Meal plan grocery list
Chicken breasts
Ground beef
Salmon fillets
Eggs
Pork chops
Bacon
Turkey slices
Tuna cans
Greek yogurt
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Cottage cheese
Almonds
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Avocados
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Tomatoes
Onions
Garlic
Olive oil
Butter
Heavy cream
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Tofu
Beef jerky
Meal plan overview
The atkins meal plan for high protein focuses on incorporating more protein into your diet while keeping carbs low. This plan is ideal for those who want to build muscle or simply enjoy a protein-rich diet. Meals might feature protein shakes, grilled meats, and seafood, paired with low-carb veggies.
With this plan, you'll stay full longer and support muscle growth and recovery. It's a great way to ensure you're getting enough protein without overloading on carbs, perfect for an active lifestyle.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Opt for grilled salmon, chicken breast, or turkey. These are packed with protein and low in saturated fats.
- Whole Grains: Include quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta to keep you full longer and support heart health.
- Vegetables: Enjoy a variety of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers for essential vitamins and minerals.
- Healthy Fats: Use olive oil or avocado oil in cooking, and add avocado slices to your dishes for a dose of healthy fats.
- Legumes: Incorporate beans, lentils, and chickpeas for plant-based protein and fiber.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Processed Meats: Avoid sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats due to their high sodium and preservative content.
- Refined Grains: Steer clear of white bread, white rice, and regular pasta, which can spike blood sugar levels.
- Sugary Drinks: Skip sodas and sweetened beverages that can increase heart disease risk.
- Fried Foods: Cut out deep-fried foods like french fries and fried chicken, which are high in unhealthy fats.
- Excessive Salt: Limit high-sodium foods such as canned soups and salty snacks, which can elevate blood pressure.
Main benefits
Choosing a heart-healthy meal plan for dinner can lead to better digestion and a more restful night's sleep, as it avoids heavy, greasy foods that can disrupt your sleep. It often includes light, nutrient-dense options that can help you feel satisfied without feeling overly full. This plan can also help you manage your evening cravings, reducing the likelihood of late-night snacking. Plus, it can positively impact your blood pressure and cholesterol levels over time.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To maintain high protein intake while following the Atkins diet, consider these substitutions:
- For a rich protein, venison can replace ground beef, offering a gamey flavor and lean meat.
- To switch up vegetables, artichokes can replace bell peppers, providing a hearty texture and low carbs.
- For a plant-based protein, hemp seeds can replace chia seeds, offering complete protein and healthy fats.
- To diversify dairy, sheep’s milk yogurt can replace Greek yogurt, providing a tangy flavor and probiotics.
- For a creamy addition, cashew cream can replace heavy cream, providing a dairy-free, rich texture.
How to budget on this meal plan
To maintain a high-protein Atkins meal plan without breaking the bank, buy larger cuts of meat and divide them into portions. Incorporate affordable protein sources like eggs, cottage cheese, and legumes. Utilize the meat you buy fully, using bones for broth and leftovers for future meals. Planning your meals ahead ensures you stick to your budget without sacrificing protein intake.
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for an Atkins meal plan for high protein:
- Grilled chicken strips
- Cottage cheese with a few berries
- Protein smoothie
- Boiled eggs
- Salmon slices with cream cheese
- Edamame
- Turkey breast slices
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For the Atkins meal plan for high protein, staying hydrated with water is essential. Additionally, you can have black coffee, plain or with a splash of heavy cream, and unsweetened teas. Protein shakes or smoothies made with low-carb, high-protein powders and unsweetened almond or coconut milk can also fit into your plan, but avoid sugary drinks and limit diet sodas.
How to get even more nutrients?
For the Atkins meal plan for high protein, include a variety of protein sources such as lean meats, eggs, and Greek yogurt to meet protein needs and ensure a range of amino acids. Adding legumes and lentils can enhance fiber intake while still contributing to protein goals. Integrate healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and oily fish to support joint and brain health.
Meal plan suggestion
Atkins Meal Plan for High Protein
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mozzarella cheese
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with mixed greens salad (spinach, kale, bell peppers, tomatoes) and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted broccoli and cauliflower
- Snack: Greek yogurt with strawberries and almonds
Calories: 1800 Fat: 110g Carbs: 50g Protein: 160g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Bacon and eggs with sautéed zucchini
- Lunch: Turkey slices wrapped in lettuce with avocado and tomatoes
- Dinner: Ground beef stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli in olive oil
- Snack: Cottage cheese with blueberries and almonds
Calories: 1750 Fat: 105g Carbs: 45g Protein: 155g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with raspberries, chia seeds, and almonds
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Pork chops with roasted cauliflower and garlic butter sauce
- Snack: Mozzarella cheese sticks with beef jerky
Calories: 1850 Fat: 115g Carbs: 40g Protein: 150g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with bacon and sautéed spinach
- Lunch: Grilled chicken Caesar salad with avocado and cheddar cheese
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and garlic butter
- Snack: Almonds with cheddar cheese slices
Calories: 1700 Fat: 100g Carbs: 55g Protein: 165g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Omelette with turkey, spinach, and cheddar cheese
- Lunch: Beef jerky with cucumber slices and almond butter
- Dinner: Chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon
- Snack: Cottage cheese with raspberries and almonds
Calories: 1800 Fat: 110g Carbs: 50g Protein: 160g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with strawberries, chia seeds, and almonds
- Lunch: Tuna salad stuffed avocado halves
- Dinner: Pork chops with steamed broccoli and cauliflower mash
- Snack: Mozzarella cheese sticks with turkey slices
Calories: 1750 Fat: 105g Carbs: 45g Protein: 155g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with bacon and sautéed mushrooms
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with spinach salad (tomatoes, avocado) and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted asparagus and garlic butter
- Snack: Cottage cheese with blueberries and almonds
Calories: 1850 Fat: 115g Carbs: 40g Protein: 150g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Jul 2, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024