The pantry is cleaned and you are beginning the “Purging the Pantry” process and entering a new food paradigm. Now it is time to use the same method for the refrigerator. Today we are going to clean and clean out the refrigerator and begin to refill it with beneficial foods to enhance your health and beauty. This is a simple procedure and will result in a cleaner food environment and hopefully and awareness of utilizing the food you have as a resource. Here’s what you will need:

• Cleaning cloths
• Paper towels
• Peppermint Oil
• Gloves (latex or non latex).
• Containers
• Permanent Markers
• Soft Brush
• Vacuum

To Clean the Outside: Before you begin on the inside, clean the outside of the refrigerator. Pull the refrigerator from the wall and using the brush, dust the back. Use the brush to dust the wall behind the refrigerator. Then use the vacuum to clean the coils of the refrigerator and all the spaces in the back and underneath. Using a few paper towels, clean the floor underneath the refrigerator. Then clean the top and sides using clean paper towels. Return the refrigerator to its place and continue by following the steps to clean the inside.

To Clean the Inside: Begin by taking all the items off of one shelf and placing them on the counter. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil in warm water and put on the gloves. Wipe down the shelf and all the walls of the refrigerator around the shelf with the cloth dipped in the oil/water mixture. Now assess all the food items you removed. If the items are fresh, take the marker and write today’s date on the packaging or container. Any food items that are old should be composted or discarded. NO OLD FOOD! Next, replace the remaining food items on the shelf in an attractive display. You may want to group your foods by category such as dairy, meats, vegetables, fruits and condiments. I like to keep my condiments in the door so that the food items in storage containers can be placed on the shelves so that the cold air circulates around them.

Continue this process for all the shelves, drawers and door of the refrigerator. Date all items with the permanent marker. Wipe all the condiment bottles down with the cloth or paper towels. You can remove the drawers and clean underneath as this is usually a very nasty place. Wash the drawers and line with paper towels and replace.

Once you have cleaned the entire refrigerator, begin to make a menu using the food that you currently have. The idea is to use all the food you have and then replace with fresher, healthier food choices. Once you have constructed the menu, make a shopping list of the food items you will need to utilize everything in the fridge. Over the next few weeks, you will want to use all the food you have and then have all fresh food in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. This is a great way to transform your diet and eat healthy and clean. You will notice the difference and feel so much better.

Note: if you haven’t done so already, you may want to date the spices in your spice rack or where ever you store them. The intention is to utilize all these as well and purchase (or grow), new more flavorful spices. Just imagine, if you could use all the food you have now and then purchase all new and fresh, healthy foods, how good would that feel?