Back to Basics Challenge: Improving Spaces

This week in the Back to Basics Challenge, we were supposed to "clean up" two or three spaces to help us on our weight loss journey. You can read more about it here. I decided to clean up my little kitchen space in my office at work and my kitchen at home. I do have plans for a workout area in my basement, but I might run out of time to set that up this weekend.
 
I am a teacher, so I spend a lot of time in my classroom and am lucky enough to have my own office. All I need is a bathroom and I would never have to leave! (Although seeing and interacting with other adults once in a while is nice.) Anyway, I have a microwave and a mini fridge along with some cupboard space above the fridge. I looked at expiration dates and threw out expired items. I also organized things so it was easy to get to what I use the most. I decided to bring my own real plates and silverware from home instead of reheating items in plastic containers (not good for you) or paper plates (wasteful).

Inside the mini fridge. Lunch is in the bag, flavored water in the stainless steel water bottle, and snacks in the door.

 

This is the cabinet above the fridge. The things I use the most or are for me are on the bottom shelf. The top shelf has some leftover plates, cups, baggies, and treats for the students.

I have a set of jars with glass beads at home to visually track my weight loss and decided to make a set for work too. I have a problem with emotional eating, so I often eat when stressed. Although I love my job, we all experience stress at work. Combine that with the ability to sit in front of your computer on plan period and eat with no on seeing you is not so good.

 

 

The second place I tackled was my kitchen at home. I already got rid of all the unhealthy stuff except for what is my husband's. He doesn't keep much in the house since he eats out a lot, but does have some unhealthy snacks such as cookies and candy. I have learned to just ignore his stuff and not even touch it. The big problem in my kitchen is the lack of storage space and how everything somehow became a big, jumbled up mess. I organized dishes, spices, appliances, and food. Here are the end results:

 

Everyday dishes are organized.

Moved the pots above the stove along with olive oil and cooking spray.

Spices and less used items on the top shelf.

What I call my husband's pantry space. You can see how little he keeps around and the Goldfish crackers and candy is sitting out.

My cabinet with my snacks, drinks, etc.

Two shelves have dog stuff and one shelf has my vitamins and oatmeal.

Big pans and appliances. It is really sad that my fancy, expensive food steamer is still in packaging. Got to use it one of these days. Also, don't judge me by my crock pot. I got it at a garage sale for $4 and plan on spray painting it a cute color.

I moved the pans to a drawer hoping it would make things easier.

All my measuring cups in a drawer with other odds and ends.

The fridge was clean already.