My Pantry Doesn't Look Like This!

Just because I'm a dietitian doesn't mean you'll see my pantry among those viral photos of perfectly ordered pantries with fancy bins and containers and cute labels. My pantry looks nothing like that (nor does my fridge or freezer). What I do have are basic guidelines for how to keep my food organized and functional. Here are some of my favorites:

Create Zones

• I put my less-often-used and backup stuff on the top and bottom shelves of the pantry. I keep the stuff I use more often in easier-to-reach places (the top and bottom shelves are also really helpful for hiding Cheetos and Oreos from myself!) 
• In my pantry, I have zones for things like condiments, canned goods, grains, snacks and cereals. 
• In my fridge, I have zones for dairy, meats, vegetables, condiments, beverages and leftovers. 
• In my freezer, I have zones for meat, fruits and vegetables (everything else is kinda tossed in there together). 

First In, First Out

• I use the first-in, first-out rule to ensure I minimize food waste. For example, if I buy milk, I put the new carton behind the already opened older one, so that is gets used up first (this is especially helpful if you have kids in the house who will just grab the first thing they see). 

Quick Refreshes (on grocery and trash days) 

• When I know new groceries are coming into the house,  I do a quick refresh of my food storage by going through the pantry, fridge and freezer. I straighten up whatever has become disorganized, and make room for the new items. 
• On trash night, I look through all my food to see what needs to be tossed so that I am not wasting space or risking any food-borne illness from expired foods ;)