Healthy food is an important element in leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with a good exercise routine and sleep habits you will lead a good life, free from illness and diseases, full of zest and energy. As much as we speak about smart grocery shopping or how to eat right at a buffet, it is the kitchen that is the main source of our meals, which brings us to the discussion of how to design a kitchen which is favorable for our well-being. And by design, I definitely do not mean major changes, it is the little modifications and rearrangements that make the difference.
These ideas are inspired by ‘Dr. Brian Wansick’, the author of ‘Slim by Design’ and ‘Mindless Eating’.
Declutter: Nothing can be more annoying than not finding the right spices or the right gadgets when trying to cook a meal. It either leads to not so tasty food or a lot of extra efforts looking for the required ingredients, or worse you might get irritated and just grab a burger from the nearest cafe.
So keep your kitchen well organised. Keep the most wanted appliances on the eye level shelves and the most wanted ingredients in the front containers. Go for transparent containers if possible. That way you are well aware of what you have at your disposal.
Keep your healthy food choices visible: Be it the fridge or the dining table or the cabinets make sure you can see them everywhere. The more you encounter, the more chance you will pick them up for your snack time or even your cooking time.
Make it cheerful: the kitchen should give out a welcoming vibe. Neutral colors, earth tones work well. Keep it bright and airy. The vibe of your kitchen goes a long way in encouraging you to not only cook at home, but cook a meal from scratch even if it is more time-consuming.
Make cooking fun: It can get a little tiring and boring both if its just one person making a meal. In that case, put some music, groove a little, listen to podcasts or get your kid to help you with some easy tasks while you have a conversation with them. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy, cooking isn’t a one-time thing remember?
Devise time-saving strategies for busy mornings: You are already running late, there is so much to do before you get to work, and this is where you are most likely to lose any motivation left to cook or eat home-made food. Be prepared for these scenarios beforehand. Cut your veggies and gather all your ingredients (pre-measured if possible) for the dish at one place the previous evening. This way it is easier to do it all in the limited time you have.
Introduce the grab and go concept: pre-pack healthy snacks and keep. Let a well-stocked fruit basket sit on the dining table. The rule is everyone needs to grab one snack box and one fruit while leaving the house. It ensures that the family eats something healthy if not everything.
Hide your junk food: Why not just get rid of them? Because once in a while all of us deserve a little treat. Keep these treats where they are difficult to access, in some opaque container. That way every time you open the pantry closet you won’t be tempted to have them, but you will also get them when you are craving them crazy.
Like I always say, I am super excited to know the strategies you guys are employing for a healthier living. Please do share your ideas of a health-promoting kitchen in the comment section below.
