You’re assuming all of us are normal people.

Unfortunately, for some of us, some foods do trigger addictive or compulsive eating behavior. I agree that the shaming approach of “bad” or “forbidden” foods is counterproductive, but if I know that having a box of cookies in the house means I will reach for the cookies first–and eat the entire box in one sitting–and have no appetite for vegetables and fruits and other foods that have a better effect on my health and well-being, then it’s only sensible for me to choose not to keep boxes of cookies at home.

Also, the simple fact is that some foods are healthier to eat in larger quantities than others are. Large amounts of sugar aren’t good for anyone. Even olive oil, which is considered healthy, isn’t something I would consume by the cupful–but I’m not tempted to overeat olive oil. I *am* tempted to overeat cookies and other sugary, refined-flour foods. And I feel better when I don’t overeat them. So I adjust my shopping and storage habits accordingly.

I only buy enough food that I will eat it before the expiry date. I live alone, so I do go to the grocery store a lot, but that’s okay with me. I have recently been trying to eat my way through my cupboards because I had a lot of dried stuff that felt cluttery to me, so for example, instead of buying more pasta when it was on sale, I am eating what I already have.

I label food in bottles or containers with the dates I opened them. Just mark ‘em with a Sharpie. I also mark my own containers using a piece of tape to write on. That way there’s no risk of eating something that’s been around too long but doesn’t warn you by appearance or odor.

Also, recently I was amazed to discover that some people believe that the manufacturer’s stamped on “expiration date” still applies after you’ve opened the container. Big mistake!

Rick
(more on this question in my post: http://rickcolosimo.blogspot.c.....nning.html)

Even dividing calories into “good” and “bad”, as Ann says, isn’t a good idea. There’s no reason to feel guilty for eating what you want. Normal people aren’t going to eat cake all day, even if they can. Everyone likes to eat a balanced diet.

Question: Why are there eggs in a bowl?

I would suggest you practice moderation. There’s room for all foods - even “junk” sometimes - in a healthy diet. Some people follow an 80/20 system: 80% healthy calories, 20% treat calories.

If there are foods you know are triggers for you (ie you can’t eat them moderately) avoid those. I have a super sweet tooth, but I’ve found that I can eat a small amount of dark chocolate w/out wanting the whole bar. Give me a candy bar like Snickers and I want two more!

OK, so that’s my lecture for the day - with absolutely no wisdom on clearing food clutter!

- Stock up on foods that do not require refrigeration. I buy Soy Milk in bulk that can be stored in room temperature. All of it gets used and nothing goes to waste.

- Take your vegetable scraps from cooking or produce that is going bad and put it in a compost bin in the back yard. The bin can be a simple plastic storage container with holes drilled in it. It doesn’t smell, you can use the compost for organic fertilizer and you don’t feel guilty throwing away your produce.

- Invest in a vacuum food saver. Your food last much longer so there is no waste. My lettuce lasts over two weeks in a vacuum storage container. Since produce last longer, you can eat healthier too.

- Learn to be a better cook! You develop a lot more respect for the ingredients you use and become much more efficient in your cooking skills and thus reduce your food clutter. Your added skills help you make use of any remaining ingredients to reduce waste.