Week 1: Get Organized – Real Food for Busy Moms - Juggling Real Food and Real Life

If you’ve been around Juggling Real Food and Real Life for a while, you may remember the very first Real Food Experience Challenges I shared years ago. My family actually followed them right alongside you, and they completely changed the way we eat. Now, I’m bringing back the challenge—refreshed, expanded, and ready to fit into real life for today’s busy Moms.

We’re starting with the same place we always have started. That’s with kitchen organization. Because let’s be honest—without a little prep and order, Real Food gets pushed aside for whatever’s fast and easy. And I know you, Mom—you’ve got plenty on your plate already.

This week is about making your kitchen work for you so eating Real Food becomes doable, not overwhelming.

Why Getting Organized Matters for Busy Moms

Life is busy. Between school drop-offs, work meetings, sports practice, and trying to remember if anyone actually folded the laundry, food can feel like an afterthought. That’s when drive-thru dinners and boxed meals sneak in.

But here’s the truth: Real Food doesn’t have to be complicated. A little upfront organization makes it easier to cook at home than to wrangle the kids into the car for fast food. When your pantry is stocked, your fridge is clear, and your go-to tools are easy to grab, you save both time and money.

Think of Week 1 as setting the stage. Once your kitchen is organized, the rest of the challenge is so much simpler.

Step 1: Take Inventory

Before we dive into fancy meal plans or new recipes, let’s start with what you already have. Open up your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Write down:

The staples you use all the time (like pasta, rice, nut butter, or canned beans).
The fresh foods that need to be eaten soon.
The mystery items you bought but never used.

This quick snapshot helps you see what you need more of what you can use up, and what doesn’t really serve your Real Food lifestyle anymore.

Step 2: Declutter & Clear Out

You don’t need to throw away everything at once, but let’s start by removing the obvious junk. Toss or donate anything that:

Has expired (bye-bye mystery jar from 2018).
Is loaded with artificial dyes or ingredients you can’t pronounce.
You know your family doesn’t like and won’t eat.

This step makes room for the good stuff you’ll be bringing in during the coming weeks.

Step 3: Stock Up on Real Food Staples

A Real Food kitchen doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to have the basics. Here are a few to keep on hand:

Whole grains: brown rice, oats, whole wheat pasta, quinoa.
Proteins: eggs, chicken, beans, lentils, nut butters.
Fruits & veggies: fresh or frozen—whatever fits your life.
Healthy fats: olive oil, coconut oil, real butter.
Flavor boosters: herbs, spices, garlic, onions, and lemon juice.

Having these ready to go means you can whip up meals without stressing.

Step 4: Create Zones in Your Kitchen

Busy Moms don’t have time to dig through cabinets. Set up easy-to-reach zones for Real Food cooking:

Breakfast Zone: oats, cereal, nut butter, fruit.
Snack Zone: nuts, popcorn, cut-up veggies, cheese sticks.
Dinner Zone: pasta, sauces, spices.

This way, your family can grab what they need without tearing the kitchen apart—and you’ll know exactly where things are when it’s time to cook.

Step 5: Keep It Simple

This challenge isn’t about perfection. It’s about making progress that lasts. Don’t try to organize every drawer and cabinet in one afternoon. I know you are a really busy Mom. That’s why you are here. Choose one area to tackle each day—maybe your fridge today, pantry tomorrow, and freezer over the weekend. By the end of the week, you’ll feel lighter and more in control.

Quick Wins for Busy Moms

Use clear bins or baskets to group snacks and ingredients.
Label shelves or containers to avoid the “where’s the…?” question.
Keep a running grocery list on your fridge or phone.
Meal plan just 2–3 dinners per week (you don’t need to plan every bite).

Wrapping Up Week 1

Getting organized might not sound glamorous, but it’s the secret weapon for every busy Mom trying to eat more Real Food. Trust me—my family started here years ago, and it was the foundation for everything that came after.

Take it step by step, celebrate your progress, and remember: Real Food isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding systems that work for you and your family.

Next week, we’ll dive into drinks and start swapping out sugary beverages for refreshing, Real Food alternatives with our Week 2 Challenge. But first—finish this week strong. A little organization today sets you up for a whole lot of success tomorrow. We’re sharing real food staples every pantry should have over here when you are finished with the cleanout.

If you have any questions, go ahead and drop them in the comments below or you can come over to our Juggling Real Food and Life Community group over on Facebook.

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