If you have a skill-set or something you’re knowledgeable about, and would like to write a post for this “Time Saving Tips” series, message me! Thanks to my wife Maegan Woodruff for the first one!
When it’s time to buy food and supplies, how do you go about it? Do you wander up and down each aisle of the grocery store once a week? Do you stock up your fridge with things you might need and hope it doesn’t go bad before you use it? Do you find yourself having forgotten the cat food or the shampoo? Well, I’m here to help.
Creating a meal plan and shopping list can be a simple task with minimal prep time so that it becomes a quick and easy weekly (or bi-weekly, or monthly) task. To get started, follow these 5 steps:
STEP 1: Create a list of all the things you like to cook.
Keep in mind your and your family’s personal needs. My family, for instance, needs variety. Some Asian foods, some Latin, some Italian . . . Your family may eat a certain diet, or you may prefer the ease of preparing the same kind of meal every night. Just make a list of all the meals your family will actually eat.
STEP 2: Create a list of ingredients for each meal.
For a simple spaghetti, you may only need dry pasta, a jar of sauce, a pound of meat, and a loaf of bread. For orange chicken, you need completely different ingredients. Staples for one family may not be staples for another. Under each meal you like to cook, make a list of every single ingredient needed, down to the cooking oil and salt.
STEP 3: Create a list of staple items.
What items do you need in your home at all times? These include toiletries, pet supplies, cleaning sprays, and anything else you can think of that your family shouldn’t be without on any given day. Make a list of these items. I like to keep mine in categories.
STEP 4: Create your meal plan.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks . . . These should be included for each member of your household. Include everything that will be eaten. For breakfast, my husband has eggs, toast, and an apple, while my youngest daughter has eggs, toast and a banana. When I list out each food being eaten, I make sure I know later how many eggs I need, and which types of fruit. Keep in mind special events and occasions, and any meals you plan to eat out. My family’s meal plan changes weekly.
STEP 5: Create your shopping list.
Using your previous lists, now you can compile your shopping list. Inventory your home and make sure you aren’t buying more than what you need, and that you have everything you definitely do need. From here, you can shop without waste, and without having to go back to the store for things you forgot.
BONUS TIP
Whether you use grocery pick-up or shop in-store, have a snack before you shop. This will help prevent hungry shopping, which often leads to unnecessary purchases, overspending, and waste.
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