The average family spends most of their time in the kitchen. Whether it’s used for preparing meals, eating together or just hanging out, chances are that your kitchen is the heart of your home. And if this is true, then the idea that your kitchen can have an effect on everything from how you spend your time together to your attitudes toward food. In fact, the way your kitchen is stocked and how you relate to food through your appliances and gadgets could actually shape your eating habits. Whether you want to eat healthier or you’re looking to lose a few pounds, some kitchen tweaks and could help get you there. How can you make your kitchen appliances “healthy appliances”?

Out of Sight

Ever find yourself thoughtlessly munching on food just because it’s sitting out or you’re scanning the pantry for a quick snack? That’s because we routinely eat what is most readily available. If you have a problem with mindless snacking, it could be that your kitchen setup and appliances make snacks too available. If you see them, you’ll want to graze, which is why a clear pantry door could be a problem. Instead, putting tempting items out of sight and arranging healthy items front and center in your fridge can help encourage you to choose healthier snacking. After all, you’re more likely to nosh on an orange if it’s the first thing you see when you open your fridge, right?

Water Sources

Drinking enough water all day long can be a challenge, especially if you’re having to pull out a glass, fill it with ice and then get water from the faucet every time you need to get a drink. That’s why a reliable drinking source can make all the difference in your kitchen, as you’re more likely to take a swig if you can easily fill up your water glass from the water source on your fridge, for example. If your kitchen doesn’t have access to a drinking water spout on your fridge, you may need to make alternate arrangements to make sure it’s always available, like stocking your fridge with water bottles. The easier the water is to access, the more likely you’ll choose water over other drinks, like soda or juice.

Electronics

While you might think that watching a little TV as you eat is no big deal, think again. It may be OK to catch up on your favorite shows when you’re preparing food, but once you start eating, it’s best to shut it off. Watching TV while you munch can cause an increase in the number of calories you consume, since you’re less in tune with your body’s signals that you’re full. If you routinely watch TV while you eat or have a TV in your kitchen, you might be eating more than necessary. Instead, flip it off and pay attention to your body.

Dishes and Utensils

Eating can be as psychological as it is physical. While you may eat to increase energy and decrease hunger, you likely also have emotional reasons for tearing into a box of cookies as well. One way that you can trick yourself psychologically into better eating habits is to change out your utensils and dishes. Oversized utensils can cause overeating, since it’s hard to gauge how much you’re putting in your body. By swapping out for smaller utensils and plates, you can control the psychological part of eating while still decreasing hunger and feeling satisfied.

Your kitchen is the center of your home, but it’s also the foundation for your eating habits. By cleaning out the pantry and stocking your kitchen with more healthful eating in mind, your kitchen can become a partner in health, rather than a detractor.