# Weekly Planning Template

The entry point for the system. Works **market-first** — assess what's available before deciding what to make.

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## Step 1: Market Assessment

Walk the market and sort what you see into roles. You are not looking for specific ingredients — you are asking what is available to fill each slot.

| Role | What to look for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Protein** | Anything fresh and affordable | Pick 1–2 for the week |
| **Produce** | Whatever looks good in quantity | Pick 2–3 types |
| **Starch** | Any grain, root vegetable, legume, or bread | Pick 1 |
| **Fat** | Oils, butter, animal fat on the shelf | Pick the best smoke-point option — see [[References/High Smoke Point Fats]] |
| **Acid** | Citrus, vinegar, fermented liquid, sour dairy | Pick 1 primary |
| **Aromatics** | Garlic and onion first; secondary aromatics next | Note what's available — this determines your profile |

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## Step 2: Profile Matching

Look at what aromatics and acids are available. Match to the profile whose **two or three defining elements** you can satisfy. You do not need everything — you need the elements that define that profile's character.

→ Full profile table and "identify by" cues: [[Flavor Profile Formulas]]

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## Step 3: Fill the Formula

Copy this block for each meal you're planning this week.

```
Meal:       _______________
Technique:  [One-Pan Sear / Steam-Sauté]   → [[Frameworks]]
Profile:    _______________                 → [[Flavor Profile Formulas]]
Protein:    _______________
Produce:    _______________, _______________ (+ _______________ optional)
Starch:     _______________
Fat:        _______________
Acid:       _______________
Aromatic:   _______________
```

Can't find an ingredient? → [[Role Substitution Logic]]

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## Step 4: Shopping List

Everything in Step 3 that you don't already have becomes your list. Pantry staples (salt, a fat, a basic acid) stay stocked between markets. Fresh components (protein, produce) are bought per week or per location.

→ Pantry stocking guide: [[Essential Non-Perishables]]

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*System reference: [[Flavor Sense]] · [[Flavor Profile Formulas]] · [[Role Substitution Logic]] · [[Frameworks]]*