OverPowered by Clutter? 

Start the New Year clutter-free. You know that junk drawer you have in the kitchen with twine, pens that don’t write, receipts from 3 years ago? How many utensils are in the crock next to your stove? How far do you walk to empty your dishwasher? Are your pots and pans handy? What about the colander?

The kitchen is my fave de-clutter spot. Mostly because I know stress disrupts calm and centeredness. It’s impossible to relax in a junk-filled home much less pay attention to anything for any length of time, like mindful eating, paying bills, rearing children. When we live in clutter, cortisol, the stress hormone, increases. When functioning as it should, cortisol converts protein to energy, releases stored glucose (glycogen) from your muscles and liver, and works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Too much cortisol breaks down lean body mass (muscle). It impairs digestion, metabolism, and weakens your immune system. 

Here are 12 quick and easy tips to get your kitchen organized, functional and relaxing!

1. First, toss all outdated foods in your pantry. Then, arrange foods by order of use (cereals at kid-reach level, canned beans higher, baking goods and other less used items on the lowest shelf) and use the FIFO inventory method (First In, First Out) to ensure you won't have expired products again. Label all foods in clear containers.
2. FIFO the fridge!
3. Delete the junk drawer. Or stock it only with items of absolute necessity. Put the extension cord, outlet adaptor and screwdriver in the toolbox, stationary in your desk drawer, and purchase decorative storage boxes to place off counters and underneath islands on shelves.
4. Rearrange your cabinets for ease of use. I.e., everyday silverware, plates, bowls, nearest the dishwasher/sink. Holiday ware (extra wine glasses, Grandma's china and silver) stored off site (basement or cabinet in the dining room).
5. Hang pots from the ceiling or put under/near stove. Donate all pots/pans you don't use regularly (we typically use only 4-5) and store seldom-used items (turkey roaster, large casserole dishes) out of sight.
6. Display only the small appliances that get everyday use. Store all others (mixers, blenders) out of sight.
7. Get rid of the utensil crock by the stove. Select the top 5 used. Place these in a drawer near the stove (along with pot holders).
8. Toss old and underused spices. Selectively choose the top 15. Put in same size glass bottles and store in a drawer organizer away from heat.
9. Hang a magnetic strip(s) on a wall near the prep area. Display all knives within easy and safe reach.
10. Organize recipes in clear-paged photo albums. Choose only those you've tried and would make again. Recycle the rest.
11. Use a silicon liner on cookie sheets or in casserole dishes to minimize scrubbing afterwards.
12. Mail and keys pile up on the kitchen counter. Get a 3-tiered letter sorter for mail and sort as soon as you get it out of the mailbox according to priority (immediate attention, can wait a bit, eventually recycle it). Hang a hook by the kitchen door for keys – one for each family memb

Inspiration to Reach your Goals

• As we move through a 7-week series, we'll put into practice how to make choices on when to begin eating and when to end a meal based on hunger and fullness. 
• Identify triggers for mindless eating - like emotions, comfort foods, friends and family, relapses. 
• Develop coping skills that lead us through the challenge of change. 
• Set goals weekly. These are your map for this journey. Small steps. One foot in front of the other.
• Anticipate barriers and challenges. Knowing up front what trips you prevents it.
• Patience is a virtue. This series begins the process of change. 

Together, we'll set our intention in motion to stop self-sabotaging acts, food and exercise binges, eating without hunger, eating past full. We'll do it through exploration into our desires. When we find inside our passions and excitement, we move toward understanding what we need in order to fulfill them. Once we're on board the mindful eating train, we continue the practice of paying attention on purpose to what's going on right now without judgment. Then, transformation happens. Really. Everything we've ever wanted is already there inside of us. This series begins the excavation, uncovering, and exposing of your brilliance!

First day is Sunday, January 6th. Classes are 5:30-7:30pm. During those 2 hours, we'll practice yoga (no experience needed), wrap our minds around the yoga teachings that support our joyful efforts, meditate, journal, and share with each other what we want to share. 

• Ample and free parking
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing
• Bring a journal or notebook, pen or pencil and a water bottle (filtered water available)