: 1 teaspoon of sugar equals 6 grams. So, if a product has 24 grams of sugar per serving, you’re consuming the equivalent of 6 teaspoons of sugar at once.
Be careful with “added sugars,” as manufacturers have added extra sugars in some form. Also, check expiration dates and get rid of anything past its due date. Once your shelves are empty, clean them with water and vinegar solution to disinfect and freshen them up.
- Organize and categorize
Once your pantry is empty, group similar products together. Organize your food items: grains, canned goods, snacks, baking products, spices, etc., so it’s easier to find what you need.
As you go through your pantry, take inventory of what you have in excess and plan upcoming meals where you can use those items to reduce waste. Also, take a moment to assess the types of fats in your pantry. Opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are healthier for your heart. Watch out for saturated fats (those that are solid at room temperature), as excess consumption can contribute to heart disease. Ideally, look for products with 3 grams or less of saturated fat per serving, and if you consume products with more fat, do so in moderation.
- Use smart storage options
- Containers: Invest in transparent, labeled containers for dry products like pasta, rice, and cereals. Glass containers are my preferred choice because they keep food fresh and allow you to see what you have easily. If you use plastic, make sure it’s BPA-free to avoid harmful chemicals leaching into your food. Let’s make 2025 a year with less plastic!
- Baskets: Baskets are perfect for organizing small items or snacks, and they make everything easier to access. I love using beautiful baskets for healthy snacks, as they add a charming touch and help promote mindful eating habits. (Remember, food first enters through the eyes).
- Raised shelves: Maximize vertical space using portable raised shelves. They are great for ensuring you can see and easily reach smaller items. I use them to organize things like coffee mugs and small containers.
- Label everything
Labels are great for keeping your pantry organized. I love using wipeable labels so I can easily change them when restocking or replacing products. This keeps things organized and helps everyone in the house know exactly where each item goes. Plus, it makes it easier to find what you need quickly.
You can do this by hand or with a label maker. This small effort can save you time in the long run.
- Plan your meals
Meal planning can prevent impulse buying and help you make the most of what you already have. Take a few minutes each week to create the menu for the upcoming days and keep a list of ingredients you need to avoid overloading your pantry.
Also, consider scheduling regular pantry reviews, such as once a month or quarterly, to reassess your inventory and ensure it stays organized throughout the year.
- Make it cozy
Your pantry should be as welcoming as it is functional. Add personal touches with decorative containers to make it a space you enjoy. If possible, install additional lighting, as good lighting makes it easier to see ingredients and creates a pleasant atmosphere.
Organize the items you use most within easy reach. Place products by expiration date, putting the newer ones behind those that expire soon, so you use them first and reduce food waste.
- Cook healthier
A pantry cleanout is not just about organization, it’s also an opportunity to eliminate unhealthy ingredients. Get rid of anything that contains partially hydrogenated oils or unhealthy fats—these are found in many processed foods.
Be mindful of oils: while some vegetable oils (like corn, soybean, and sunflower) are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, excess consumption can lead to inflammation. Palm and coconut oils are saturated fats, and although not as harmful as trans fats, it’s best to use them in moderation.
Follow these steps for your refrigerator too, and you’ll see that not only does it help you better organize your kitchen, but it also supports your weight and health goals. A clean, well-stocked pantry makes cooking and meal prep more enjoyable and efficient and can be a great motivator to stay on track with your goals throughout the year.
Here’s to a fresh start, healthier eating, and a more organized pantry in 2025!
Your nutritionist,
Sabrina Hernández
