Permission to throw out food
If you have ADHD and tend to hoard food, giving yourself permission to throw things out can feel counterintuitive — but it might make cooking easier.
Here’s why having too much food can actually make it harder to eat well:
Decision paralysis – Too many choices = nothing gets made.
Forgetting what you have – Items get buried and forgotten.
Things going off – And now your fridge smells suspicious.
When my pantry, fridge, and freezer aren’t overflowing, deciding what to eat gets way simpler. My brain loves a clear brief, not a blank canvas — so having less sharpens my focus and helps me find inspiration.
My most recent fridge clear out - all out of date, mouldy or squishy. My dog appreciated the apples.
Decluttering Without Overwhelm
Trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming. I like to use two approaches:
By section:
Freezer
Fridge
Condiments (we both know this gets out of hand)
Drinks: bar/wine/drinks fridge/tea & coffee
Pantry – cooking
Pantry – baking
By task:
Group similar items together
Toss expired food
Combine multiples (all open rice into one container)
Bin anything attracting pantry moths
Let go of items untouched for months
Remove freezer-burnt food
Ditch food that gives you the ick
Donate usable items to a local food pantry
Tip: Don’t do this right before cooking — that’s a recipe for overwhelm. Choose a day when your kitchen is clear and your meds (if you take them) are doing their thing.
I wouldn’t even know what to do with a kitchen this pretty
Maintaining a Manageable Kitchen
Be kind to yourself
Clutter comes back. That’s normal. Just clear it again when you’re ready — no guilt.
Think like a supermarket
Arrange your pantry so you can see everything. Keep high-use items stocked, but avoid overbuying.
‘Shop’ your pantry before visiting friends
Re-gift unopened foods, make cocktails from random bottles, or take that box of biscuits from last Christmas to a dinner party.
Resist the mega shop
Big food shops feel productive but often cause more waste. Only buy bulk if you’re actually using it. And yes — avoid the middle aisle at Aldi unless you have iron willpower.
The Takeaway
@thebnoth It’s the new dance sensation that is taking the nation by storm. #dance #sauce #hoisin #anotherone ##sensation ♬ original sound - Bryan
Throwing out food might feel wasteful, but it can lead to less waste overall if it helps you cook more often. Declutter in stages, work with your ADHD brain, and enjoy the dopamine hit from an inspiring kitchen.
