Meal plan grocery list
Chicken breast
Salmon fillet
Lean ground beef
Eggs
Greek yogurt
Cottage cheese
Brown rice
Quinoa
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Kale
Avocado
Bananas
Apples
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Oranges
Almonds
Walnuts
Peanut butter
Oats
Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat pasta
Tuna
Turkey breast
Green beans
Asparagus
Brussels sprouts
Milk
Cheddar cheese
Meal plan overview
Maximize your muscle growth with our Free Meal Plan for Muscle Gain. This plan features meals high in protein and healthy fats to support muscle building. Dine on meals like steak with sweet potatoes, a protein shake with peanut butter, and a chicken and quinoa bowl.
Every meal is crafted to provide the nutrients necessary for muscle repair and growth, helping you achieve your muscle gain goals.
Foods to eat
- Lean Protein: Opt for chicken breast, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef to maintain muscle mass while promoting fat loss.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, and Swiss chard provide essential nutrients and fiber with minimal carbs.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds into meals for satiety and glowing skin.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Stick to berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a sweet treat without the carb overload.
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Fill your plate with colorful veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers for volume and nutrition.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Carb Foods: Avoid bread, pasta, rice, and other grains, as well as sugary snacks and desserts that can sabotage your low-carb efforts.
- Sugary Beverages: Skip the sugary sodas, fruit juices, and flavored drinks that can contribute to bloating and weight gain.
- Processed Foods: Steer clear of processed meats, packaged snacks, and convenience foods containing hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as it can impair metabolism and hinder your body's ability to burn fat.
- Dairy: While some dairy can be included, avoid excessive consumption of high-fat dairy products that may contribute to bloating and inflammation.
Main benefits
Following a low-carb meal plan for models can lead to a slimmer and more toned appearance, which is perfect for the runway. This diet minimizes bloating, helping you maintain a flat stomach effortlessly. It also promotes clearer skin by reducing sugar intake, which can decrease acne outbreaks. Models will find that their energy levels are more consistent, avoiding the typical highs and lows associated with carb-heavy diets. The reduction in carbs can also help in maintaining a balanced mood, essential for handling the pressures of the modeling industry. Plus, the focus on protein and healthy fats supports hair and nail health, keeping you looking polished and professional.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To maximize muscle growth while keeping meals cost-effective, consider these substitutions:
- For an affordable protein option, canned tuna can replace fresh tuna in meals.
- To boost your intake of complex carbs, rolled oats can replace quinoa as a versatile base for various dishes.
- For added fiber and omega-3s, chia seeds can replace flaxseeds in your smoothies and snacks.
- To add variety to your greens, frozen mixed vegetables can replace fresh broccoli in stir-fries and salads.
- For a budget-friendly source of healthy fats, sunflower seeds can replace walnuts in your snacks and meals.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack options for muscle gain:
- Peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole grain bread
- Cottage cheese with sliced almonds
- Tuna salad on whole wheat crackers
- Protein shake with banana and oats
- Grilled chicken skewers
- Trail mix with dried fruits and protein-rich nuts
- Homemade protein balls with oats, nut butter, and protein powder
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a meal plan focused on muscle gain, hydration with water is essential. Protein shakes are a staple, ideally made with water, low-fat milk, or a plant-based milk alternative. Smoothies incorporating protein powder, fruits, and vegetables can provide both hydration and nutrients. Low-fat milk or plant-based milk options are suitable for those looking to increase their protein intake. Freshly squeezed juices can be a good source of vitamins and hydration, as long as they are free from added sugars. Avoid sugary drinks and limit alcohol to ensure optimal muscle recovery and growth.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Muscle Gain Diet
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with blueberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
- Dinner: Baked salmon fillet with sweet potatoes and asparagus
- Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana and almonds
- Lunch: Turkey breast sandwich on whole wheat bread with spinach and bell peppers
- Dinner: Lean ground beef with brown rice and green beans
- Snack: Cottage cheese with strawberries
Day 3
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with kale and whole wheat toast
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and avocado
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with quinoa and Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Greek yogurt with raspberries
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with milk, banana, and peanut butter
- Lunch: Grilled salmon fillet with brown rice and spinach
- Dinner: Turkey breast with sweet potatoes and broccoli
- Snack: Apple with cheddar cheese slices
Day 5
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with blueberries and walnuts
- Lunch: Lean ground beef stir-fry with bell peppers and brown rice
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and asparagus
- Snack: Greek yogurt with strawberries
Day 6
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with raspberries and almonds
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with sweet potatoes and green beans
- Dinner: Tuna pasta with whole wheat pasta and spinach
- Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter
Day 7
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole wheat toast
- Lunch: Turkey breast with quinoa and Brussels sprouts
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with brown rice and kale
- Snack: Cottage cheese with strawberries
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by Zuzanna Kędziora
- Published on Jun 21, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024