Low-carb meal plan for weight loss
The Low-Carb meal plan for weight loss emphasizes reducing carbohydrate intake to aid in fat burning and weight reduction. It includes a variety of protein sources, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats, which help in creating a calorie deficit while providing satiety and essential nutrients.
Meal plan grocery list
Eggs
Spinach
Mushrooms
Chicken breast
Mixed greens
Avocado
Olive oil
Celery
Almond butter
Salmon fillet
Asparagus
Greek yogurt
Walnuts
Turkey breast
Cheese
Cucumber
Small apples
Beef
Broccoli
Pork chops
Cottage cheese
Raspberries
Tuna
Lemon
Leafy greens
Cauliflower
Hard-boiled eggs
Chicken
Zucchini
Feta cheese
Cheese slices
Zucchini noodles
Ground meat
Marinara sauce
Chia seeds
Almond milk
Caesar dressing
Berries
Lamb chops
Brussels sprouts
Protein powder
Eggplant
Ricotta cheese
Tilapia fillet
Meal plan overview
Achieve your weight loss goals with the Low-carb meal plan for weight loss. This plan prioritizes low-carb foods that help reduce appetite and boost metabolism.
Centered around high-quality proteins and healthy fats, it’s designed for effective and sustainable weight loss.
Foods to eat
- High-Protein Foods: Chicken, turkey, fish, and tofu to help with satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Fiber-Rich Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, and other leafy greens for fullness and nutrients.
- Whole Grains: In moderation, such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and nuts, but in controlled portions.
- Low-Calorie Fruits: Berries, apples, and pears for sweetness and fiber.
- Hydration: Water, herbal teas, and black coffee to avoid dehydration and support healthy weight loss.
- Lean Dairy or Alternatives: Greek yogurt or almond milk for calcium and protein.
- Herbal Teas: For hydration and appetite control.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Calorie Snacks: Avoid chips, cookies, and other calorie-dense foods with little nutritional value.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Such as candy, cakes, and sodas that minimize your blood sugar control.
- Fried and Fast Foods: High in unhealthy fats and calories.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread and pasta can contribute to rapid blood sugar spikes and hunger.
- High-Fat Meats: Like bacon and sausage, which are high in saturated fats.
- Alcohol: Adds extra calories and can disrupt your fasting benefits.
- Full-Fat Dairy Products: In excess, as they can be high in saturated fats.
- Processed Foods: Often high in sodium and preservatives.
Main benefits
The Intermittent Fasting meal plan for dieting combines the efficacy of intermittent fasting with a balanced diet for weight loss. The eating windows are filled with nutrient-rich, low-calorie healthy foods that promote satiety and energy. The intermittent fasting schedules help in creating a calorie deficit, essential for weight loss, while ensuring that all nutritional needs are met.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A low-carb meal plan for weight loss can be effective and varied with these substitutions:
- Replace chicken breast with turkey breast for a leaner protein source.
- Use pistachios instead of walnuts for a unique nutty flavor in snacks.
- Try cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Enhance your dishes with zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta.
- Consider using sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a richer taste.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
These low-carb snacks are great for weight loss:
- Boiled eggs
- Celery sticks with cream cheese
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Smoked salmon on cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella balls
- Ricotta cheese with ground flaxseeds
- Beef jerky (low sugar)
What should I drink on this meal plan?
In a low-carb weight loss regimen, hydration is key, so water should be your go-to. Green tea can boost metabolism, while black coffee provides a calorie-free energy lift. Unsweetened almond milk is a great low-carb alternative to dairy, and bone broth can be a nourishing, appetite-satisfying choice.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Low-Carb Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms (calories: 250, protein: 20g, carbs: 5g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, avocado, and olive oil dressing (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 10g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: Celery sticks with almond butter (calories: 150, protein: 6g, carbs: 6g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with a side of asparagus (calories: 450, protein: 35g, carbs: 8g, fat: 30g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with a handful of walnuts (calories: 300, protein: 18g, carbs: 10g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Turkey and cheese lettuce wrap with a side of cucumber (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 8g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: A small apple (calories: 80, protein: 0g, carbs: 22g, fat: 0g)
- Dinner: Stir-fried beef with broccoli (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 15g, fat: 22g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Omelette with cheese and tomatoes (calories: 300, protein: 22g, carbs: 5g, fat: 22g)
- Lunch: Spinach salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, and olive oil (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 8g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: A handful of almonds (calories: 160, protein: 6g, carbs: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Grilled pork chop with a side of green beans (calories: 450, protein: 38g, carbs: 10g, fat: 28g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Cottage cheese with a few raspberries (calories: 200, protein: 18g, carbs: 8g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Tuna salad with leafy greens and a lemon-olive oil dressing (calories: 350, protein: 30g, carbs: 5g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: Hard-boiled egg (calories: 70, protein: 6g, carbs: 1g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Baked chicken with roasted cauliflower (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 10g, fat: 22g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Avocado and egg salad (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 8g, fat: 28g)
- Lunch: Mixed greens with grilled vegetables and feta cheese (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 15g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: A few slices of cheese with cucumber (calories: 150, protein: 10g, carbs: 3g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Zucchini noodles with meatballs and marinara sauce (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 15g, fat: 28g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding with almond milk (calories: 250, protein: 10g, carbs: 15g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad without croutons (calories: 400, protein: 35g, carbs: 8g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: A small handful of berries (calories: 50, protein: 1g, carbs: 12g, fat: 0g)
- Dinner: Lamb chops with Brussels sprouts (calories: 500, protein: 38g, carbs: 10g, fat: 32g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Protein shake with almond milk (calories: 200, protein: 20g, carbs: 6g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Eggplant lasagna with ricotta and marinara sauce (calories: 350, protein: 22g, carbs: 15g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: Half an avocado (calories: 120, protein: 2g, carbs: 6g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Grilled tilapia with a side of sautéed spinach (calories: 400, protein: 40g, carbs: 5g, fat: 24g)
Want to learn more?
- Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies
- Randomized Trial of a High Protein, Partial Meal Replacement Program with or without Alternate Day Fasting: Similar Effects on Weight Loss, Retention Status, Nutritional, Metabolic, and Behavioral Outcomes
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024