Photograph Credit: Flickr (Bitten Word)
Scheduling a block of time to menu plan is non-productive for me. I will usually get mental block because I get distracted by my one-year old handing me objects, my 4-year-old’s questions, or my son’s need for attention.
Trying to formulate meals while curled up on the couch or at my desk is not my food-creative space. To keep my menu planning at least a few days in advance, I add meals to my menu plan during these times throughout the week.
Preparing Dinner
As I go to the freezer to get a package of meat, I will scan the contents of my freezer. I might notice the bacon and consider BLT sandwiches or a breakfast for dinner meal option. When I get these ideas, I will go to my refrigerator door, get my pencil, and add that option to my planner.
Cooking
When I am waiting for water to boil or the microwave to defrost an item, I will look through my pantry and add a meal or two. If I was just at my freezer, then my creative juices may already be matching ideas together for other options.
Grocery Shopping
When I get inspired at the grocery store, I jot myself a note on my grocery list. I can add my ideas to my plan when I get home.
Sample items. Many times I get inspired by the samples provided at Sam’s Club. When our family shops at Sam’s, I like to plan the trip around lunchtime. My children look forward to the samples, I get inspiration, and we get our needed supplies.
Recipe cards. Our Publix offers recipe cards at the brochure station in the lobby. Though I may not make that exact dish, I can get ideas from the ingredients for other meals my family enjoys.
Observation. Sometimes viewing a picture of a dish on an advertisement, television screen, or product packaging can offer inspiration.
Unloading Groceries
When I arrive home from the grocery store, I unload the car. While I am putting away the groceries, I notice the ingredients I have on-hand. If I get an idea for a meal, I put it on the plan. Sometimes I get great inspiration having just come from the store and then seeing all the ingredients.
Listening
At least once a month, I will ask my family what meals they would like to eat since I am making the meals for them. 🙂 When they reply, I will add those meals to my plan at the bottom of my planner. If I have all the ingredients, then I will move that meal onto the planner and assign it a day. If I am missing ingredients, I will watch the stores for a sale. Once I have acquired all the ingredients for that meal, I will schedule it on the planner.
By creating my menu plan while preparing dinner, cooking, grocery shopping, unloading groceries, and listening, I keep my planner current with extra days planned for additional options. When planning while surrounded by food, I get inspired and the ideas flow. By using my time wisely in short increments of time, I can quickly create my menu and then spend time with my family. The benefits of menu planning continue to save my family money, energy, and time. Happy planning!
Question: Where do you find inspiration for menu planning? Please leave a comment with your answer.