
Coming home to an organized space is truly something magical. It’s so much easier to be productive and manage stress when your abode is as put-together as you want to be. Conquer spring cleaning by tossing out some things from your pantry and organizing your fridge first, because it turns out that keeping your kitchen tidy may help you meet your healthy eating goals.
A study conducted at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab found that cluttered environments can have a profound impact on how and what you eat. In their experiment, they led two groups of women into a well-organized kitchen and a messy kitchen, then asked them to describe a time they felt in control. Snacks were served, of course. After a short period of time in the chaotic space, the women in the messy kitchen had eaten twice as many cookies as their zen counterparts.
The researchers believe that distracting spaces, such as cluttered offices or haphazard kitchens, are bad news for self control. Piles of paper and dishes in the sink make it harder to resist snacks, especially indulgent foods that make us feel happy.
If you’re trying to lose weight or make healthier choices, tidying up your environment can help you avoid overeating. Recycling a stack of junk mail on the counter or putting away dishes before sitting down to your meal can put you back in-control. Need a bigger change? Organizing your fridge can help you feel centered every time you reach for a snack.
How fab are super organized kitchens? Follow us on Pinterest for more home inspiration.
(Photos via Getty)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
More on Brit + Co
17 Size-Inclusive Athleisure Brands To Shop This Spring
The Best At-Home Workouts If You're New To The Whole Moving Thing
5 Foods You Should Never Eat Before A Workout