Are you due for a fridge sweep? ✨
Lately I started jarring fruit—raspberries, strawberries, cuties—with a little honey and lime juice. Before I knew it, I was cleaning, wanting to use all my jars that had been sitting aside for a “what if.” I took advantage of that and started using them for alternative milks, smoothies, and simple meal prep.
I’ve realized I need to visually organize and see my fridge to feel motivated. I’ll always appreciate a full fridge, especially knowing life can make that hard to maintain. But I also value having space, using what I have, and not letting food go bad.
Sticking to basics—what I know I like, what I can afford, and what my body actually wants—can be harder than it sounds. Buying foods because someone else made them look pretty doesn’t always fix the deeper relationship I have with food. Sometimes simple foods for a few days to even months are what I need, especially when sensory issues are louder, old eating habits creep back in, or body image gets heavy.
Doing one small thing can create momentum. Safe to say, a fridge cleanout always shows me where I’m at with food, how on top of things I feel, and when it’s time to check back in with myself. You either have a hate or love relationship with food. I don’t know if I can say it will be a love, but I can at-least learn how to move closer towards giving myself love as I’m navigating my relationship with food ( even with a care team).
Taking time for a fridge sweep can be surprisingly therapeutic and illuminating. When I first began this practice, I noticed how much easier it was to make conscious food choices once my fridge was organized and visible. For example, jarring fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and pineapple chunks—not just for preservation but also to create easy additions to smoothies or snacks—helped me reduce waste and enjoy my meals more. Including a few jars filled with honey and lime juice added a refreshing twist and inspired creativity in how I approached meals. Beyond just storage, the process encouraged me to reflect on my eating habits and the emotional aspects tied to food. It’s important to remember that a tidy fridge isn’t about perfection but about creating a space that supports your wellbeing. I found that sticking to staples I truly enjoy and that meet my body’s needs, rather than impulse buys influenced by trends or appearances, made a noticeable difference. It’s okay if your fridge isn’t overflowing; having a few nourishing options that you love is more sustainable. Organizing my fridge also reinforced a sense of control during times of stress or when old habits threaten to resurface. Seeing everything clearly meant I wasted less and appreciated what I had. As I cleaned, I paid attention to items nearing their expiration and found ways to incorporate them into meals promptly. If sensory sensitivities or body image challenges affect your relationship with food like they sometimes do mine, a regular fridge reset can be grounding. It can serve as a gentle check-in with yourself and your care team, reminding you that progress isn't always about drastic changes but often small, mindful steps. So, take a moment to reset, restock, and rediscover how a simple fridge sweep can positively impact your mindset and health journey.
