Tidy Up Your Diet

Between mom and Marie Kondo, we know all the reasons to keep our space clutter free. But did you know that extends into the kitchen? If you’ve ever found yourself snacking more than usual in a messy kitchen it’s not just in your head. Science backs up the link between cluttered environments and overeating. The state of your kitchen might be influencing how much you eat, especially when it comes to less healthy snacks. It’s time to tidy up your diet.

Clutter, Chaos, and Cookies

The study, titled “Clutter, Chaos, and Overconsumption: The Role of Mind-Set in Stressful and Chaotic Food Environments,” explored how chaotic surroundings affect snacking behavior. It involved 101 female undergraduate students who were split into two groups—one in a tidy kitchen and the other in a chaotic, messy one. Each participant was also asked to reflect on a time when they felt either in control or out of control before being given snacks like cookies, crackers, and carrots to taste and rate.

The results were striking: participants in the chaotic kitchen and those who had recalled feeling out of control ate significantly more cookies—103 calories compared to only 38 calories consumed by participants in a tidy kitchen and an in-control mindset. Interestingly, the environment didn’t impact the consumption of healthier snacks like crackers or carrots.

Why?

The study suggests that messy, chaotic environments increase stress levels, which can lead to impulsive eating, especially of unhealthy snacks. A cluttered kitchen can create a sense of disorder, making you more vulnerable to cravings and poor food choices. This aligns with other research showing that stress and lack of control can drive people to seek comfort in sugary, high-calorie foods.

Moreover, being in a messy kitchen may send subconscious signals that you’re not in control of your environment, which then carries over into feeling less control over your food choices. This sense of chaos can lead to mindless eating as a way to cope.

Mindset Matters

While the environment plays a role, the study also highlights the importance of mindset. Participants who recalled a time when they felt in control were better able to resist overeating, even in the chaotic kitchen. This shows that while external factors like clutter can push us toward unhealthy habits, our mental state can either exacerbate or buffer against these tendencies.

Takeaways

So what does this mean for you? If you’re trying to maintain healthier eating habits, cleaning up your kitchen might be a surprisingly effective strategy. A tidy, organized kitchen promotes a sense of control, reducing the likelihood of stress-induced snacking. Additionally, cultivating a mindset of control—whether through mindfulness practices, journaling, or simply organizing your space—can help keep overeating in check.

In short, if you want to snack smarter, start with your kitchen. Decluttering not only reduces stress but also creates an environment that supports healthier choices. And next time you feel tempted to reach for that extra cookie, take a moment to assess your surroundings—and your mindset.