Mediterranean meal plan for weight loss
Reimagining weight management, the Mediterranean meal plan for weight loss marries the classic Mediterranean diet with a mindful approach to calories. It's all about moderation and nutrient-rich foods for a satisfying yet slimming journey.
This plan champions a diet rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins, and whole grains, artfully balancing taste and health to aid in shedding pounds naturally.
Meal plan grocery list
Greek yogurt
Honey
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Lentils
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Lemons
Olive oil
Hummus
Carrots
Chicken
Lettuce
Spinach
Arugula
Quinoa
Sliced almonds
Bananas
Whole grain pita bread
Feta cheese
Salmon
Broccoli
Oatmeal
Kale
Eggs
Black beans
Avocado
Salsa
Couscous
Kale
Balsamic vinegar
Apples
Almonds
Cod
Asparagus
Chickpeas
Bell peppers
Brown rice
Meal plan overview
Reimagining weight management, the Mediterranean meal plan for weight loss marries the classic Mediterranean diet with a mindful approach to calories. It's all about moderation and nutrient-rich foods for a satisfying yet slimming journey.
This plan champions a diet rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins, and whole grains, artfully balancing taste and health to aid in shedding pounds naturally.
Foods to eat
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for essential fats and proteins.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A diverse range for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, and coconut oil for nutrient absorption and energy.
- Algae and Seaweed: Spirulina, nori, and kelp for essential amino acids and minerals.
- Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha for gut health.
- Plant-Based Milks: Almond, coconut, or hemp milk as dairy alternatives.
- Mushrooms: For their umami flavor and nutritional value.
- Herbal Teas and Water: For hydration and antioxidants.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- All Animal Products: Meat, dairy, eggs, and fish are not part of a vegan diet.
- Processed Vegan Foods: Often high in additives and not in line with Paleo principles.
- Refined Sugars: Can be inflammatory and are not part of the Paleo diet.
- Grains: Such as wheat, rice, and oats are excluded from a Paleo diet.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peanuts are typically avoided in Paleo.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Additives: Not part of a natural diet.
- Processed Oils: Such as canola or vegetable oils.
- Alcohol: Especially those derived from grains or with added sugars.
Main benefits
The Paleo meal plan for vegans combines veganism with Paleo, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods. This plan includes nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, offering a healthful and ethical dietary approach.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A Mediterranean meal plan for weight loss can be effective and delicious with these substitutions:
- Opt for bulgur instead of quinoa for a lighter grain option.
- Watermelon can replace strawberries for a refreshing, low-calorie fruit.
- Consider using rocket (arugula) instead of spinach for a peppery flavor in salads.
- For a different nutty flavor, try pine nuts instead of sliced almonds.
- Enhance your protein intake with sardines instead of salmon for a leaner fish option.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Choose these low-calorie, nutrient-dense snacks for weight loss on the Mediterranean Diet:
- Bell pepper slices with hummus
- Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt with fresh berries
- Roasted chickpeas
- Grilled zucchini slices
- Almonds and walnuts
- Apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon
What should I drink on this meal plan?
When following the Mediterranean diet for weight loss, focus on water to stay hydrated and reduce hunger, green tea for its metabolism-boosting properties, black coffee in moderation, vegetable juices for nutrients without excess calories, and avoiding sugary drinks and alcohol to help maintain a calorie deficit.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Mediterranean Meal Plan for Weight Loss
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with honey and a handful of berries (calories: 250, protein: 15g, carbs: 25g, fat: 6g)
- Lunch: Lentil salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil dressing (calories: 300, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: Carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus (calories: 100, protein: 5g, carbs: 15g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Grilled chicken with a side of mixed greens and quinoa (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 30g, fat: 16g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with sliced almonds and a small banana (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 50g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Tomato and cucumber salad with feta cheese and whole grain pita (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts (calories: 180, protein: 5g, carbs: 6g, fat: 16g)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and a side salad (calories: 450, protein: 35g, carbs: 20g, fat: 22g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole grain toast (calories: 250, protein: 18g, carbs: 20g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean bowl with avocado and salsa (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 55g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon (calories: 120, protein: 10g, carbs: 10g, fat: 4g)
- Dinner: Grilled vegetable skewers with a small portion of couscous (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 45g, fat: 12g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with kale, Greek yogurt, and mixed berries (calories: 280, protein: 15g, carbs: 35g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Caprese salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and whole grain bread (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Sliced apple with a handful of almonds (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Lemon-herb baked cod with a side of roasted asparagus (calories: 400, protein: 30g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Chickpea and vegetable stew (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A small serving of berries and a few walnuts (calories: 180, protein: 4g, carbs: 15g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with brown rice, vegetables, and a small portion of feta (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt parfait with granola and honey (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette (calories: 300, protein: 25g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Whole grain pita bread with tzatziki (calories: 150, protein: 6g, carbs: 20g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Vegetable paella with a variety of seasonal veggies (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 65g, fat: 10g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Omelette with tomatoes, onions, and green peppers (calories: 250, protein: 18g, carbs: 15g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of arugula salad (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A piece of fruit and a small handful of nuts (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with a Mediterranean quinoa salad (calories: 450, protein: 30g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
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