11 Steps to Weekly Meal Prep, Indian-Style

10. Weekly Menu Plan and Grocery Strategy

A simple menu map removes the nightly "what’s for dinner" question and makes grocery shopping efficient. Plan breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and two snack choices for the week, then cluster similar ingredients to reduce trips. For example, schedule two dal nights, one grain bowl, two vegetable-forward meals, and one protein-special night. Write the grocery list by section — produce, dairy, pantry, freezer — and add substitutes if a regional ingredient isn’t available locally. Build a flexible day for leftovers midweek so you can use any extras without waste. Keep a running “staples” list for cumin, oil, rice, and flour to avoid last-minute runs to the store. If you work with a shared kitchen, sync the plan with family members so everyone knows which protein or base to finish. Planning this way keeps the grocery bill predictable and makes weekday cooking straightforward.