My market bag has a pocket that always contains a loose onion skin. I empty it every week. Every week the onion skin returns, along with the smell of whatever herbs looked good that morning.
Shopping without an exact list has become a small exercise in paying attention. What smells inviting? What would make a good lunch? What can I use before it is forgotten at the back of the fridge?
The bag rarely contains a perfect menu. Usually it contains enough for a beginning, and that is a pleasant thing to bring home.