Consumer Reports

Reorganizing The Kitchen Can Help In Losing Weight

(KDKA) Losing weight can be tough, whether you need to lose a lot or you're trying to shed a few pounds; it's all about cutting back on calories.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart is offering some tips on weight loss. Experts say it is important to take a look at your kitchen because it may be working against you.

According to the experts, the obvious first move is to get the fattening snacks like chips and cookies off the counter and out of sight.

ShopSmart's Sue Perry says it's then important to rearrange the food in your cupboards.

"You want to move the healthy stuff to the front and the fattening stuff to the back," says Perry.

After the cupboards, Perry says to move on to your refrigerator.

"Crisper drawers are great for keeping fruits and veggies fresher a little longer, but you can't always see the food that's in them," adds Perry. "So you want to take that stuff and move it to where you can see it."

Also, she says put fresh fruit out on the counter in plain sight, and as for that crisper drawer, use it to tuck more fattening foods out of sight.

"You want to apply the same idea to leftovers," Perry says. "Use foil or containers that you can't see through to hide the fattening stuff, and then use see-through bags and containers for the healthy things."

ShopSmart says trim down your freezer, as well.

"Rather than freeze big portions of food, like a whole pan of lasagna, freeze food in individual portions, like a piece of chicken," Perry says. "It's ready to cook when you are, but you're not forced to cook a whole lot of it."

When it's time to eat, experts say scale back there too and use smaller dishes because they encourage smaller portions.

Consumer Reports ShopSmart also says when you're eating, lower the lights and the air conditioning because bright lights and cooler temperatures can increase your appetite.

Experts add that it is important to focus on the food you're eating, and forget watching television or reading. Instead, watch the clock because eating more slowly can also help you cut down on how much you eat.

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