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It’s Time for the Clean Out The Pantry Challenge!

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Every year in January, I host a Clean Out the Pantry Challenge and I am inviting you to come right along with me and do the same thing!

Christmas is over, and January is here — so you know what that means? It is time for us to clean out those pantries and make some really awesome meals!

This is the month where I tend to be the most creative in making meals because I am trying my hardest to use what I have on hand and not go to the grocery store.

Want to join me in doing this during the month of January? Here's how it works!

Clean Out the Pantry Challenge

I don't know about you, but during October, November, and December, I buy SO MANY THINGS that my pantry, freezer, and refrigerator are stuffed to the brim.

I started doing this a few years ago and it has really become a favorite time for me. All I do is put on my thinking cap and find ways to use all those pantry ingredients I have on hand.

If you want to do this too, here is what you need to know to get this started

Make a List of What You Have on Hand

The first place I always start is to make a list of everything you have on hand. I have a free printable you can download on this post about organizing your pantry.

Whenever I make a list like this, I even include all the spices I have on hand. If there is something I am out of, I try to see if I can make it from scratch like my homemade taco seasoning mix.

Time to Meal Plan

Once you have a list of everything you have on hand, you can start meal planning and finding fun creative recipes. You can download my free meal planning kit here.

Meal planning to me whenever I am doing a pantry clean out is so fun! It is where I am allowed to get super creative.

In the past, I have made meals like my Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles or my Southern Cream Cheese Noodles.

Grocery Shopping During the Month

Once you have a list of what you have on hand and you have made your meal plan, the next step is to grocery shop.

When you grocery shop, you only need to buy what you need. You will continue to do this all month long.

Try not to purchase unnecessary things. Find ways to use what you have on hand to make it instead. For example — instead of buying candy, make your own. One of my favorite recipes is the Coconut Oil Fudge Bites I created one year.

Stick to Your Plans

I know during the month, it will be hard to stick to your plan some — and it is totally okay if you decide to eat out a couple of times during January.

Our goal here is to clean out the pantry and use up all that extra food you have purchased during the holiday months.

Enjoy Being Creative

Please do not let this challenge get you down or make you frustrated. I want you to have fun being creative and finding new and easy recipes for you and your family to enjoy!

So, let's get started cleaning out that pantry for January!

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