By Gan Tian (bjtoday.ynet.com)
Updated: 2008-04-08 10:34

When you have finally made up your mind to do a little house cleaning, do include on your list re-arranging the refrigerator. Single people, in particular, should know that it relates to your good health and for housewives, it's much more important than applying makeup. Beijing Today has invited an experienced housewife and a young dietitian to give you some cool ideas focused on convenience and usefulness.

Liu Ruannai, 33,housewife

Liu Ruannai takes care of her 36-year-old husband and six-year-old son. “It’s a pretty tough job, especially their diets.Liu’s husband and son only have dinner at hoe, which keeps her five o’clock time period pretty hectic. “Nothing is more depressing to a housewife than seeing a messy refrigerator, but I have my own solution.Her way of arranging the fridge makes it more convenient and tidy. “To some extent, I think it is healthier for me, because it eases my stress. It is also healthy for my family – a neat refrigerator prevents bacteria and illness,” Liu sa

The Ruannai plan

Step 1: Take everything out of the fridge. Liu said that an empty refrigerator is a start. “Some people think they can make changes with all food still crammed on the shelves. No way,” she said, ou must start with the fridge completely empty so your plan can work.” She also mentioned that with this first step you can easily recognize and discard all the unused and expired foods

Step 2: As you use food like butter and cream cheese frequently, Liu suggests that you put them into the refrigerator door. “A covered section can usually be found at the top of the door, but if not, put these items on the top shelf,” she said. Another reason is that ese foods will permeate and alter the flavors of nearby foods.

Step 3: Place your sauces, dressings, condiments and cheese on the remaining shelves of the door. Liu has chili sauce, salad dressing, ketchup and cheddar cheese there.

Step 4: “Your drinks can go on the largest shelf of your fridge’s interio” Liu said, “My husband loves drinking ice-cold beer. There is a separate space for that.” This is usually on the inside tohelf. “My son loves milk and apple juice, and sometimes we have friends over who enjoy soda. Place them here as well. It is convenient if someone goes to get a drink. The beverages are in an obvious and easily-seen rea of the refrigerator,” she said.Step 5: “Myfamily love sandwiches, so we have a good place for sandwiches,” Liu said. There are usually two drawers at the bottom of the fridge. In one, put vegetables, like lettue, herbs, tomatoes and peppers. In the other, put meats that do not need to be frozen, such as sandwich cold cuts, sausages, and pepperoni and sandwich meats. “If you live in a home where you do not make sandwiches wit cold cuts, you can divide the veggies into two sections with one section for fruits ?but we usually don’t refrigerate fruits. They are better when eaten resh.”Step 6: Now separate the rest of your food. You will often have yogurt, sour cream, eggs and similar food products. Put them together on a shelf along with your “leftovers.” Fill up the remaining shelves with food products that share things in commo

Step 7: In the freezer, separate the ice cream, meats, frozen foods and “leftovers” into organized section

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