Last winter the DC area was hit hard by a series of snow storms. Trapped, bored and restless I decided to create a suite of delicious dinner ideas for me and my husband.
What started with a few recipes we enjoyed turned into 60 days of meals categorized by protein, veggie, carbohydrate and cuisine. Finally we had a simplified way to plan our meals for the week!
I’m not going to lie. This masterpiece of a spreadsheet took some time but it was SO worth it! Now on Sunday before I go to the store I simply look at my spread sheet, pick the week of meals I would like to eat, write a quick list of ingredients (already included on the spreadsheet by the way) and walk out the door. This has simplified my Sunday trip to the grocery store immensely.
My thought process behind the list so you can create one too:
- First, we had to have variety. If we were using a marinara base on Monday, we wouldn’t use that again for at least 4 meals.
- Second, I wanted to reduce our weekly bill so I considered the items we could use in their entirety and sneak into other meals throughout the week. This included things like bread crumbs, spinach, eggs, fresh bread, bacon, etc.
- Third, I wanted to reduce the amount trips to the store per week. Doesn’t everyone? So I planned meals by accessible ingredients in the house. Fancy was not going to cut it with our busy schedules.
- Finally, everything had to be delicious and ready to go within a reasonable amount of time.
After 12 cook books and countless online searches we now have our own little recipe spread sheet at our fingertips. Not only is it easy to use but it’s helped to grow my confidence in the kitchen!
If you’d like a copy just let me know! It’s fantastic for a family on the go!!
I would love a copy of this spreadsheet. It sounds like an efficient way to grocery shop and cook – nothing goes to waste. Love it!