The first mistake we all make in the beginning is not having a Pantry List. Having a go to listing of all the things you have to have on-hand on a regular basis is a must. Pin it on (or near) your fridge, right by the next two must-have things: a notepad and pen. These are seriously non-negotiable. (Unless you have a phone app that will do the same thing and are a super-techy person that prefers pixels to ink.)
Anytime that you run out of something that you know will need replenished, write it down immediately. This includes anything and everything that you keep on hand that can be purchased at the grocery store you frequent. AA batteries? Put them down. Bananas aren't on the pantry list, but you know you want them in the house constantly? Those go on there, too. Getting the picture?
Keeping this running list will keep you from having to go into the pantry and all over the house when it is list making time, trying to double check that you've not run out of anything. It will also keep you from having an embarrassing restroom moment when you realize (too late) that you forgot to buy more toilet paper on your last shopping trip. No body wants that for you. Just take the extra five seconds in the moment to jot down what you are out of or running low on. You will thank me later.
On your shopping day, you will need your running list, an extra sheet of paper for your menu, your calendar for the week, and your favorite cookbooks, blogs (hint), etc. I find that posting my menu on the fridge really helps me to stay on track. If there is anything that will need to be defrosted, or if I'm using a slow cooker, checking my menu each morning before the day begins gives me plenty of notice for what needs to be done. It also lets my hubby and kiddos know what they can expect for dinner and ends the endless barrage of, "What's for dinner?".
So, you are sitting there at the table, all your stuff is sitting around you... What next? Check your calendar. What is going on this week for you, your kids, or your spouse? Look at the whole day and not just that evening. There is nothing worse than planning to cook a fun Pinterest meal that you've been dying to try, buying all the stuff, then not having time or energy to actually make it. (By the way, I just linked that to my personal Pinterest page if you want to look at my boards.)
That leads us to the next point. Be realistic. Think about how much time, money, and energy you really have available at each mealtime. Consider the actual time it will take to prep and to actually cook each meal. Remember the fact that if this is your first time making a recipe, you will typically take longer than you would at a recipe you've completed several times.
Another thing that helps me is to have a good list of "go-to" meals. These are quick and easy things that you know you can make with confidence, and that your crew will enjoy eating. There is no shame in spaghetti with store bought sauce that you've added some Italian sausage to. It's stinkin' delicious and soooo easy! They'll eat it and be happy. Yay, you! I'll help you add to that "go-to" list every Friday on this blog, too, with my "Go-To" Greats recipes. (Lord willing and the Creek don't rise.) Only ever try something new and a little challenging on days when you know you'll have the extra time that it will require.
Next, you want to think about budget. In other words, don't try to cook lamb on a ground beef budget. Be smart with how you build your menu. Try to share the same ingredients with a few of the meals to save money. Look up the sales at your local grocery and frame your list around the best deals. Don't forget to add one or two "Grab -n- Growl" days (a much more fun way of saying, "leftovers or bust"). Buy the lesser cut of meat, the fish that is on sale, and the store brand stuff as much as you can. (Except on toilet paper. Don't mess with my Cottonelle, people.) Use fresh or frozen veggies. Don't fall into the processed food trap. It might be a little easier, but you'll get more for your money if you fix it from scratch.
Finally, consider your health. Your body needs a variety of meats, fruit, vegetables, and dairy. I try to give my family each type of meat and every color of vegetable every week. Plus, variety keeps you from being bored, and no one wants boring meal times, so really it's a win-win. You can be really sneaky with vegetables, too. I'll show you all that later.
Now all there is to do after all your considerations are made is to write it out and put all your ingredients down on the list. You are ready to shop for the week.
Y'all, I hope this has been helpful for you. Please feel free to ask me some questions or make some suggestions if there is something you'd like to see me cover. Go make your lists and menus and get to cooking! Remember, Mama loves you!
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