Most people skip meal prep because they think it's boring, takes all weekend, or means cooking separate meals for the family. None of that is true. Here's the simple version.
Start with 2 meats + 2 starches. Pick two proteins (say, ground beef and chicken) and two starches (rice and potatoes). Cook them at the same time across different appliances — Instant Pot, oven, stovetop — so everything finishes together. Season simply with salt and pepper so each becomes a blank canvas.
Assemble, don't repeat. You're not eating the same bland plate all week. Ground beef and rice becomes a taco bowl on Monday and an Asian-style bowl with coconut aminos on Tuesday. Same prep, totally different meals.
Use one "boring" meal and one fun snack. Eat the same easy breakfast daily to kill decision fatigue, and use a daily snack (Greek yogurt with fruit, a smoothie) to handle cravings.
Keep "back pocket" carbs on hand. Sourdough, fruit, or rice ramen can instantly turn a meal into a sandwich, salad, or pasta dish when you're bored.
That's the whole idea — flexible, fast, and built to last.
Want the full system, including clean swaps and the 85% rule?