Basically, every week I write a menu to ensure we're eating healthy well balanced meals throughout the week. Then I shop exclusively for those items for the menu so I don't waste food or money.
This week's menu looks like this (each item has a clicky to a recipe similar to the one I use):
Monday
Turkey pot pie (already have most of the ingredients from leftovers - Lindsey gave me the idea!)
Quiche Lorraine (for breakfasts for the week)
Tuesday
Chicken Piccata (I add sauteed mushrooms and artichoke hearts)
Quinoa Lentil Salad
Wednesday
Chicken Tikka Masala
Thursday
Chicken Alfredo (can't find a recipe - basically: bacon, broccoli, peas, grilled chicken over penne with an alfredo sauce)
Gazpacho
Friday
Tacos (meat, lettuce, diced onions, tomatoes and shredded sharp cheddar cheese on hand fried corn tortilla shells - it's healthier if you use whole wheat flour tortillas)
Then I write the ingredients for each item underneath it. I cross out whichever items I already have (in this case, turkey, gravy, flour, quinoa, broccoli, peas, corn, penne, alfredo sauce, corn tortillas, and vegetable oil, as well as numerous spices). Then I organize it by section in the grocery store (produce, dairy, deli, meats, canned/dried, frozen, etc.) so it's easier when I shop. Then I add any normal items we need, like bread, deli meats, condiments, fruits, etc.
Butter (2 boxes)
Eggs
Light cream
Yogurt
Swiss cheese
Sliced turkey (for sandwiches for BF)
Celery
Mushrooms
Lemon
Cilantro
Green onions
Limes
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Bananas
Apples
Bacon
Chicken breast (2x)
Ground beef
Capers
Lentils
Bread
Peanut Butter
Ta-dah! That's what we'll be eating this week. As well as oatmeal for breakfast, which I also already have. That list should cost around $70 here.
EDITED to fix stupid links.