Ah, Sunday night—the sacred time when we convince ourselves that this week will be different. This week, we’ll meal prep like pros, eat healthily, and finally become the organized adults we aspire to be. Armed with grocery lists, glass containers, and a folder full of recipes, we embark on our culinary journey. But by Thursday, we’re staring into the fridge, contemplating salted duck egg and chopped tomatoes for dinner.

Sunday evenings often begin with the best intentions. We envision a week of balanced meals, free from the temptation of takeout. This optimism is fueled by the idea that meal prepping will save time, money, and our sanity—that somehow, by doing this very “mature” thing, we can convince ourselves we’ve grown from whoever we were back in college, surviving on a 16oz cup of coffee and a can of tuna and calling it a day.

Despite our aspirations, the reality of meal prepping can be overwhelming. The kitchen becomes a chaotic mess of chopped vegetables, simmering pots, and a sink full of dishes. By the end of the night, we’re exhausted and questioning our life choices—with only a halfway decent meal to show for it.

When midweek comes, the enthusiasm wanes, the once-appealing meals lose their luster, and the convenience of instant food and takeout becomes increasingly tempting, it’s a common experience that many can relate to.

Maybe the trick lies in embracing flexibility. Instead of rigid meal plans, consider prepping versatile components that can be mixed and matched throughout the week. This approach allows for spontaneity and reduces the pressure to stick to a strict plan. Vegetable sticks, fried tofu, and fruits can easily be paired with a prepared dish or turned into a “snack bowl” that’s both filling and healthy.

Make sure you also have an abundance of condiments—sauces, spices, even MSG. (Yes, you can still eat food with MSG; just use it in moderation.) The key to staying consistent is feeding yourself food you’ll actually want to eat. Of course, trying new things is exciting, but if you find yourself poking at your lunchbox, maybe it’s time to reassess what foods you genuinely enjoy and find satisfying.

At the end of the day, it’s important to find humor in our meal prep misadventures. After all, the journey toward becoming an organized adult is filled with trial and error. So, here’s to the Sunday night optimism, the midweek cereal dinners, and the laughter that keeps us going.