Gluten-free meal plan for muscle gain
Embark on a journey of muscle building with the Gluten-Free Meal Plan for Muscle Gain, where every meal is a step towards enhanced physical strength. This plan is packed with protein-rich foods, including quinoa, lean meats, and dairy, alongside a variety of fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition. Enjoy creative, protein-focused meals like grilled chicken with quinoa salad, fish with roasted vegetables, and smoothies with gluten-free protein powder, all designed to fuel your muscle gain in a gluten-free context.
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Spinach
Feta cheese
Gluten-free toast
Chicken breast
Quinoa
Broccoli
Greek yogurt
Mixed berries
Gluten-free granola
Salmon
Sweet potato
Green beans
Gluten-free oatmeal
Bananas
Almonds
Turkey
Gluten-free tortilla
Avocado
Lettuce
Protein shake ingredients
Beef
Mixed vegetables
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Cheddar cheese
Black beans
Corn
Lime dressing
Cottage cheese
Meal plan overview
The Gluten-Free Meal Plan for Muscle Gain is meticulously designed for those aiming to build muscle mass while adhering to a gluten-free diet. It includes high-protein foods like lean meats, fish, dairy, and gluten-free grains, enriched with essential amino acids and nutrients for muscle development.
This plan combines the requirements for muscle growth with the strict adherence to gluten-free ingredients, ensuring every meal contributes to strength and fitness goals without compromising dietary restrictions.
Foods to eat
- Low-Calorie Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- High-Fiber Fruits: Berries, apples, and pears for natural sweetness and to promote fullness.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats in controlled portions.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas for plant-based protein and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, and seeds in moderation for essential fatty acids.
- Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, and edamame for low-calorie protein sources.
- Herbal Teas and Water: For hydration and appetite control.
- Spices and Herbs: To flavor food without adding calories.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Processed Vegan Foods: High in calories and low in nutrients.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, white pasta, and sugary cereals.
- Fried Plant-Based Foods: High in calories and often cooked in unhealthy fats.
- High-Sugar Snacks: Vegan cookies and candies.
- Sugary Beverages: Soda, sweetened teas, and fruit juices.
- Excessive High-Calorie Fats: Limit high amounts of nuts, seeds, and oils.
- Alcohol: High in calories and can disrupt weight loss efforts.
- High-Sodium Processed Foods: Some meat substitutes and canned goods.
Main benefits
The Plant-Based Meal Plan for Weight Loss focuses on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. It encourages eating a high volume of food with fewer calories, which aids in creating a calorie deficit without feeling deprived, promoting sustainable weight loss while ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A gluten-free meal plan for muscle gain can benefit from incorporating various alternative ingredients to diversify your diet and boost nutrition:
- For a creamier option in smoothies, consider coconut yogurt as an alternative to Greek yogurt.
- Instead of sweet potato, try using butternut squash for a similar texture and flavor with fewer carbs.
- Swap quinoa for buckwheat to add variety to your grain options while still maintaining gluten-free benefits.
- For a different source of protein, tempeh can replace chicken breast in stir-fries and salads.
- When craving a crunchy snack, use kale chips instead of rice cakes to add more nutrients and flavor.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Fuel your muscle-building efforts with these 7 gluten-free snacks:
- Protein smoothie with almond milk, banana, and protein powder
- Grilled chicken skewers with vegetables
- Greek yogurt with mixed nuts and seeds
- Rice cakes with almond butter and sliced strawberries
- Quinoa salad with grilled tofu
- Hard-boiled eggs with avocado slices
- Trail mix with dried fruits and almonds
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For muscle gain on a gluten-free diet, prioritize protein-rich shakes, like pea or rice protein mixed with almond milk, hydrating water, amino acid-rich bone broth, green tea for metabolism, and fresh fruit smoothies for additional nutrition.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Gluten-Free Meal Plan for Muscle Gain
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and feta cheese, served with gluten-free toast (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli (calories: 500, protein: 40g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with mixed berries and a handful of gluten-free granola (calories: 300, protein: 20g, carbs: 35g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with a sweet potato and green beans (calories: 550, protein: 35g, carbs: 50g, fat: 20g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Gluten-free oatmeal with almond milk, topped with bananas and almonds (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap using gluten-free tortilla, with a side salad (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Protein shake with almond milk and a scoop of gluten-free protein powder (calories: 250, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Beef stir-fry with mixed vegetables and brown rice (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Omelette with tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 20g, fat: 22g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and lime dressing (calories: 450, protein: 20g, carbs: 55g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks (calories: 200, protein: 15g, carbs: 25g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Grilled pork chops with roasted asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes (calories: 550, protein: 40g, carbs: 45g, fat: 20g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, peanut butter, and gluten-free protein powder (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of gluten-free bread and a mixed greens salad (calories: 450, protein: 20g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Hard-boiled eggs and an apple (calories: 250, protein: 12g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with quinoa and sautéed kale (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Gluten-free pancakes topped with blueberries and a drizzle of honey (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a balsamic vinaigrette (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts and dried fruits (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 16g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken thighs with brussels sprouts and a quinoa pilaf (calories: 550, protein: 40g, carbs: 40g, fat: 22g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with spinach and gluten-free toast (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Grilled vegetable and hummus wrap in a gluten-free tortilla (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 40g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Rice cakes topped with avocado and tomato slices (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Baked cod with a side of roasted carrots and quinoa (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado in a gluten-free tortilla (calories: 400, protein: 25g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 20g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of gluten-free granola and fruit (calories: 300, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Beef and vegetable skewers with a side of mixed greens (calories: 500, protein: 35g, carbs: 25g, fat: 25g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024