We are deep into hibernation season, thanks to this relentless snow and cold streak here in NYC.
More than ever, we are searching for ways to feel comfortable and cozy – but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon those New Year’s resolutions. If getting organized is on your list, we’ve got you covered. If working towards a healthier lifestyle made the cut this year, we have some stellar news for you: we’ve still got your back!
To help you stick with your health and fitness goals, we’re breaking down the key zones in your kitchen and sharing practical, pro-level organization tips for each one. Plus, we’ve teamed up with two fitness and nutrition specialists who are adding their expert insights to help you align your space with your nutritional goals.
Nicole Saul is a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified fitness expert in New York City with a decade of coaching experience. Saul currently teaches sculpt, barre, and pilates fusion classes in some of NYC's hottest studios, in addition to private training.
Shira Jackman is a certified nutrition coach and strength trainer who helps clients find long-term solutions to build strength and power, address chronic injury, develop healthy relationships with food, and cultivate confidence and peace in their bodies and minds.
Let’s dive in!
ZONE #1: REFRIGERATOR
What is it about a refrigerator that makes us hang onto sauces, spreads, and condiments forever? If you open your fridge, I guarantee there’s a jar (or two) hidden in the back that hasn’t been touched in about 8 months. I’m guilty of it too. 🙋🏻♀️
Time to clean it out! Your fridge is meant for fresh, nourishing foods, so why is it often the most neglected area in the kitchen? Clear off one shelf at a time. Toss any expired products, items you no longer use, or any foods that don’t support your current health goals. Wipe down each shelf with some disinfectant to give yourself a literal (and figurative) clean slate.
To maintain order, we love:
Turntables for sauces and condiments
Fridge bins for grouping categories
Labels to help keep items visible and easy to find
Jackman's tip: Environment is everything when it comes to hitting your goals. If you know a certain food causes you to binge or eat emotionally, keep it out of sight, or better yet, keep it out of your house altogether. If you want to eat more fruit and vegetables, keep them washed, prepped, and at eye height, and I guarantee you’ll eat more of them!
Saul’s tip: Leftovers don’t have to feel repetitive. Toss everything over baby lettuce for a hearty salad, or reheat your veggies and pair them with over-easy eggs for a quick, satisfying meal. When healthy components are prepped and visible, throwing together something delicious takes minutes.
ZONE #2: CABINETS & PANTRY
Start by sorting through your pantry items either all together or by category. Identify which foods or ingredients support your goals and keep those at eye level - the “prime real estate” of your kitchen. Items that don’t align with your goals can be discarded or moved out of your daily reach.
Design your space around your intentions:
Want to make smoothies? Keep your blender on the counter or in a lower, easy-access cabinet.
Planning to cook more and order takeout less? Stock up on staple ingredients and — yes — delete Uber Eats from your phone. I meant what I said.
Stock up on herbs and spices. Switching up the seasonings on simple veggies, grains and proteins can take you on a journey through different culinary regions of the world and make meal time WAY more exciting.
Our favorite pantry organization tools:
Jackman’s tip: When you get home at the end of the day, you’re already tired and likely experiencing decision fatigue. Make life easier for future you by “ingredient prepping” aka making batches of versatile items like sheet pan veggies, proteins, and nutrient-dense carbs like roasted potatoes. Keep convenient go-tos on-hand too - I love canned soups, beans, and tuna, and chicken sausages and meatballs. Make it easy to make the right choice and as hard as possible to make the ‘wrong’ choice.
Saul’s tip: For days when there’s no time to cook—I love Daily Harvest. Click here for $25 off your first purchase! Daily Harvest is a delivery service offering gluten-free, plant-based options like frozen smoothies, grain bowls, pastas, and more. Add your leftover protein, and voilà—lunch is ready. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy nutrient-dense meals with minimal effort.
ZONE #3: COUNTER TOPS
Some people firmly experience the “out of sight, out of mind” theory and NEED their tools visible to follow through on their goals. If that’s you, own it! Just be intentional about it. Visible doesn’t have to mean cluttered!
Create a contained system so items don’t sprawl or get lost — because you can’t stick to your daily vitamins if you can’t find them. Use:
A turntable for supplements or oils
A beautiful bin or tray to group frequently used items
This keeps your counters functional, aesthetic, and aligned with your goals.
Jackman’s tip: We all know hydration is important, but that doesn’t make it easy! Choose a fun, aesthetic water bottle that you’ll be excited to drink out of and keep it on your counter so it’s top of mind.
Saul’s tip: Add a full fruit basket for easy, healthy snacks and a pop of color and you’ll instantly create a calmer, more enjoyable space to cook and prep.
Zone #4: cOOKING TOOLS
If you’re serious about leveling up your kitchen and your habits, upgrading a few key tools can make a big difference.
Our Favorite go-to tool: Silicone Cooking Utensils. Ditch old hard plastic tools that melt or warp. Get cookin’ with a set of premium utensils that are durable, safe, and motivating to use.
Jackman’s go-to tool: Air Fryer. “I promise they’re worth the hype! The sky is really the limit, but they’re fantastic for quick and easy chicken, fish, veggies, potatoes, and more! I personally love to air fry an apple with cinnamon as a cozy snack or treat!”
Saul’s go-to tool: Pyrex Glass Tupperware. “After dinner, store the leftovers in clear glass containers. I personally love Pyrex. Using glass avoids harmful microplastics, and using clear containers means you can actually see the nourishing, ready-to-eat food in your fridge. They stack beautifully, keeping everything clean, organized, and easy to grab.”
Seeing is Believing! Curate your social feed with accounts that share healthy meals, realistic nutrition tips, and balanced lifestyle content to keep you inspired and consistent.
An organized kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about alignment. When your space supports your nutrition goals, healthy choices become more intuitive and sustainable. Even small shifts in how you store and prep can create meaningful change.
We hope these tips inspire you to refresh your kitchen with your goals in mind. Achieving them is challenging — so why not make it easier? Removing obstacles and reducing friction is just as important as making healthy choices. Set up your space to support the life you’re building.
A special thank you to Nicole Saul and Shira Jackman for sharing their expertise. If you’d like to explore more personalized fitness and nutrition guidance, connect with Saul on Instagram and learn more about Jackman’s work through her website or Instagram.
Because when your systems support your goals, everything flows a little more effortlessly.