Meal Plan For Weight Loss
Ready to kickstart your weight loss journey? A 7-day meal plan tailored for weight loss could be your golden ticket. In this article, we'll explore how to craft a meal plan that's both delicious and effective for shedding pounds, plus tips on transforming it into a smart shopping list. Time to get excited about your health goals!
*no credit card required
This meal plan comes with a FREE grocery list 🎉
Meal plan grocery list
- Greek Yogurt
- Mixed Berries
- Chia Seeds
- Apple
- Almond Butter
- Chicken Breast
- Vegetables
- Salmon
- Quinoa
- Broccoli
- Oatmeal
- Banana
- Peanut Butter
- Egg
- Turkey
- Avocado
- Salad
- Honey
- Almonds
- Shrimp
- Zucchini Noodles
- Tomato Sauce
- Spinach
- Almond Milk
- Protein Powder
- Cottage Cheese
- Pineapple
- Cucumber
- Beef
- Brown Rice
- Whole Grain Toast
- Eggs
- Mixed Nuts
- Lentil Soup
- Whole Grain Bread
- Bell Peppers
- Guacamole
- Sweet Potato
- Green Beans
- Granola
- Orange
- Rice Cakes
- Turkey Chili
- Beans
- Mushrooms
- Pear
- String Cheese
- Sunflower Seeds
- Cod
- Brussels Sprouts
- Protein Pancake
- Walnuts
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Tzatziki
- Tofu
Article reviewed
- Written by Filip Jędraszczyk
- Published on Dec. 19, 2023.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Looking to shed some pounds? A 7-day meal plan for weight loss might be just what you need. It focuses on portion control, balanced nutrients, and foods that keep you full and satisfied without the extra calories.
Benefits include not just weight loss, but also improved metabolism and better control over cravings. It's all about smart eating – think whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of veggies – to help you on your weight loss journey.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: Chicken breast, turkey, tofu, fish, and lean cuts of beef.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Fruits: Berries, apples, grapefruit, and other low-sugar fruits.
- Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat products.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and other high-fiber options.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil in moderation.
- Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, or plant-based alternatives.
- Water: Stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.
- Herbal Tea: Unsweetened herbal teas can be a refreshing choice.
✅ Tip
Practice mindful eating by taking time to savor your meals, which can help in portion control and reduce overeating.
Foods not to eat
- Processed Foods: Avoid highly processed snacks, chips, and convenience foods.
- Sugary Beverages: Soda, energy drinks, and sugary fruit juices.
- Sweets and Desserts: Candy, cakes, cookies, and other high-sugar treats.
- White Bread and Refined Grains: Choose whole grains over refined options.
- Fried Foods: Minimize fried foods and opt for healthier cooking methods.
- High-Calorie Sauces and Dressings: Be mindful of added calories from sauces and dressings.
- Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it can contribute to excess calories.
- High-Fat and Processed Dairy: Limit full-fat dairy and choose healthier alternatives.
- Excessive Portion Sizes: Practice portion control to manage calorie intake.
Main benefits
The Meal Plan For Weight Loss provides a strategic approach to support weight management and overall health. By focusing on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods, this meal plan helps create a calorie deficit, a key factor in weight loss. Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains ensures a well-rounded and satisfying diet. Portion control and mindful eating are integral components, promoting awareness of food intake. The emphasis on lean proteins helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss, contributing to a healthier body composition. With an emphasis on long-term sustainability, this meal plan encourages the development of healthy eating habits for lasting weight management success.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
For weight loss, focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods that keep you full and satisfied. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace Greek yogurt with plain skyr for a higher protein, lower-calorie option.
- Instead of quinoa, try bulgur for a low-calorie, high-fiber grain.
- Switch whole grain toast with sprouted grain bread for added nutrients and easier digestion.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a lower-calorie, nutrient-rich alternative.
- Substitute peanut butter with powdered peanut butter for a lower-calorie, lower-fat option.
