Meal plan grocery list
Lentils
Rice
Potatoes
Onions
Tomatoes
Carrots
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Spinach
Green peas
Eggplant
Bell peppers
Ginger
Garlic
Green chilies
Coriander leaves
Cumin seeds
Mustard seeds
Turmeric powder
Chili powder
Garam masala
Whole wheat flour
Yogurt
Milk
Eggs
Chicken
Mackerel
Red lentils
Chickpeas
Black beans
Paneer
Apples
Bananas
Meal plan overview
Eating well on a budget is easy with the Indian Meal Plan for Free. This plan features affordable, nutritious Indian meals that make the most of inexpensive ingredients like lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes without breaking the bank.
Each day provides cost-effective meal ideas that are simple to prepare and full of flavor. This plan ensures you can eat healthily and enjoyably while sticking to a tight budget.
Foods to eat
- Complex Carbs: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, and whole grain pasta provide lasting energy for long runs.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and legumes help repair and build muscles after intense training.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, seeds, and avocados support overall health and energy levels.
- Fresh Fruits: Berries, oranges, and apples are great for hydration and vitamin C intake.
- Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with iron and other essential nutrients.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Fat Foods: Limit intake of fried foods and fatty cuts of meat that can slow digestion and cause discomfort.
- Refined Sugars: Avoid candies, pastries, and sugary cereals that can lead to energy crashes.
- Carbonated Drinks: Soda and fizzy drinks can cause bloating and discomfort during runs.
- Heavy Dairy: Limit whole milk and creamy sauces that can be hard to digest.
- Processed Foods: Steer clear of processed snacks and meals that are low in nutrients and high in additives.
Main benefits
Following a 30-day meal plan for runners can optimize your performance by providing the right balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to fuel your runs. This plan can enhance your recovery with meals rich in essential nutrients that repair muscles and reduce soreness. It also supports consistent energy levels, preventing fatigue during long runs. Additionally, the plan can help maintain an ideal body weight, improving your overall running efficiency and endurance.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To create a cost-effective and nourishing Indian meal plan, consider these substitutions:
- For a protein-rich dal, chana dal can replace red lentils in soups and stews.
- To boost flavor and nutrients, coriander leaves can replace spinach in dals and curries.
- For added fiber, rolled oats can replace whole wheat flour in roti or parathas.
- To enhance flavor, tamarind paste can replace tomatoes in sambar and chutneys.
- For a nutrient-rich breakfast, poha can replace rice in morning meals.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some budget-friendly Indian snacks:
- Roasted chana (chickpeas)
- Boiled eggs
- Peanut chikki
- Vegetable poha
- Sprouted moong dal salad
- Homemade buttermilk
- Seasonal fruits like bananas
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a budget-friendly Indian meal plan, drink options include water, homemade buttermilk, and simple herbal teas made with ginger or tulsi (holy basil). Avoid expensive sugary drinks and focus on affordable, hydrating options that also offer health benefits.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Indian Meal Plan for Free
Day 1
- Breakfast: Spinach and paneer paratha with yogurt
- Lunch: Chicken biryani with carrots and peas, side of raita
- Dinner: Red lentil dal, rice, and cabbage stir-fry
- Snack: Banana and apple slices
Day 2
- Breakfast: Chilla made with chickpea flour and onions, served with mint chutney
- Lunch: Mackerel fish curry with tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice
- Dinner: Aloo gobi with chapati
- Snack: Yogurt with grated apple
Day 3
- Breakfast: Vegetable omelette with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers
- Lunch: Chana masala with basmati rice
- Dinner: Palak paneer with chapati
- Snack: Roasted black beans with turmeric and chili powder
Day 4
- Breakfast: Paneer and vegetable stuffed paratha, mint yogurt
- Lunch: Lentil soup with carrots and spinach, served with rice
- Dinner: Chicken saagwala
- Snack: Sliced bananas with a sprinkle of garam masala
Day 5
- Breakfast: Savory porridge made with oats and mixed vegetables
- Lunch: Eggplant and pea curry with chapati
- Dinner: Grilled mackerel with a side of tomato and onion salad
- Snack: Fresh carrot and apple juice
Day 6
- Breakfast: Cabbage and paneer stuffed paratha with coriander chutney
- Lunch: Kadhi pakora and rice
- Dinner: Mixed vegetable curry with chapati
- Snack: Roasted chickpeas with garam masala
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole wheat pancakes with grated apple and banana
- Lunch: Chicken curry with potatoes and cauliflower, served with rice
- Dinner: Paneer tikka masala with chapati
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with yogurt dip
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by Roxana Grabowska
- Published on Jun 3, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024