Getting organized is a key to your weight loss success
We can’t say this strongly enough: the key to weight loss success is making sure you consistently have weight loss program – friendly food at your disposal. Left to chance, it’s too hard to follow a low-carb lifestyle in our carb-rich food environment. The more organized you are in planning and preparing your meals, the better your results will be.
Stick To a Healthy Diet Designed for Weight Loss
A well-stocked and organized pantry is an important part of your low carb kitchen. It saves time and money and helps you stick to a healthy diet designed for weight loss by ensuring that you have the right foods on hand for meals and snacks. We’ve rounded up a few simple kitchen organization tips to keep your low carb pantry in top shape.
Tip: Having low carb foods on hand means you’re more likely to eat moderately five times per day, rather than overeating at a few bigger meals.
Step 1: Purge
Armed with a garbage bag, go through every item in your pantry and purge. Toss anything that’s out of date, high in sugar or carbohydrates, or of questionable origins. Don’t be tempted to save sweets or candies for an occasional treat. If you cannot throw them away, give them away to someone who does not live in your home. If you have to share your pantry, arrange high carbohydrate foods in a location that is difficult to reach and out of your direct line of sight.
Step 2: Re-stock
Your pantry will be composed primarily of shelf stable foods, like nuts and oils, but you can also include a few cans of tuna and beans for when you’re in a pinch. Buy in bulk if you can; it will be cheaper in the long run. Here’s a list of basics to get you started:
Shelf stable vegetables: Chopped tomatoes, artichoke hearts, bamboo shoots, pickles, dried edamame
Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, peanut butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, tahini
Condiments: Mustard, tamari or soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar
Tip: Flax seed is a great pantry staple to have on hand, but it is best kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Step 3: Organize
Use large clear plastic or glass containers to store bulk food items so that you can see what’s inside. Label with the contents and date. Chalkboard labels with chalk markers on mason jars or OXO POP containers work well. Place like with like and ensure your low carbohydrate foods and ingredients are positioned for greatest visibility. Foods or ingredients you use frequently should be the easiest to access.
Tip: Measure out snack-sized portions of grab-n-go foods (nuts, for example) into small containers to make it easy to eat healthy even when it’s