Meal plan grocery list
Avocados
Whole grain bread
Eggs
Mixed greens
Chicken breasts
Cucumbers
Cherry tomatoes
Balsamic vinaigrette
Greek yogurt
Honey
Sliced almonds
Salmon
Quinoa
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Mixed berries
Bananas
Spinach
Almond milk
Granola
Whole wheat wraps
Hummus
Sliced turkey
Lettuce
Apples
Peanut butter
Tofu
Brown rice
Overnight oats
Chia seeds
Chickpeas
Lemon-tahini dressing
Carrot sticks
Shrimp
Zucchini
Couscous
Pancake mix
Fresh berries
Mozzarella cheese
Tomatoes
Basil
Balsamic glaze
Mixed nuts
Dried fruits
Scrambled tofu
Black beans
Corn
Avocado
Cilantro
Lime dressing
Rice cakes
Almond butter
Green beans
Sweet potatoes
Protein powder
Flax seeds
Feta cheese
Celery sticks
Cabbage
Fish for tacos
Salsa
Cheese cubes
Portobello mushrooms
Cauliflower
Meal plan overview
The Summer Meal Plan for Free is a budget-friendly approach to summer dining. It includes a variety of affordable, nutritious foods like seasonal fruits and vegetables, grains, and legumes, perfect for creating delicious summer meals without breaking the bank.
This plan offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the flavors of summer, providing a range of easy-to-prepare, economical meals.
Foods to eat
- Low-Calorie Vegetables: Leafy greens, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Lean Protein Sources: Chicken, turkey, fish, and plant-based proteins like tofu.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and oats.
- Fruits: Apples, berries, and citrus fruits in moderation.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, and olive oil in small quantities.
- Water and Herbal Teas: For hydration and to reduce hunger.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Sodium Foods: Salty snacks, processed meats, and fast food.
- High-Calorie Foods: Fried foods, high-fat dairy products, and sugary desserts.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pastries, and sugary cereals.
- Sugary Beverages: Sodas, sweetened teas, and fruit juices.
Main benefits
The Hypertension Meal Plan for Weight Loss is designed to help reduce blood pressure through a calorie-controlled diet. It includes nutrient-rich, low-sodium foods, and emphasizes portion control, which is key to weight loss and managing hypertension.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To make the most of your summer meal plan on a budget, consider these versatile substitutions:
- For a budget-friendly protein, eggs can replace chicken breast in meals.
- To add variety, seasonal vegetables can replace mixed greens in salads or wraps.
- For a high-fiber snack, homemade granola can replace store-bought granola in yogurt or smoothie bowls.
- To reduce costs, canned beans can replace fresh chickpeas in salads or snacks.
- For a budget-friendly carb, whole wheat pasta can replace quinoa in meals.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Refresh yourself with these light and nutritious snacks perfect for your summer diet:
- Chilled watermelon slices
- Greek yogurt with fresh berries
- Cucumber and carrot sticks with hummus
- Frozen grapes
- Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella balls
- Smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk
- Grilled pineapple slices
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Stay hydrated with water, enjoy iced herbal teas for their soothing properties, sip on fresh fruit juices for natural sweetness and vitamins, have vegetable smoothies for a nutrient boost, and indulge in a moderate glass of red wine for relaxation in your general summer health plan.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Summer Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Avocado toast on whole grain bread with a poached egg (Calories: 350, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette (Calories: 400, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 22g)
- Snack: Greek yogurt with honey and sliced almonds (Calories: 200, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa pilaf and roasted vegetables (Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with mixed berries, banana, spinach, and almond milk topped with granola (Calories: 300, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Whole wheat wrap with hummus, sliced turkey, lettuce, and tomato (Calories: 350, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)
- Snack: Apple slices with peanut butter (Calories: 200, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice (Calories: 400, Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, sliced banana, and a drizzle of honey (Calories: 350, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with chickpeas, diced vegetables, and lemon-tahini dressing (Calories: 400, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g)
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (Calories: 150, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 7g)
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp skewers with a side of grilled zucchini and couscous (Calories: 450, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Whole grain pancakes with fresh berries and a dollop of Greek yogurt (Calories: 350, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g)
- Snack: Mixed nuts and dried fruits (Calories: 200, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Grilled vegetable skewers with herbed quinoa (Calories: 400, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with sautéed spinach, tomatoes, and whole grain toast (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Black bean and corn salad with avocado, cilantro, and lime dressing (Calories: 350, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g)
- Snack: Rice cakes with almond butter and banana slices (Calories: 250, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans (Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Berry and spinach smoothie with protein powder and flax seeds (Calories: 300, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Mediterranean quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese (Calories: 400, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 18g)
- Snack: Celery sticks with almond butter (Calories: 150, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw, avocado, and salsa (Calories: 450, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Yogurt parfait with Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries (Calories: 350, Protein: 15g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Veggie and hummus wrap with whole wheat tortilla and a side of mixed greens (Calories: 350, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g)
- Snack: Frozen grapes and cheese cubes (Calories: 200, Protein: 8g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Grilled portobello mushrooms with quinoa salad and roasted cauliflower (Calories: 400, Protein: 12g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 18g)
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 Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Oct 1, 2024