Expanded Sample Meal Plan

Expanded Sample Meal Plan
Photo by Brooke Lark / Unsplash
Meal Food Item Protein (g) Carbs (g) Fat (g) Calories
Breakfast 1 cup egg whites (240g) 26 0 0 120
1 whole egg (50g) 6 0 5 70
1/2 cup oatmeal, dry (40g) 5 27 3 150
1/2 cup mixed berries (75g) 1 10 0 40
Lunch 4 oz ground turkey (113g) 22 0 8 160
1 small sweet potato (130g) 2 23 0 100
1 cup spinach (30g) 1 1 0 7
1 tbsp olive oil (14g) 0 0 14 120
Dinner 4 oz salmon (113g) 23 0 11 200
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (92g) 4 20 2 111
1 cup mixed vegetables (100g) 4 15 0 75
Snack 1 1 scoop whey protein (30g) 25 2 1 120
1 small apple (150g) 0 21 0 80
Snack 2 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (125g) 12 4 0 65
1 tbsp honey (21g) 0 17 0 64
1 oz dark chocolate (28g) 2 13 9 155
Totals 170 127 53 1637

Meal Options

Breakfast (Same for all days)

  • 1 cup egg whites (26g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat, 120 cal)
  • 1 whole egg (6g protein, 0g carbs, 5g fat, 70 cal)
  • 1/2 cup oatmeal, dry (5g protein, 27g carbs, 3g fat, 150 cal)
  • 1/2 cup mixed berries (1g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat, 40 cal)

Lunch Options

Option 1: Turkey & Sweet Potato

  • 4 oz ground turkey (22g protein, 0g carbs, 8g fat, 160 cal)
  • 1 small sweet potato (2g protein, 23g carbs, 0g fat, 100 cal)
  • 1 cup spinach (1g protein, 1g carb, 0g fat, 7 cal)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (0g protein, 0g carbs, 14g fat, 120 cal)

Option 2: Chicken & Brown Rice

  • 4 oz grilled chicken breast (35g protein, 0g carbs, 4g fat, 180 cal)
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice (3g protein, 22g carbs, 1g fat, 110 cal)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (4g protein, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 75 cal)
  • 1 tbsp almonds, chopped (2g protein, 1g carbs, 5g fat, 55 cal)

Option 3: Tuna Salad

  • 4 oz canned tuna in water (26g protein, 0g carbs, 1g fat, 120 cal)
  • 1 tbsp light mayo (0g protein, 0g carbs, 5g fat, 45 cal)
  • 1/4 avocado (1g protein, 3g carbs, 7g fat, 80 cal)
  • 2 cups mixed greens (2g protein, 2g carbs, 0g fat, 10 cal)
  • 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (0g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat, 15 cal)
  • 1 small apple (0g protein, 21g carbs, 0g fat, 80 cal)

Dinner Options

Option 1: Salmon & Quinoa

  • 4 oz salmon (23g protein, 0g carbs, 11g fat, 200 cal)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (4g protein, 20g carbs, 2g fat, 111 cal)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (4g protein, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 75 cal)

Option 2: Lean Beef & Roasted Vegetables

  • 4 oz lean beef (28g protein, 0g carbs, 9g fat, 200 cal)
  • 1 cup roasted mixed vegetables (4g protein, 15g carbs, 0g fat, 75 cal)
  • 1/3 cup cooked lentils (6g protein, 12g carbs, 0g fat, 75 cal)

Snacks (Same for all days)

Snack 1

  • 1 scoop whey protein (25g protein, 2g carbs, 1g fat, 120 cal)
  • 1 small apple (0g protein, 21g carbs, 0g fat, 80 cal)

Snack 2

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (12g protein, 4g carbs, 0g fat, 65 cal)
  • 1 tbsp honey (0g protein, 17g carbs, 0g fat, 64 cal)
  • 1 oz dark chocolate (2g protein, 13g carbs, 9g fat, 155 cal)

Prep List (for 1 week):

Prepping Stage:

  1. Proteins:

    • Cook 28 oz ground turkey
    • Cook 28 oz salmon
    • Separate 7 cups egg whites
  2. Carbs:

    • Cook 3.5 cups dry quinoa
    • Wash and prepare 7 small sweet potatoes
    • Measure out 3.5 cups dry oatmeal
  3. Vegetables:

    • Wash and portion 7 cups spinach
    • Prepare 7 cups mixed vegetables

Portioning Stage (by meal, for 7 days):

  1. Breakfast (7 portions):

    • 7 containers: 1 cup egg whites + 1 whole egg each
    • 7 containers: 1/2 cup dry oatmeal each
    • 7 small containers: 1/2 cup mixed berries each
  2. Lunch (7 portions):

    • 7 containers: 4 oz cooked ground turkey each
    • 7 containers: 1 small sweet potato + 1 cup spinach each
    • 7 small containers: 1 tbsp olive oil each
  3. Dinner (7 portions):

    • 7 containers: 4 oz cooked salmon each
    • 7 containers: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa + 1 cup mixed vegetables each
  4. Snacks (7 portions each):

    • 7 containers: 1 scoop whey protein each
    • 7 containers: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp honey each
    • 7 small containers: 1 oz dark chocolate each

Items to keep on hand (not prepped):

  • 7 small apples

About the 40/30/30 Macro Split

This meal plan follows a 40/30/30 (protein/carbs/fat) macronutrient ratio, which can be an effective starting point for a fat loss phase. Here's why this ratio can be beneficial:

Protein (40%)

  • Muscle Preservation: Helps maintain lean muscle mass during calorie restriction
  • Increased Satiety: Protein-rich foods can help you feel fuller, potentially reducing overall calorie intake
  • Thermic Effect: Protein has a higher thermic effect, burning more calories during digestion

Carbohydrates (30%)

  • Energy for Workouts: Provides sufficient energy for exercise and daily activities
  • Hormone Balance: Helps maintain hormonal balance, particularly important for women
  • Dietary Flexibility: Allows for a variety of food choices and some treats

Fats (30%)

  • Hormone Production: Supports the production of essential hormones
  • Nutrient Absorption: Aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
  • Satiety: Contributes to feeling full and satisfied after meals

Considerations

  • This ratio is a starting point and may need adjustment based on individual response
  • Factors like metabolism, activity level, and personal preferences can influence optimal ratios
  • Monitoring progress and adjusting as needed is key to long-term success
  • Consistency and adherence are often more important than exact ratios

Remember, the most effective diet is one that can be sustained over time while achieving the desired results.