You’ve heard of meal prepping—setting aside time to plan, shop, and prep meals so your week runs smoother and healthier. But what if you applied that same level of intention to your sex life?
Yep, we’re talking about "meal prepping your sex life." Before you roll your eyes, hear us out: just like food, intimacy needs nourishment, planning, and variety to stay satisfying.
Here’s how to make sex as essential—and enjoyable—as your Sunday prep day.
1. Set Your Menu (Define What Nourishes You)
Before you start cooking (ahem), you need to know what you're hungry for. What feels intimate and connecting to you right now? Do you crave slow, sensual evenings? Quickie appetizers during lunch breaks? Deep emotional connection with a side of touch?
Take stock of what’s working and what you want more of. Then ask your partner to do the same. It’s okay if your menus don’t match perfectly—collaborative cooking is the fun part.
2. Schedule It (Without Killing the Mood)
People often resist scheduling sex because it “should be spontaneous.” But let’s be honest—how often do you skip lunch just because you didn’t feel hungry on time?
Scheduled intimacy isn’t about obligation—it’s about prioritization. When you know a “sexy date night” is on the calendar, your body and mind have time to anticipate, prepare, and get excited. Think of it like marinating—things only get better with a little time and attention.
3. Stock the Pantry (Keep Your Tools Ready)
Do you have what you need to make intimacy feel fun and accessible?
Clean sheets and cozy lighting?
Lube, toys, massage oils?
An outfit that makes you feel sexy?
Privacy and boundaries with kids, work, or phones?
Prepping your environment is part of the foreplay. It tells your nervous system: “We’re safe here. We’re ready to indulge.”
4. Try New Recipes (Keep It Fresh)
No one wants chicken and broccoli every single day. Same goes for intimacy. Once you’ve nailed the basics, sprinkle in a little spice:
Try a new fantasy, position, or time of day
Watch or read erotica together
Take a sensual shower or bath as foreplay
Revisit your favorite early-date moments for inspiration
Curiosity and experimentation keep the sexual connection vibrant. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel—just rotate your favorites with a few fresh ideas.
5. Prep for the Off Days (Because Life Happens)
Sometimes your libido is low. You're stressed, tired, or just not in the mood. That's normal. Instead of ignoring your intimacy altogether, lean into other types of connection:
Cuddling
Holding hands
Emotional check-ins
Love notes or affirmations
This keeps the emotional pantry full, so when you're ready for a full-course meal again, you're not starting from scratch.
6. Make Room for Dessert (Celebrate the Joy!)
Sex shouldn’t feel like a task to check off. It should feel like dessert you can’t wait to savor.
Celebrate wins—big and small. Did you flirt more this week? Try something new? Finally have that tough convo about mismatched desire?
Acknowledge it. High-five each other. Let the joy of connection be part of your relationship’s emotional nutrition.
In Summary:
Meal prepping your sex life isn’t about turning desire into a chore. It’s about putting in a little forethought, variety, and intention so that your intimacy thrives—even in busy seasons.
Your sex life deserves the same care and attention as your diet, your fitness, and your calendar. Nourish it, and you’ll feel the benefits in every part of your relationship.
Now go light a candle, text your partner something flirty, and start prepping—there’s something delicious on the horizon.
Want help getting started? Our team of sex therapists can help you and your partner create an intimacy plan that fits your lifestyle and your desires. Contact us today to schedule a session.