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7-day Meal Plan For Intermittent Fasting

Interested in the benefits of intermittent fasting? Our 7-day meal plan for intermittent fasting simplifies your eating schedule while ensuring nutritional balance. Plus, we'll help you convert this plan into an easy-to-follow shopping list. Let's explore the world of intermittent fasting together!

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken
  • Salmon
  • Turkey
  • Tofu
  • Steak
  • Cod
  • Tuna
  • Shrimp
  • Veggie burgers
  • Eggs
  • Lamb
  • Feta cheese
  • Cottage cheese
  • Almonds
  • Mixed nuts
  • Pine nuts

  • Mixed greens
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Green beans
  • Asparagus
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrots
  • Balsamic vinaigrette
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Caesar dressing

  • Apples
  • Mixed berries
  • Bananas
  • Pineapple
  • Dried fruit
  • Quinoa
  • Whole grain tortillas
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Whole grain toast
  • Greek yogurt
  • Mint sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Mixed herbs and spices

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on December 19, 2023.
• Updated on June 21, 2024.

Meal plan overview

Explore the benefits of intermittent fasting with our 7-day meal plan. It simplifies your eating schedule while ensuring you get the right nutritional balance.

This plan is great for those looking to try intermittent fasting without compromising on health and nutrition.

Foods to eat

  • Lean Proteins: Chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, and other lean protein sources.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish for sustained energy.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: Colorful fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat products for fiber and energy.
  • Low-Calorie Beverages: Water, herbal tea, and black coffee for hydration during fasting periods.
  • Nutrient-Dense Snacks: Greek yogurt, berries, and nuts for balanced snacks during eating windows.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during fasting periods.
  • Caffeine in Moderation: Black coffee or tea can be consumed during fasting periods for a mild energy boost.
  • Meal Timing: Plan nutrient-dense meals during eating windows to support overall health.
✅ Tip

Break your fast with protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt to maintain muscle mass and satiety.

Foods not to eat

  • Sugary Foods and Beverages: Minimize intake of sugary snacks, sodas, and desserts.
  • Processed Foods: Limit highly processed snacks and convenience foods during eating windows.
  • Excessive Caloric Intake: Be mindful not to overeat during eating windows, maintaining a balanced intake.
  • Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, especially during fasting periods, to avoid interference with metabolism.
  • Highly Caffeinated Beverages: Limit consumption of highly caffeinated beverages, especially if sensitive to caffeine.
  • Unplanned Snacking: Avoid unplanned snacking outside designated eating windows to maintain the fasting structure.
  • Unhealthy Fats: Minimize intake of trans fats and excessive saturated fats.
  • Excessive Processed Meats: Limit processed meats high in sodium and additives.
  • Consult a Professional: If in doubt, seek guidance from a nutritionist or healthcare professional to create a personalized plan.

Main benefits

The 7-Day Meal Plan For Intermittent Fasting harnesses the benefits of intermittent fasting for improved metabolic health. This meal plan strategically incorporates periods of fasting and eating, promoting fat metabolism and supporting weight management. During eating windows, emphasis is placed on nutrient-dense foods, including lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Intermittent fasting may offer various health benefits, such as improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility, making it a potentially effective approach for those seeking to optimize their health through intermittent fasting practices.

How to budget on this meal plan

To budget this intermittent fasting meal plan, focus on purchasing versatile and bulk items. Choose whole grains like brown rice and quinoa in larger quantities for savings. Opt for seasonal fruits and vegetables, and consider frozen options for berries and mixed vegetables. Buy proteins like chicken, turkey, and tofu in bulk, and look for sales on fish and shrimp. Eggs are a cost-effective protein source. Utilize beans and lentils as inexpensive protein and fiber additions. Make your own dressings and sauces using bulk-bought olive oil and vinegar, and buy herbs and spices in bulk. Plan meals to use overlapping ingredients, reducing waste and cost.

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Extra tips ✨

Any healthy snack ideas?

Choose nourishing snacks for your eating windows in intermittent fasting:

  • Greek yogurt with mixed berries
  • Almonds and walnuts
  • Boiled eggs
  • Cheese slices with apple
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Whole grain toast with avocado
  • Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For intermittent fasting, water should be the primary beverage to maintain hydration. Herbal teas and black coffee are good choices as they contain minimal calories, helping to maintain the fast. Bone broth can be a nourishing option during eating periods, providing nutrients and aiding in satiety.

How to get even more nutrients?

Intermittent fasting is more about when you eat than what you eat, but nutrition still matters. During your eating periods, focus on nutrient-dense foods. Pack in proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and veggies. Whole grains are great for sustained energy. It’s all about making those meals count with quality, nutritious foods.

Meal plan suggestions

7-Day Meal Plan for Intermittent Fasting

Note: This meal plan is designed for a 16/8 intermittent fasting schedule, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window. For example, if your eating window is from 12 PM to 8 PM, you will have two main meals and a snack during this period.

Day 1

  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 20g, fat: 15g)
  • Snack: A handful of almonds and an apple (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 40g, fat: 20g)

Day 2

  • Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with whole grain tortilla (calories: 450, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 20g)
  • Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and mixed berries (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fat: 5g)
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice (calories: 450, protein: 20g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)

Day 3

  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, spinach, and feta cheese (calories: 400, protein: 20g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
  • Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (calories: 150, protein: 5g, carbs: 20g, fat: 5g)
  • Dinner: Grilled steak with sweet potato and green beans (calories: 550, protein: 40g, carbs: 35g, fat: 25g)

Day 4

  • Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with whole grain croutons (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 25g, fat: 20g)
  • Snack: Mixed nuts and a banana (calories: 250, protein: 7g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
  • Dinner: Baked cod with roasted asparagus and wild rice (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)

Day 5

  • Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and whole grain crackers (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
  • Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks (calories: 200, protein: 15g, carbs: 25g, fat: 5g)
  • Dinner: Grilled shrimp with vegetable stir-fry and brown rice (calories: 500, protein: 30g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)

Day 6

  • Lunch: Veggie burger with avocado and a side salad (calories: 450, protein: 25g, carbs: 40g, fat: 20g)
  • Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter (calories: 250, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
  • Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and brown rice (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)

Day 7

  • Lunch: Spinach and goat cheese omelette with a side of whole grain toast (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 20g)
  • Snack: A handful of dried fruit and nuts (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
  • Dinner: Roasted lamb with mint sauce, quinoa, and steamed carrots (calories: 550, protein: 40g, carbs: 40g, fat: 25g)

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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.

fact-checked review
Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on December 19, 2023.
• Updated on June 21, 2024.