Ten Refrigerators that Inspire Healthy Eating

July 20, 2018

I believe in the power of a tidy, happy refrigerator to promote healthy eating – even if I don’t always succeed. And those of you who follow me on Instagram know I like to take a few minutes to freshen up my refrigerator each weekend. I’m working on a more detailed post about my favorite fridge storage strategies, best containers, produce preservation tips, and the like, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share some of the refrigerators I’ve come across and taken note of. These are refrigerators on their #fridgegoals A-game. Masters of refrigerator organization (or simply deploying a super clever tactic or two).

Before we start, there are a few best practices I’ve come to embrace. The aforementioned weekly tidy is key. I typically do mine on Saturday after getting home from the farmers’ market. Wash and prep as many of your ingredients as possible at this time, and you’ll thank yourself later. It might sound strange, but I think of this exercise as merchandising my refrigerator. And when you do it, far less goes to waste, and you’ll feel more energized about cooking throughout the rest of the week.

I also want to note, this post is focused on refrigerators. Freezers are another thing altogether. I’m still trying to get a handle on mine, and haven’t quite been able to nail down a great system, it always turns into a dumping ground. More to come on that front, in the meantime, hopefully there is something here that will inspire!

1. My Refrigerator
This is where I’m at – a work in progress, but I have a few set-in-stone strategies. First, like I mentioned up above, try to tidy it once a week. Second, store things in clear containers, preferably glass. That way you can see everything you have at a glance. I love our counter depth refrigerator, because it doesn’t allow things to hide in the far back corners. Everything is up front and in your face. I want to get a wine bottle insert (mentioned below), and love anything stackable, like the Weck jars, which come in a range of sizes. These containers have been great, these (w/ compartments) are great for lunches on the go, and keeping things separate. I post refrigerators shots here now & then.

2. Kristen’s Eat to Live Fridge – (Hello Nutritarian)
Woah. I’m not sure I’ve seen a stronger fridge game. Look at all the color here! And the prep! And when you get past that, look at the storage strategy. A lot of super smart suggestions on all fronts here. More shots from Kristen.

3. The Home Edit’s Updatable Labeling
Labelling is key, especially in the freezer, or for anything that isn’t going to get used in a few days. Until now, I’ve always used washi paper tape to label jars and baggies, but I’m loving Clea and Joanna’s chalk marker strategy as well. Super clever, and easily helps your family put things where they’re supposed to go. More details here.

4. How to Stock Your Fridge (& Cook) Like an Adult – (Refinery 29)
A nice snapshot of three culinary pros – Karen Mordechai, Lauren Godfrey, and Barrett Prendergrast. You can see some clever strategies in the photos – bowls for produce, wrapping greens, the catch-all nut drawer, etc. See the profiles here.

5. Beyond Meal-prep & CIY meals – (Coveteur)
I thought this portrait of Samantha Wasser’s refrigerator was interesting because it shows how things might come together if you’re more likely to buy your meals vs. cook them. There are a lot of people who don’t cook much, and I thought this seemed like a better option than ordering lots of take-out. Lunch, dinner, breakfasts, and lots of drinks for a few days at least.
More photos of Samantha’s kitchen here, and check out Sarah Britton’s kitchen / fridge while you’re there.

6. Jen’s Counter Depth Fridge & Freezer Strategy – (I Heart Organizing)
I love Jen’s use of those little mini-bins, and the can holder. Super clever. And her detailed freezer drawer write-up makes me feel like there might be hope for mine. Some great ideas, aprticularly for anyone with a counter depth, French door, and freezer drawer configuration. Mini-bins on order 😉 More details here.

7. Lots of Jars & Baskets – (The Intentional Minimalist)
This is one of the few examples I could find with clever use of natural fiber baskets. I like how Kristin has used them here, and look at her smart use of large jars for greens. More tips from Kristin here.

8. Merchandise Your Healthy Drinks – (Brit + Co)
I’m a big fan of this strategy (as you can see in the opening photo). Storing hydrating, healthy beverages in glass containers and carafes is a sleek, beautiful way to showcase drinks. I also like the vote for clear containers here. There are a lot of fridge organization articles that highlight opaque containers, making the contents hard to see, and easy to forget about. Get the recipe here.

9. Wine & Tall Bottle Inserts – (The Container Store) I find myself short on space for tall items like wine bottles and sparkling water. Not sure why it didn’t occur to me to add some bottle inserts, but this post got me thinking. More photos here.

10. Wide Open – What European Chef’s Keep in their Refrigerators – (Bon Appétit) In case you weren’t sure how a chef can differ from a home cook, their refrigerators lend some fascinating insights. Bon Appétit highlights Inside Chefs’ Fridges, Europe, a book by Adrian Moore and Carrie Solomon. Read the article & browse the pics.