Menu Planning and the Importance of Creating a Staple List

What Is A Staple list?

This will be a list of items that you will always have on hand. These are items that are a must and may or may not be used in your menu planning. The importance of creating a staple list can not be stressed enough if you are going to be successful in planning and creating meals. I never realized how effective having a staple list is until I started one. The amount of time I saved each day was astronomical.

How Does A Staple List Help To Plan Meals?

For example, for breakfast, I don't have to wonder if I have any cereal left or whether I even have any breakfast items in the house. As long as I work off of my staple list, I always have breakfast covered.

Again, when it comes to lunch, I always have something on hand whether it's left overs or just a can of soup. The secret is in what items you decide to put on your list. Depending on how thorough it is or not, it will make or break your menu ideas.

When I create my shopping list for the week, I'll take a quick peak at the "zones" I created in my pantry, freezer, and fridge. The zones also have your staple items, so again, all you need to do is take a quick peak and you are ready to go. The amount that I buy varies and you are welcome to purchase as much or as little as you need.

Here is my list of items that I will always have on hand:

"My Staple List"

* Milk

* Coffee

* Creamer

* Bagels

* Oatmeal

* Cream Cheese

* Butter

* Granola Bars

* Spaghetti

* Rice