*Sponsored by Healthy Choice and Birds Eye Vegetables
New year, new us! Just kidding. But with that said, we *are* trying to get back on track and eat more veggies in 2021.
When it comes to achieving our goals (such as eating more veggies and less candy), we’ve learned that starting small is the key to long-term success. It’s really just human nature: The more effort it takes to do something, the less you’ll be motivated to do it. If nutritious options aren’t within reach and easy to prepare, we’re probably ordering delivery. Just being honest.
Which is why systems are so important to us. They eliminate common hassles and allow us to keep our eyes on the prize. We recently shared our tips on organizing a fridge to reset, now we’re moving on to the freezer!
Freezers tend to be the land of forgotten foods, but it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are the steps to create functionality in this space and reap all of the benefits of a more organized routine:
1. Edit Your Items
Even in a freezer, you must pull *everything* out. We know it’s cold...so grab your gloves! That meat with freezer burn? Toss it. Those orange popsicles from last summer that are now half-melted and sticking to the plastic packaging? Toss those, too! (Word to the wise: If your kids will only eat the red and purple colors, stop buying variety packs!)
2. Designate Your Zones
Next, it’s time to group your categories and designate your zones. You know we love a zone! They may include anything from meal prep, kids, frozen fruit and veggies, meat, whatever works for you. We like to use clear storage so it’s easier to see what you have and keep track of your inventory.
3. Customize Your System
When creating a system, it’s important to keep your routine in mind. What items will simplify your meal prep, and what order should they live in? You might find that one specific item deserves its own category. For instance, as you can see, we eat *a lot* of Birds Eye Veggies and Healthy Choice Power Bowls and Wraps. They are delicious, easy to prepare, and carry vegan options for Joanna, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian!
4. Label Your Categories
A labeling system is the key to long-term maintenance. It acts as a set of instructions so everyone in the household knows where to find things and where to put them away. We suggest using an adhesive label, which withstands moisture better than a marker.
5. Plan Your Meals
Since freezer items are less perishable, you have the luxury of being able to stock up weeks or even months in advance when planning your meals. This takes the guesswork out of what’s for dinner, and helps to avoid any last-minute trips to the grocery store.
Our families love this Zucchini Spirals with Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe, which explains the back stock of Birds Eye Zucchini Spirals in the freezer. The best part is that when we decide to switch it up, we always have our base ingredients on hand.
Organizing your freezer isn’t as time-consuming as organizing your pantry. Set aside an hour and you’re good to go!
xo, clea + joanna
Thoughts welcome!