30-Day Spring Kitchen Reset Challenge

Aside from being beautiful, it is packed with healthy veggies and lean proteins to keep you fueled and full for longer. Quinoa also adds whole grains and fiber to round out this nutritious, tasty meal that will kick off your challenge.

Contrary to how it sounds, the self-cleaning function isn’t the best way to give your oven a deep clean. Instead, soak your oven racks overnight, vacuum out the inside of your oven and scrub heavily with baking soda and water for a deep clean. Our guide for how to clean your oven gives you step-by-step instructions.

If you can’t remember the last time you’ve done this, it has probably been too long. Most people don’t wash their dish towels or aprons enough. Experts say, ideally, you should be washing them or swapping them out daily. If that doesn’t seem realistic for you, try to switch them out 2-3 times a week to avoid spreading around kitchen germs.

These are some of the most well-loved surfaces of your kitchen. This means they need regular care and cleaning; however, it is worth it to take the time to clear off everything and deep clean by scrubbing countertops and surfaces with your multi-purpose cleaner of choice. The sink often gets overlooked, so give it a good scrub while you’re at it.

After a lot of inevitable use, this appliance can often get overlooked. Empty your coffee pot and maker. Fill the water container with one cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of lemon and the remaining amount of water needed to be full. Run the pot with no grounds to deeply clean the interior, then run again with only water to get rid of any vinegar residue.

Cleaning your dishwasher is easier than you may think (and yes, you should clean it!). Just run it empty with one cup of white vinegar in the top rack and that’s it! The vinegar will break down all the grease and grime built up from its hard work.

Fish is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with healthy fats, protein and nutrients. It is a great quick-cooking option for a weeknight main. This  dish feels fancy, but comes together in just 30 minutes.

Like any room, it is most effective to clean the kitchen from the top down. After you have cleaned your counters, sink and appliances, it’s time to show your floor (tile or otherwise) some love. Sweep up any dust or debris, then wash the floors using soap and warm water or your preferred floor cleaner.

Reducing your alcohol consumption can be beneficial for your health in numerous ways. If you are feeling super ambitious, try cutting it out altogether to reap benefits like staying hydrated and sleeping better. We have mocktail recipes perfect for booze-free nights when you still want to sip something special.

Adding in a serving of vegetables in the morning is a great way to jumpstart getting your five servings a day. Try savory oatmeal with tomato and peppers, or avocado toast. Egg scrambles and omelets are another great dish to sneak veggies in.

Staying hydrated is crucial for your body to function. That being said, many Americans are dehydrated and may not even know it.  Most people should be getting eight glasses or more of water each day. Carrying a water bottle with you and always having a glass around can help you meet your goal.

There are so many reasons to go meatless. It can have benefits to your health, to the environment and to your budget. Try one of our simple plant-based recipes to see how delicious meatless can be.

Growing your own herbs is a great way to incorporate more flavor into your meals. Even if you don’t consider yourself a gardener, there are several herbs that do well indoors. Buy a plant at your local nursery or grocery store and keep it in a sunny spot.

This recipe is not only delicious, but can be pulled together with a mix of produce and pantry staples. Ready in 30 minutes, getting in your greens and going meatless has never been so easy or tasty. 

Now that your kitchen is sparkling clean, it is time to move on to your pantry. The first step in giving this area a reset is completely emptying and wiping down the shelves and surfaces.

Take inventory of what is in your pantry or snack cabinet. Ditch what is no longer good and add things to your grocery that you are out of or running low on. Having several healthy snacks ready to grab and go will make your life easier when you get into a busy season.

Spices last, on average, one to two years. Sadly, this means the paprika you have had for a decade in the back of your cabinet is probably no longer good and should be tossed. Take note of what you should restock.

You are more likely to enjoy nutritious whole grains when they are easily accessible and organized. From pasta to quinoa, find a place for everything and label if you can.

The best way to start this endeavor is to empty your drawers and take stock of what you have. Consider donating any duplicates or tools that you don’t think you will use.

Go plant-based tonight with this delicious Thai-inspired recipe. Ingredients like coconut milk, red curry paste and lime juice pack it with mouthwatering flavors. Zucchini noodles help cut down on carbohydrates and add a boost of vegetables.

After you are down to only the essentials, organize the drawers that hold your tools and utensils. A drawer divider is a great option to make it obvious where things should live.

Turn off the TV, set your phone aside and just have a meal. This act is formally referred to as mindful eating, which basically means noticing what you are eating, from how it feels in your mouth to how it tastes and smells. Mindful eating has been found to reduce overeating and improve meal satisfaction.

It is important to think about what happens to waste after it leaves your kitchen or your home. Making sure you are recycling correctly is important (check with your local waste management services and reference this EPA guide for more). Also, if you aren’t already, check out this article on how to start composting at home.

You should be replacing your sponge about once a week, and a little more frequently if you are using it heavily. To help save money, try cutting sponges in half so you double their lifespan.

Every few months, it is important to take stock of what is in your freezer. Maybe there are some bananas you forgot about stuck all the way in the back (make banana bread!) or a container of stock you could use tonight. Empty your freezer out completely and refill it with only what is still good and what you will use.

After every big grocery shop, try emptying out your fridge completely. While it is empty, take the time to wipe it out. Once you refill it, it will be clean and organized for use. Plus, this will help you get rid of anything past its prime (before you can smell it).

These are some of the most well-loved surfaces of your kitchen. This means they need regular care and cleaning; however, it is worth it to take the time to clear off everything and deep clean by scrubbing countertops and surfaces with your multi-purpose cleaner of choice. The sink often gets overlooked, so give it a good scrub while you’re at it.

Cast iron skillets are some of the longest lasting, durable pans money can buy. That being said, it is important to know how to take care of them so they last. We have this guide on how to season and clean your skillet for the best results.

Choose a dinner that uses only one pot on one pan tonight to help you make cleaning up easy. Whether it is a soup, pasta or stir-fry, we have ample inspiration for one-pot dinners perfect for weeknights.

So you made a little too much food or are having a tough time getting through leftovers, we have all been there. Instead of cramming your fridge or freezer full or worse (throwing things away), try sharing with a friend and neighbor. There are plenty of ways to do it safely even if you are trying to limit contact with others. It will brighten your day and theirs while cutting down on food waste.