You’re craving a little something but you’re not quite sure what, so you open the fridge door to see what’s on hand.
What you see when you first open the door can make the difference between a healthy and a not-so-healthy choice. All too often, soft drinks, leftover fast food or cake is right in front of you while fruit and vegetables are banished to the crispers at the bottom.
Fortunately, a quick fridge re-org can help you make better choices. Here’s what a healthy fridge might look like.
![[visual of open fridge with the following items called out] [fridge, top shelf: yogurt; bowl of raspberries] Instead of pre-sweetened, buy low-fat plain yogurt and add your own fresh or frozen fruit. [fridge, centre shelf: carrot sticks, broccoli florets, melon, blueberries, etc.] Wash and chop colourful veggies and fruit ready for snacking and store them in clear containers at eye level. Who could resist? [fridge, bottom shelf: milk, eggs] Store milk or dairy alternatives (1% or skim) and eggs on the bottom shelf, where the fridge is coldest, never on the door where they’re more likely to spoil. [crisper drawers at the bottom: make crisper drawers opaque, so you can’t see what’s inside] Re-purpose the crisper for tempting but less-healthy choices, like pop, rich cheeses and cold cuts — out of sight, out of mind. [door, top; olive oil, peanut oil, salad dressing] Keep a variety of healthy-fat cooking oils on hand for stir-frying. Choose vinaigrettes over creamy salad dressings — they also make a great marinade for meat or vegetables. [door, second tier: ketchup, bbq sauce, mustard, soy sauce, etc.] Condiments are great for enhancing flavour. Look for low-sodium and low-sugar choices. [door, third tier: water jug, bottle of sparkling water, oj] Make water your beverage of choice. Use a filter jug rather than buying bottled — better for the environment and your wallet. Want bubbles? Add fresh lemon or lime to sparkling mineral water. Choose 100% fruit juice over flavoured fruit “drinks.” [door, bottom tier: peanut butter] Unlike the kind you store in the cupboard, all-natural nut butters are generally free of added sugar and preservatives.](/content/dam/affinity/coverme/english/images/article/healthy-fridge-infographic-en.jpg)
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