Being organized often has many positive and unexpected side effects. The feelings of accomplishment don’t stop when your desk is cleared off or your kitchen counters sparkle from lack of clutter. In working with people every day who want to regain their health and stamina, I have seen some remarkable trends.
I often see a burst of energy to revamp ourselves – from the inside out. There are many ways to do this, but in the spirit of organization, I’ll share a few favorites that will have you bursting with energy and wanting to stay on track forever.
Part one involves setting a goal for what you want to accomplish. Is it better health overall, weight loss, digestive healing, eating properly, or all of the above? There is no right answer; it’s whatever calls to you in the process of becoming organized. There is also planning for success. Just like you need to bring in boxes and trash bags to de-clutter a living space, do the same when it comes to removing unhealthy foods from your cupboards, refrigerator, pantry and counters. Get rid of everything that is over a year old.
- Healthy Alternatives
Part two involves creating a shopping list for healthy meals and snacks. You know that includes fruits and vegetables, and less packaged foods such as cookies, chips, cakes and pastries. Buy foods with only five to seven ingredients, and be sure you can pronounce all the words. Leave the preservatives and food coloring on the shelf and choose something more nutritious.
Do you feel you ‘deserve a reward’ after all the hard work you did getting to this point? Make it a non-food reward, like a round of golf or a pedicure. Start to see yourself as an active person who creates opportunities to move and be engaged in living, rather than someone who sits around watching videos and chatting online.
Part three of planning for an organized, healthy life involves pre-planning meals and exercise activities. Grabbing something from the drive-thru is not going to get rid of brain fog or lethargy. Plan ahead for salad fixings that can be grab-and-go out of your refrigerator. Hard-boil some eggs at the beginning of the week for a quick snack on the way to the gym. Invest in clear containers that fit into the refrigerator so you can see what is in them when you store leftovers.
With these few tips, you will have the beginnings of a healthy, organized kitchen and a mindset that will help you reach your wellness goals faster than you ever thought possible.
Bio: Sandi Thompson is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) and Certified Wellness Coach specializing in healthy weight management. She lives in Eugene, Oregon and works with clients nationally and internationally to achieve their weight loss goals. Her company is Solutions Through Nutrition.
