Kitchen Design for Weight Loss Success

Up on the blog this week, I'm tackling the connection between the kitchen and your health.  When it comes to losing weight, a supportive kitchen environment goes a long way. As an interior designer, I truly believe your kitchen is your partner in health, and creating a space that supports your goals is the secret to long-term success.

Learning how to get a delicious meal on the table fast is a great skill to have, and it requires two main things: the right mindset and a kitchen that’s organized, equipped with essential tools, and well-stocked.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Here are my best tips to help you optimize your cooking space for success and boost your confidence in the kitchen!

First things first, your mindset matters. It can actually make or break your success when it comes to creating a healthy lifestyle, even in the kitchen. In some cases, a messy kitchen coupled with an out-of-control mindset can make you more vulnerable to unhealthy food choices. This is why how you feel in your kitchen is so important, and creating a positive mindset about eating healthy matters. Here are some ways to feel good every time you walk into your kitchen:

• Pre-clean. Before starting to cook, make sure your kitchen is clean! Wash any dishes, take out the trash, and clear off the table and countertops if cluttered.
• Set the mood. As you start to prep for dinner, take in some deep breaths, turn on music or a podcast, and choose to relax and enjoy the experience.
• Think ahead. Keep healthy food and snacks (like fresh fruit) in plain view on the countertop instead of tempting foods like bread, rolls or baked goods.
• Out of sight. Store chips, snacks and treats in a drawer or cabinet, so they aren’t the first thing you see when you open the pantry door.
• Have a fridge strategy. Store healthy snacks and leftovers in glass containers in the front of the fridge so you can see them easily when you’re hungry.
• Snack smart. Create your own grab-and-go snack bags of popcorn, salmon jerky or trail mix. Stock your fridge with homemade energy balls, hard-boiled eggs, hummus kits, or chia pudding in 4-ounce Mason jars.
• Inspire yourself. Create a chalkboard wall in your kitchen for inspirational quotes and motivational reminders.

Photo Cred:  Pinterest

Having an organized kitchen is essential for creating healthy meals quickly and efficiently. From the spice rack to the utensil drawer, a little organizing and decluttering can go a long way. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Take stock. Donate or repurpose duplicate utensils or items you never use. Do the same with your scratched cookware. Also, make a note of what you need that you don’t already have. Dying for a garlic press or new vegetable peeler? Start a wish list.
• Mind your oils. Check the expiration dates on your cooking oils and toss any that are expired. Also, replace highly processed vegetable oils with olive oil or avocado oil.
• Out of site, out of mind. Get strategic with your appliances. If you want to make more crock pot meals or use that air-fryer, make some space for it on the countertop so it’s not a chore to use.
• Like attracts like. Store similar items together so you know what you have on hand. I store all my measuring spoons in a mug for easy use and stock my baking stuff together on a tray inside my pantry. I also have my smoothie fixings in a basket near my blender.
• Organize your spices. Consolidate any duplicates and stack spices by how often you use them. Separate the herbs, spices and oils you use regularly. I keep my everyday favorites on a small tray right on the countertop for easy access when cooking.