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30-Day Meal Plan for Low Carb High Protein: Optimize Weight & Muscle

Cutting carbs but keeping protein high? A 30-Day Meal Plan for Low Carb High Protein is your go-to guide. We'll walk you through creating satisfying meals that align with this diet, ensuring you get the best of both worlds. Let's get started on a healthier you!

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Ground turkey
  • Salmon fillets
  • Eggs
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Almond milk
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower

  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Green beans
  • Asparagus
  • Mushrooms
  • Cucumbers
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries

  • Raspberries
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Cheese
  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Sardines

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Meal plan overview

Combine the benefits of low carb and high protein with the 30-Day Meal Plan for Low Carb High Protein. This plan offers meals that are low in carbohydrates but rich in protein, helping you stay full and support muscle maintenance. From protein-packed breakfasts to hearty dinners, every meal is crafted to fit this dietary approach.

Daily recipes ensure you enjoy a variety of delicious meals that make sticking to a low carb, high protein diet easy. This plan supports your health goals with flavorful, satisfying dishes.

Foods to eat

  • Lean Meats: Chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef and pork for high protein with minimal carbs.
  • Fish and Seafood: Salmon, trout, shrimp, and tuna for healthy fats and protein.
  • Eggs: A versatile source of protein that can be included in many meals.
  • Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens, zucchini, cauliflower, and bell peppers for fiber and nutrients.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and protein.
✅ Tip

Incorporate a variety of herbs and spices to keep your meals flavorful without extra carbs.

Foods not to eat

  • Sugary Foods: Cakes, cookies, candies, and desserts high in sugar and carbs.
  • Grains and Starches: Bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes which are high in carbohydrates.
  • Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks that can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
  • Processed Snacks: Chips, crackers, and snack bars that are often high in carbs and unhealthy fats.
  • High-Carb Fruits: Bananas, grapes, and mangoes which have higher sugar content.

Main benefits

A 30-day meal plan for low carb high protein can help you maintain muscle mass while shedding fat, which is great for overall body composition. This type of diet can also lead to more stable energy levels throughout the day, avoiding the typical highs and lows of sugar crashes. It can improve your satiety, making you feel fuller for longer periods, which helps in reducing unnecessary snacking. Additionally, this plan can positively impact your triglyceride levels, promoting heart health.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To optimize a low-carb, high-protein diet with nutrient-rich foods, try these substitutions:

  • For a plant-based protein, tempeh can replace ground turkey in stir-fries and salads.
  • To boost fiber, zucchini noodles can replace whole grain pasta in dishes.
  • For added omega-3s, flaxseeds can replace chia seeds in smoothies and oatmeal.
  • To increase calcium intake, fortified almond milk can replace regular almond milk in smoothies.
  • For a nutrient-rich fat, avocado slices can replace cheese in wraps and salads.

How to budget on this meal plan

For a low carb high protein diet, purchasing meat and fish in bulk from wholesale stores can significantly reduce expenses. Look for sales on protein-rich foods like eggs, cheese, and Greek yogurt. Incorporate affordable protein sources like lentils and beans, and consider buying frozen vegetables which are often cheaper and have a longer shelf life. Cooking meals at home and avoiding processed low-carb snacks can keep your budget intact.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some low carb high protein snacks:

  • Cheese slices with cherry tomatoes
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Celery sticks with almond butter
  • Greek yogurt with nuts
  • Beef jerky
  • Tuna salad with cucumber slices
  • Avocado with a dash of salt and pepper
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For a low carb high protein diet, drink options include water with lemon or cucumber, unsweetened iced tea, and black coffee without added sugar. Protein shakes made with water or unsweetened almond milk can provide extra protein. Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can aid digestion, and bone broth offers a high-protein, low-carb alternative.

How to get even more nutrients?

For a low carb high protein diet, balance is key. Choose high-quality proteins like grilled chicken, beef, or tofu, seasoned with herbs and spices. Include non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini for vitamins and minerals. Add healthy fats like avocado or olive oil for added nutrients and satiety. Finish your meal with a small portion of berries or a mixed green salad to add fiber and antioxidants. This combination ensures nutrient density while keeping carbs low.

Meal plan suggestions

30-day meal plan for low carb high protein

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with chia seeds and blueberries
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with spinach and cherry tomatoes salad
  • Dinner: Baked salmon fillets with roasted Brussels sprouts and asparagus
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with strawberries

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with kale and mushrooms
  • Lunch: Ground turkey stir-fry with bell peppers and zucchini
  • Dinner: Sardines with green beans and cauliflower mash
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with raspberries and flaxseeds

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Almond milk smoothie with spinach, avocado, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Grilled tofu with broccoli and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked chicken breast with roasted cauliflower and green beans
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with blueberries

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with almonds and strawberries
  • Lunch: Tempeh salad with spinach, cucumbers, and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Grilled salmon with asparagus and zucchini
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with raspberries

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms
  • Lunch: Ground turkey lettuce wraps with avocado and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked tofu with Brussels sprouts and cauliflower
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with flaxseeds and strawberries

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Almond milk smoothie with kale, blueberries, and chia seeds
  • Lunch: Chicken breast salad with spinach, cucumbers, and bell peppers
  • Dinner: Grilled sardines with roasted broccoli and green beans
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with almonds

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with walnuts and raspberries
  • Lunch: Grilled tempeh with zucchini and cherry tomatoes
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with asparagus and Brussels sprouts
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with blueberries

Repeat this plan 4 times.

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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.