How to budget on this meal plan
To economize this weight loss meal plan, focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Buy chicken, turkey, and eggs in bulk for protein, and choose seasonal vegetables and fruits. Use beans and lentils as inexpensive protein and fiber sources. Prepare homemade snacks like granola and tzatziki. Limit costly items like salmon, shrimp, and beef, and opt for more affordable fish like cod occasionally. Incorporate brown rice and whole grains for filling, nutritious, and cost-effective meals.
Download the grocery list for FREE
- ✔️ Add and remove items
- ✔️ Sort items by store aisles
- ✔️ Share the list with your partner
*no credit card required
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Choose these low-calorie, nutritious snacks for effective weight loss:
- Fresh vegetable sticks with salsa
- Fruit pieces like apple or pear
- Boiled egg
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Almonds or walnuts (in moderation)
- Rice cake with tomato and avocado
- Homemade vegetable soup
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For weight loss, it's crucial to choose beverages that don't add unnecessary calories. Water is the best option for staying hydrated and can aid in feeling full. Green tea can boost metabolism. Black coffee, in moderation, can provide a calorie-free energy boost. Herbal teas are calorie-free and soothing. Vegetable juices, when low in sodium, can be nutrient-dense.
How to get even more nutrients?
For weight loss, it’s important to focus on creating a calorie deficit while still nourishing the body. High-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains help fill you up with fewer calories. Proteins, whether from animal sources like chicken and fish or plant-based like beans and tofu, are essential for satiety and muscle maintenance. Incorporating healthy fats in moderation can also enhance satiety, making it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.
Meal plan suggestions
7-Day Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with mixed berries and chia seeds
- Snack: Apple slices with almond butter
- Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables
- Snack: Carrots and hummus
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli
Calories: 1350 Fat: 52g Carbs: 115g Protein: 97g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced banana and peanut butter
- Snack: Hard-boiled egg
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with a side salad
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and sliced almonds
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with zucchini noodles and tomato sauce
Calories: 1320 Fat: 56g Carbs: 114g Protein: 101g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and protein powder
- Snack: Cottage cheese with pineapple
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed vegetables and grilled chicken
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus
- Dinner: Lean beef stir-fry with broccoli and brown rice
Calories: 1300 Fat: 48g Carbs: 135g Protein: 94g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and poached eggs
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread
- Snack: Sliced bell peppers with guacamole
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potato and green beans
Calories: 1400 Fat: 55g Carbs: 140g Protein: 80g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with granola and berries
- Snack: Orange and a handful of almonds
- Lunch: Spinach salad with grilled salmon, avocado, and vinaigrette
- Snack: Rice cakes with peanut butter
- Dinner: Turkey chili with beans and vegetables
Calories: 1350 Fat: 58g Carbs: 130g Protein: 95g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and mushrooms
- Snack: A pear and a string cheese
- Lunch: Grilled vegetable and hummus wrap
- Snack: Yogurt with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa
Calories: 1300 Fat: 50g Carbs: 120g Protein: 96g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Protein pancake with fresh berries
- Snack: A small apple with a handful of walnuts
- Lunch: Chicken Caesar salad with light dressing
- Snack: Carrot sticks with tzatziki
- Dinner: Grilled tofu with stir-fried mixed vegetables and brown rice
Calories: 1350 Fat: 52g Carbs: 125g Protein: 90g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Enjoy our 100% FREE meal plans!
Hey, Meal Prepper! 👋
We're glad you like our free Listonic meal plans. We know sticking to a healthy diet can be tough with a busy schedule, so we’ve made a free grocery list app to make meal planning and shopping super easy.
Listonic is a top-rated grocery list app that you can download for free to make meal planning even easier. All our meal plans sync seamlessly with the app. Give it a try! 💚
Download the FREE grocery list for this meal plan
Like this meal plan?
Get grocery list*no credit card required
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
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.