Routine guide

Meal Prep & Groceries

A weekly routine to plan simple meals, build a grocery list and batch a little prep so weeknights feel easier.

Meal planning does not need to be complicated. This routine gives you a light structure for deciding what to eat, shopping for it and doing a bit of prep so weekday meals feel calmer.

When to use this routine

Use this routine once a week, often at the weekend or before your usual grocery delivery slot.

Steps in this routine

  1. 1.

    Scan calendar and decide how many meals you need

    Look at the week ahead to see which nights you are home, busy or eating out so you only plan what you actually need.

  2. 2.

    Check fridge, freezer and cupboards

    Note what needs using up and any staples that are running low.

  3. 3.

    Roughly plan meals

    Sketch a simple plan for main meals based on your schedule and what you already have.

  4. 4.

    Build a grocery list

    Turn the plan into a list grouped roughly by store section so shopping is quicker.

  5. 5.

    Do the shop or place an order

    Shop in person or place a delivery/collection order, checking the list as you go.

  6. 6.

    Do a little prep for the week

    Wash fruit and veg, cook a base grain or protein, or portion snacks so weeknights start from a head start.

Tips for running this routine

FAQ

Do I need a detailed meal plan for this to work?

No. A loose plan of a few dinners and lunches is enough. The aim is to avoid last-minute panic, not to control every bite.

Use this routine in RoutineHQ

Save this template as a reusable routine, tweak the steps and run it in Run Mode whenever you need it.

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