I would like to use up the foodstuffs I already have in my cabinets and fridge before shopping for more (read interesting and new) grocery items.

I'm a pretty good cook and love to make things from scratch, so I guess half of my space is taken up with staples, spices, and things that take some planning and preparation to make into a meal.

Ah, but getting the motivation to do it is another thing! It just seems so overwhelming.

Some folks on here make periodic challenges to eat out of their current inventory of food, and I admire that. Are there any simple strategies about how to do this on a regular basis to use up what you already have?