Give Your Cooking Routine Some Spring Cleaning!

Anyone else have spring cleaning on their mind when April rolls in? Just like it’s important to periodically deep clean and purge unnecessary clutter around the house, it’s helpful to reevaluate your meal planning, shopping, and food prepping routine too (and clean out the refrigerator and cupboards). Here are a few simple steps for spring cleaning your cooking routine as we head into this new season.

Step 1: Take inventory of your pantry

It might sound scary, but now’s the time to venture into the depths of the pantry to see exactly what you have, then strategize how to use it (or if needed, toss it!). Save money as you work through shelf-stable items before purchasing duplicates and remember to re-stock those healthy staples that make fast weeknight meals, like this sheet pan dinner - CLICKE HERE, a breeze. Some of my favorites are olive oil, quinoa, lentils, beans, full fat coconut milk, and bone broths (Kettle and Fire is my favorite brand).

Some great herbs and spices to incorporate, welcome in Spring with, and have in your pantry include:

• Chives (the onion’s sweeter cousin)

• Cilantro

• Dill

• Basil

• Lemongrass

• Mint

• Tarragon

• Parsley

• Lavender

• Marjoram

• Fenugreek leaves

• Saffron

Step 2: Embrace seasonal produce

One simple way to get out of a cooking rut is to switch up your go-to fruits and vegetables based on the season. Bonus: this also means fresher and less expensive finds! Try simple grilled vegetables for a simple spring side dish that will get rave reviews. I also love salads with seasonal fruits and vegetables like this one featuring strawberries and radishes which come back in season in March.

Other Spring produce to enjoy (in addition to the herbs/spices listed above):

• Apricots

• Asparagus

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Celery

• Collard greens

• Garlic

• Kale

• Lemons

• Lettuce

• Mushrooms

• Onions

• Parsnips

• Peas

• Radishes

• Rhubarb

• Spinach

• Strawberries

• Swiss chard

• Turnips

• Oregano

• Lemon balm

• Fennel

• Sage

• Rosemary

• Dandelion

Seasonal produce this time of year is lighter and more refreshing than the heavier and richer foods of winter. Just like the “spring cleaning” that we do in our homes to declutter and refresh them, our bodies do and crave the same thing! The fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices of spring support the body in its “cleaning and decluttering” process, especially from the toxins that built up over the winter months. For more information on this, check out my other blog post that is dedicated to spring foods and why it’s so crucial that we eat in season this spring. Click here to read the blog post.

Step 3: Find a meal planning method that actually works for YOU.

Remember that meal planning is key to staying on track with healthy living goals so if your current setup isn’t working, it might be time to switch gears. Make it a goal to find an approach that feels doable -- and more importantly, sustainable -- in the long term. Some great tips/ideas to start figuring out what method works for you, include:

• First, set a day/time – PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR just like you would any other appointment to make it happen

  • to menu plan, make a grocer list, and shop

• Meal planning by what’s on sale at the store:

  • Use coupons and store specials and take them into consideration when planning your menu and grocery lists

• Divide your week into themed nights to help bring variety, inspiration, and creativity:

  • Crockpot night

  • Vegetarian night

  • Burger bar night

  • Burrito bowl night

  • Mexican theme

  • Asian theme

  • Italian theme

  • Soup and salad/sandwich night

  • Homemade pizza night

  • Mediterranean theme night

• Assign your kids a job of picking a meal (and to also help you prepare)

• Utilize pinterest, Instagram, FB, or other social media platforms and blogs to help inspire you for meal ideas

• Ask friends/family for their favorite recipes to make

• Gather your recipes

  • Put them in a folder online, in a word document, or print and place in a file folder – make sure you have access to it!

  • Cookbooks are always great

• Write your list

  • From the daily meals and snacks you have planned and remember that these menus and grocery lists can be reused and rotated on a cycle

• Plan your meals by planning out your proteins for dinner first

  • Always make sure that you have a protein + vegetable + healthy fat(s) + lower glycemic carbs/whole grains/starchy vegetables

• For more ideas and inspiration, watch this meal planning video I made with Sutton Ridge Farm. CLICK HERE to watch the video!

If meal planning is something you struggle with, you might consider outsourcing. Reach out and schedule a free 30-minute discovery call regarding meal planning and the services I have to offer you so that you can save time, focus on improving your culinary skills and enjoying home-cooked meals over endless recipe searching. CLICK HERE to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call.

Dedicating time to declutter your cupboards and refrigerator and freshen up your cooking routine can produce results that last. A simple, well-planned menu and well-stocked pantry will reduce your stress in the kitchen and limit the need for takeout. Set yourself up for success - which step will you tackle first?

I’d love to hear some of your favorite spring meals and foods, and what you look forward to most during this season – comment below!