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.
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
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.
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
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
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?
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.
Want to learn more?
- Effect of a hypocaloric, nutritionally complete, higher-protein meal plan on bone density and quality in older adults with obesity: a randomized trial
- A high-protein breakfast induces greater insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide responses to a subsequent lunch meal in individuals with type 2 diabetes
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by Filip Jędraszczyk
- Published on Jan 26, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024