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!
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
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
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.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
During intermittent fasting, it's crucial to consume nutrient-dense foods during eating windows. Here are some alternatives:
- Replace chicken with turkey for a leaner protein option.
- Instead of mixed greens, use spinach, which is packed with iron and vitamins.
- Switch whole grain tortillas with lettuce wraps to reduce carb intake and add crunch.
- Use quinoa instead of brown rice for a higher protein and nutrient-rich grain.
- Try almond milk instead of regular milk to reduce calories and add healthy fats.
How to budget on this meal plan
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?
Meal plan suggestion
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
- Snack: A handful of almonds and an apple
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and quinoa
Calories: 2000 Fat: 70g Carbs: 150g Protein: 120g
Day 2
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with whole grain tortilla
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and mixed berries
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 2100 Fat: 75g Carbs: 160g Protein: 125g
Day 3
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, spinach, and feta cheese
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus
- Dinner: Grilled steak with sweet potato and green beans
Calories: 2050 Fat: 73g Carbs: 155g Protein: 130g
Day 4
- Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with whole grain croutons
- Snack: Mixed nuts and a banana
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted asparagus and wild rice
Calories: 1950 Fat: 68g Carbs: 150g Protein: 120g
Day 5
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and whole grain crackers
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with vegetable stir-fry and brown rice
Calories: 2000 Fat: 70g Carbs: 155g Protein: 125g
Day 6
- Lunch: Veggie burger with avocado and a side salad
- Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter
- Dinner: Chicken stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and brown rice
Calories: 2100 Fat: 75g Carbs: 160g Protein: 130g
Day 7
- Lunch: Spinach and goat cheese omelette with a side of whole grain toast
- Snack: A handful of dried fruit and nuts
- Dinner: Roasted lamb with mint sauce, quinoa, and steamed carrots
Calories: 2050 Fat: 72g Carbs: 155g Protein: 128g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024