I make a grocery list (and menu) every week. It makes a big impact on my shopping experience. It cuts down on the time I spend wandering the aisles and eliminates anguish about what to cook. I muster up at least 4 meal ideas for the week with the option of D'Giorgno or Stouffers for nights I'm too tired. But the list takes no more than 10 minutes to make. Sometimes, (almost every time) I'll write it out in the parking lot of the grocery store. I just can't go in unarmed!
First, I list the meals. Sometimes it helps to make the most of one ingredient. This menu uses ground chicken and lettuce in different configurations.
Then, I write a full list of grocery items. I divide it into categories: Dairy, Produce, Dry Goods, Frozen, Other/Non Grocery. If all of my dairy items are listed together, I get them all at once, then produce and so on. I'm also sure to signify which dishes the ingredients are being used in to help me calculate how much I'll need.
Here's what it usually looks like:
A. Jumbo Italian Meatballs, Salad
B. Shepherd's Pie
C. Green Chili w/Rice
D. Mexican Pizza, Caesar Salad
E. Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Caesar Salad
Dairy
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend (D)
Milk
Yogurt
Eggs
Produce
Romaine (A, D, E)
Green Tomatoes (C)
Cilantro (C)
Onions (A, B, C, D, E)
Gr Bell Pepper (A, C, D, E)
Potatoes (B)
