What’s for dinner? I’m too tired to think!

Part 1 the meals: can’t think of what to fix for dinner? Check the menu list on the fridge.

Keep a list of the meals your family likes and all the other specialty foods needed for special occasions. Continue to revise this list as your family’s needs change. Referring to your activity calendar, plan 10 meals for the next 7 days. Make the menu list as complete as you need it. Take advantage of the market sale items while planning your menus. Take an inventory of your supplies then complete your shopping list. Planning 10 meals for 7 days is a personality quirk of mine. I hate getting to day 7 with only one option. As you use the choices, cross them off the list. 

This menu on the fridge saves you from trying to think about dinner when you are tired. You can see what’s there, knowing you have everything for each meal listed, think about how much energy you have and make a choice.

Part 2 the shopping list:  can’t think of all you need? Check the list on the fridge

Many years ago I developed a habit to prevent running out of a product at a very inopportune time. This plan is in constant revision as needs change. The basic plan is to always have one new item on hand of most products used on a regular basis. The exception to this rule is if it takes a long time to use something up and the item may spoil.  My current plan involves a printed shopping list that I created and continue to change as my life style changes. This list is kept on the fridge with small magnets. The rule of the house is; if anyone opens the last new product they put a check mark next to it on the list. Or write it in if it’s not listed. This gives me plenty of time to restock.

 Start this plan by creating a customized shopping list. Group the items into categories in the order you find them in your favorite supermarket. Plan your shopping trip from your list. Little by little build your stock by buying one or two extra products each shopping trip. Make it a family project, ask for cooperation and ideas. This way you can plan your shopping around store sales.

You must believe in and want the results of your endeavor otherwise you will not do what is necessary to overcome the negatives..

Sherry Pope, Author of Easy See Easy Cook, a specialty cookbook designed for people with vision problems. For information about the cookbook and how to order it, please visit bigeyedcooks.com.