Some people really enjoy cooking – and even grocery shopping. These activities are not among my favorite things to do. But… I have found a more enjoyable way – a simpler way – to tackle these tasks!
I’ve created a video about this, and you can watch it here:
If reading is more your style – I am happy to explain!
I created a meal planning/grocery shopping document that makes these tasks pretty quick and easy. The top part of my meal planning sheet contains category lists of grocery items that I buy frequently (dairy, meat, produce, etc.) The bottom portion includes a list of my “go-to” meals and a calendar block of seven days to write in my meals for the week. I have included a download link for this document at the end of this post.
I keep this sheet in my Weekend Basket, along with other items that I check every Friday night or Saturday morning. Read about my Weekend Basket here or watch the video here.
Another part of my meal planning process is a white board (dry erase board) on the back of a cabinet door in my kitchen. On this board, I keep a list of items that I have extras of in my pantry, items that I need to use before they spoil, and foods that I have in the freezer. I don’t know about you, but I tend to forget what I have put in the freezer. (Before I started meal planning, my freezer was more like a food graveyard!) Now I can just open my cabinet door to see what I need to use up, instead of digging through the freezer to see what I have.
Before I make out my grocery list for the week, I check my white board for items I need to use. Keeping this info in mind, I start filling in my meal calendar section. I try to plan several meals from items that I already have, then decide on the other meals by reviewing my list of “go-to” meals. I have designated a theme for every night of the week as follows:
- Saturday – Market Fresh dinner (since I go to the grocery on Saturday). I may pick up Sushi at the deli, or some other fresh food.
- Sunday – Grilled Meal (we live in the south so we can grill out almost year-round).
- Monday – Quick Meal or Casserole.
- Tuesday – Pasta night.
- Wednesday – Mexican night.
- Thursday – Left overs, or breakfast.
- Friday – Pizza, take-out, or sandwiches.
Once I plan my 7 meals – then I highlight the grocery items I need to prepare them. I also review all the category lists for any items that I normally stock in my kitchen and highlight those too. My worksheet contains lists for cleaning and personal care items as well. Once finished, I fold up my trusty sheet and take it with me to the grocery. I try not to buy foods that are not on my list (unless I find a good sale.) It is AMAZING how much lower your grocery bill can be when you buy items for a prepared list of meals.
When I return from the store, I get out my list – and write the meals for the week on my white board. That way both my husband and I know what our meals for the week are going to be.
Of course, things do not always go as planned, but it is easy to re-arrange when needed – especially if the opportunity to dine-out comes up! 🙂
I invite you to try this out. Customize your list to fit the meals you like to cook, and see how it works for you.
I LOVE the fact that I am not faced with the decision of what to fix for dinner when I get home after a long day at work. This method has truly been a game changer for me!
Bon Appetit, friends!
XO Angie
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