I used to think meal prep meant spending your entire Sunday in the kitchen. Turns out that's the fastest way to burn out and order DoorDash by Wednesday.

Here's what actually works if you're busy:

The "Cook Once, Eat Three Ways" method:

1. Pick ONE protein (chicken thighs, ground turkey, whatever)

2. Season it plain — just salt, pepper, garlic

3. Cook a big batch

4. Split it into 3 containers with different sauces/sides

Monday: chicken + rice + teriyaki sauce

Wednesday: chicken in a wrap with salsa and greens

Friday: chicken on a salad with peanut dressing

Same 20 minutes of cooking. Three completely different meals. No recipe fatigue.

The key insight: You don't need 15 unique recipes per week. You need 2-3 base proteins and the creativity to remix them. Most people who fail at meal prep are trying to be a restaurant. You just need to be efficient.

I share a full plan like this every week inside MealMap — grocery list included, nothing takes over 30 minutes, and it's all designed for people who'd rather be doing literally anything other than cooking.

If you're tired of winging it every night and ending up with takeout, this is for you.