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Free High-Protein Diet Plan: Start Building Muscle Now

A high-protein diet boosts protein intake to enhance muscle strength and aid in weight loss by increasing satiety and burning more calories during digestion. Ideal for athletes and those looking to slim down, this diet supports muscle repair and can be adjusted to fit various dietary needs. It’s a straightforward strategy for those aiming to tone up or bulk up efficiently.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Turkey
  • Lean beef
  • Pork loin
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh

  • Lentils
  • Black beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Quinoa
  • Almonds
  • Peanut butter
  • Whey protein powder
  • Edamame
  • Hemp seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Milk

  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Swiss cheese
  • Sardines
  • Mackerel
  • Ground turkey
  • Venison
  • Cod
  • Shrimp
  • Seitan
  • Bison
  • Skyr

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

A high-protein diet focuses on increasing protein intake from various sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and legumes. This diet is popular among athletes and those looking to build muscle or lose fat. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it can also help curb hunger by making you feel fuller longer.

Besides muscle benefits, a high-protein diet can boost metabolism, aiding in faster weight loss. When adopting this diet, it’s important to balance protein with healthy fats and carbohydrates to maintain overall health.

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Foods to eat

  • Lean Meats: Chicken breast, turkey, and lean cuts of beef and pork.
  • Seafood: Tuna, salmon, shrimp, and other high-protein fish.
  • Dairy Products: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and hard cheeses.
  • Eggs: Whole eggs are a good source of protein and nutrients.
  • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas as plant-based protein sources.
quote icon

(...) whole-food, plant-based diets are great for people who like to eat, since you can basically eat as much as you want without worrying about counting calories

Michael Greger, MD

Foods not to eat

  • Processed Meats: Sausages, hot dogs, and processed deli meats.
  • High-Fat Dairy: Full-fat milk, cream, and soft cheeses.
  • Sugary Snacks: Cakes, cookies, and other high-sugar desserts.
  • Deep-Fried Foods: Fried chicken, French fries, and other fried items.
  • Refined Carbs: White bread, pasta, and pastries.

Main benefits

The high-protein diet plan can help accelerate metabolism and increase satiety, which aids in weight management. By focusing on proteins, it supports muscle repair and growth, crucial for those engaging in regular physical activity. This diet also aids in maintaining bone health and reducing cravings by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

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📊 Nutrient breakdown of the low-carb diet (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

Buy eggs, cottage cheese, and other dairy products in bulk as foundational sources of high-quality protein that don't break the bank. Consider using canned fish like tuna or salmon for meals or snacks, which provides a quick, affordable, and efficient protein boost. Use legumes such as lentils and chickpeas as fillers in salads, stews, and soups to increase protein intake economically.

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7-Day Meal Plan for High-Protein Diet Plan

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt mixed with chia seeds and almond slices
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast salad with quinoa and black beans
  • Dinner: Seared salmon with a side of steamed edamame
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with hemp seeds

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with diced turkey and Swiss cheese
  • Lunch: Tuna salad stuffed in tomatoes with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese
  • Dinner: Lean beef stir-fry with broccoli and tofu
  • Snack: A handful of almonds

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Skyr with fresh blackberries and almond butter
  • Lunch: Bison burgers with a side of chickpea salad
  • Dinner: Grilled mackerel with a lentil pilaf
  • Snack: Hard-boiled eggs

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Protein shake made with whey protein powder, milk, and peanut butter
  • Lunch: Grilled shrimp over a bed of quinoa and spinach
  • Dinner: Roasted turkey with steamed green beans and tempeh
  • Snack: Greek yogurt topped with sliced almonds

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Cottage cheese pancakes topped with honey and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Grilled cod with a black bean and corn salad
  • Dinner: Venison steak with a side of roasted chickpeas
  • Snack: Sardines on whole-grain crackers

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Omelette with spinach, mozzarella, and diced ham
  • Lunch: Lentil soup with shredded chicken and hemp seeds
  • Dinner: Pork loin roasted with a side of sautéed kale and tempeh
  • Snack: Skyr with ground flaxseed

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with Greek yogurt, berries, and whey protein powder
  • Lunch: Grilled salmon and edamame salad
  • Dinner: Ground turkey meatballs with quinoa and steamed vegetables
  • Snack: A scoop of peanut butter with celery sticks

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.