I've learned that without a strict list of necessary ingredients, I tend to over-shop, over-purchase, and then, unfortunately, I end up with a fridge full of not-so-fresh food. I started planning out the weeks menu in advance - the ingredients that I would need, the prep work that needs to be done so that dinner is served at a reasonable time.
Below are the most recent weekly menus I constructed.
Please let me know if you want recipes for any of these dishes.