Years ago, when I really had to budget, I would write up a two week list of meals. (we got paid bi-weekly) First I'd look at what I had on hand. Then I'd plan meals using those items and writing up a grocery list for what I didn't have already. Then whoever got home first could start dinner. It wasn't tied to on Monday you must have . . .
It worked really well. Now things aren't so tight and I've gotten real lazy.