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Keto meal plan for beginners

Embarking on a ketogenic lifestyle is made easy with the keto meal plan for beginners. It introduces low-carb, high-fat meals in a simple, approachable format, perfect for those new to keto.

This plan demystifies the keto diet, offering basic yet tasty recipes to start your journey. It’s about laying the foundation for a successful ketogenic lifestyle.

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Meal plan grocery list

Eggs

Spinach

Cheddar cheese

Chicken breast

Romaine lettuce

Cucumber

Olive oil

Salmon

Broccoli

Butter

Keto-friendly yogurt

Raspberries

Flaxseeds

Tuna

Mayonnaise

Celery

Lettuce

Zucchini

Ground meat

Sugar-free marinara sauce

Almond milk

Low-carb protein powder

Bacon

Tomato

Avocado

Bell peppers

Mushrooms

Low-carb tortillas

Pork chops

Cauliflower

Almond flour

Sugar-free syrup

Blue cheese dressing

Shrimp

Asparagus

Deli turkey

Cheese

Chicken thighs

Green beans

Coconut milk

Feta

Olives

Beef

Keto-friendly sauce

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Meal plan overview

Starting your keto journey? ""Keto Meal Plan for Beginners"" is your essential guide. It offers an easy-to-follow approach with straightforward, delicious recipes to help you adapt to a ketogenic lifestyle.

Each meal is selected for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining ketosis, providing a smooth transition into this new way of eating. Discover the basics of keto through meals that are as enjoyable as they are beneficial.

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Foods to eat

  • Salads: Leafy greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken.
  • Keto Wraps: Lettuce wraps with turkey, cheese, and mayo.
  • Cauliflower Rice Bowl: Cauliflower rice with veggies and your choice of protein.
  • Grilled Salmon: Served with a side of sautéed spinach and lemon butter.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Tossed with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and grilled shrimp.
  • Keto-Friendly Soup: Broccoli and cheese soup or a creamy chicken soup.
  • Cobb Salad: Avocado, bacon, eggs, chicken, and blue cheese on a bed of greens.
  • Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil.

✅ Tip

Utilize leftovers creatively, turning last night's dinner into today's keto-friendly lunch wraps or salads.

Foods not to eat

  • High-Carb Wraps or Bread: Avoid traditional wraps or bread in your lunch options.
  • Sugary Salad Dressings: Opt for keto-friendly dressings without added sugars.
  • Sweetened Beverages: Choose water, herbal tea, or unsweetened options instead.
  • High-Carb Vegetables: Be mindful of starchy vegetables in your lunch choices.
  • Processed Meats with Fillers: Choose fresh, unprocessed meats for lunch.
  • Highly Processed Oils: Opt for natural fats in cooking.
  • Sugary Snacks: Avoid high-carb and sugary snacks during lunch.

Main benefits

The Keto Meal Plan for Lunch provides a variety of nutritious and satisfying options for midday meals through a ketogenic approach. This plan emphasizes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables to create balanced and flavorful lunches.

The flexibility of the plan allows for customization based on dietary preferences and nutritional needs, supporting individuals in maintaining energy levels and promoting overall well-being throughout the day.

🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

Starting a keto diet can be simplified with familiar and easy-to-find foods. Here are some suitable alternatives:

  • Turkey breast can be used instead of chicken breast for a lean protein with a different taste.
  • For a creamy texture, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
  • Macadamia nuts offer a buttery flavor and can replace almonds.
  • Try red bell peppers instead of green bell peppers for added flavor and nutrients.
  • Spaghetti squash can be a great low-carb substitute for traditional pasta.

How to budget on this meal plan

Eggs, spinach, and cheddar cheese are key ingredients that can be bought in bulk. Chicken breast, romaine lettuce, and olive oil are often cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Salmon, broccoli, and butter can be more cost-effective when bought in bulk. Keto-friendly yogurt, raspberries, and flaxseeds are also more affordable in larger sizes.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Begin your keto journey with these easy and tasty snacks:

  • Cheese cubes and nuts
  • Pepperoni slices and cheese crisps
  • Boiled eggs with avocado
  • Cheddar cheese chips
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Celery with cream cheese
  • Coconut yogurt

What should I drink on this meal plan?

For keto beginners, keeping it simple is key. Stick to water to stay hydrated, and explore unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Herbal teas are a great caffeine-free option. If you need a caffeine boost, black coffee is ideal. Bone broth can also be a comforting, nutrient-rich option.

How to get even more nutrients?

Keto for beginners can seem challenging, so start with the basics. Familiarize yourself with high-fat, low-carb foods such as meats, fatty fish, cheese, nuts, and oils. Breakfast could be eggs with avocado, lunch a chicken salad with lots of olive oil, and dinner a beef stir-fry with vegetables in coconut oil. Snacks like cheese or a handful of nuts are perfect for keeping hunger at bay. The key is to gradually replace high-carb items with keto-friendly alternatives.

Meal plan suggestion

Keto Meal Plan for Beginners

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and a slice of cheddar cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with romaine lettuce, cucumber, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with a side of steamed broccoli, topped with melted butter

Calories: 1200  Fat: 88g  Carbs: 14g  Protein: 84g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Keto-friendly yogurt topped with a few raspberries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Tuna salad made with mayo and diced celery, served in lettuce cups
  • Dinner: Zucchini noodles (""zoodles"") with meatballs and sugar-free marinara sauce

Calories: 1150  Fat: 88g  Carbs: 18g  Protein: 77g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Keto smoothie with almond milk, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of low-carb protein powder
  • Lunch: BLT salad with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado
  • Dinner: Stir-fried beef with mixed vegetables (use low-carb veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms)

Calories: 1200  Fat: 88g  Carbs: 19g  Protein: 82g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Boiled eggs with a side of avocado
  • Lunch: Chicken Caesar wrap using a low-carb tortilla
  • Dinner: Pork chops with a side of mashed cauliflower

Calories: 1200  Fat: 86g  Carbs: 16g  Protein: 82g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Almond flour pancakes with a pat of butter and sugar-free syrup
  • Lunch: Cobb salad with hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, and blue cheese dressing
  • Dinner: Grilled shrimp with a side of asparagus

Calories: 1300  Fat: 101g  Carbs: 16g  Protein: 90g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Chia pudding made with coconut milk
  • Lunch: Deli turkey and cheese roll-ups with a side of bell pepper strips
  • Dinner: Chicken thighs roasted with herbs and a side of sautéed green beans

Calories: 1150  Fat: 85g  Carbs: 17g  Protein: 81g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Berry and spinach smoothie with coconut milk
  • Lunch: Greek salad with grilled chicken, feta cheese, olives, and cucumber
  • Dinner: Beef stir-fry with a variety of low-carb vegetables and a keto-friendly sauce

Calories: 1350  Fat: 100g  Carbs: 24g  Protein: 96g

These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.