There are a few jars in my pantry that only take up valuable real estate because I like the idea of cooking with them. I like the idea of having those items in my diet and part of my capsule kitchen. But the truth is, I never cook with them. Please tell me I’m not alone!
The reason doesn’t even matter; whether it’s too complicated, one family member doesn’t like the ingredient, you don’t have any recipes, you keep forgetting about it… These are all ways of the universe telling you – this is not needed at the moment :). That’s why it’s now time to let go.
It is remarkable how easy it is to say yes to something, but a lot harder letting go. Why else would decluttering be such a challenge. This is equally true for the pantry, no matter how big or small.
If the ingredients are considered ‘healthy’ one way or the other (noone’s got any problem throwing out bags of chocolate on the first of January…), it will be even harder letting go. But nevertheless it’s equally important.
If we’re cluttering up our pantry space with things we don’t enjoy cooking with, it’s less likely we’ll look in there with enthusiasm and joy, about to start whipping up amazing meals. It’s exactly the same as the overcrowded wardrobe, where you have a hard time finding anything to wear. Even the fantastic, ethically made, expensive must have *insert clothing item here* – if it doesn’t fit you won’t wear it. Instead you’ll get distracted by it every time you look for something to put on that makes you feel good.
So for me, as I felt bold and unapologetic one January morning, letting go of things that don’t serve me included:
- quinoa (husband can’t eat it)
- puy lentils (I actually loved having them in my pantry, but I just can’t get my family on board at this stage)
- mung beans (bought on a whim at the wholefoods store – never ended up cooking with them)
Of course I didn’t want to just throw them out, but I kid you not, all my attempts at making something with those ingredients to use them up, turned into a small disaster. Maybe that was the universe’s way of an ‘I told you so’.
In any case, after letting go of those items, I felt already a little clearer about what’s for dinner.
What’s lurking in your pantry you might want to let go of? If you find something that is getting the boot, I’d love to know :). Leave a comment so we can have a little chuckle together.
And just so you know, I’m holding on to that never used hemp seed protein powder for just a little while longer – because… my kitchen, my rules!
Much love,
Katrine x
