April is not only a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle, it’s also a great time for spring cleaning. You can combine the two and spring-clean your cupboards and fridge. I’m referring to the foods you stock up on and how you arrange them. If you want to make healthy eating easier and more convenient, then you might need to do a little re-arranging.

Pantry and cupboards

• Load your healthy whole grains (oats, barley, quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, wheat, mixed grain cereal, pilaf, etc.), dried beans, lentils and flours ground from these foods in clear containers at eye level so you are reminded to use them before using the processed versions.

• Put your whole grain pasta, rice paper, bread, all natural cereal, granola, healthy and homemade baked goods at chest to belly level. Kernels for your air-popper can go here too.

• Cans and jars can be at leg level. Check for expiration dates often and put the items that you use the most, like oils, in front. Large items like jugs of vinegar, potatoes, bags of onion, etc., can go on the bottom shelf.

• Arrange your baking items, like honey, cane sugar, baking soda, baking powder, yeast and dried egg whites, on the top shelf or just above your head. You can also put other lightweight items, like supplements, up top.

• If you need a spot for processed foods like crackers, chips and store bought baked goods, because, let’s face it, we have the occasional time where we serve this for parties, stick them up on the highest shelf possible. Out of sight, out of mind.

• Spices work well at eye level too, or try convenient spots like a drawer beside the stove or in a countertop organization system.

In your freezer

• Put frozen fruits and veggies for your smoothies, stir-fry, crockpot meals, etc., at eye level or in the most convenient spot.

• Healthy homemade leftovers should be placed at belly level.

• Healthy convenience items and meats should be kept in the bottom or back of freezer.

• Ice drinks and healthy homemade popsicles should be placed at the top of the door.

In your fridge

• Place nut butters, oils, juice and other condiments that don’t need to be really cold on the top shelf and in the door. You could also store bread or baked goods here.

• Left overs or food you’ve prepped to eat in the next couple days can be placed at eye level.

• Your cold items, like meat, milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., go on the top shelf and in the door.

• Keep your veggies and fruits in separate drawers and adjust the temperature so they keep longer. Don’t pack your fridge full all the time or it will have uneven temperatures throughout.

• On the table and counter place baskets or bowls of fruit, including tomatoes. Use a closed basket for onions, garlic, ginger, squash and big items like melons.

It also helps to re-arrange your dishes so that it’s more convenient for you to put your healthy items together.