Expanded Sample Meal Plan
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:
-
Proteins:
- Cook 28 oz ground turkey
- Cook 28 oz salmon
- Separate 7 cups egg whites
-
Carbs:
- Cook 3.5 cups dry quinoa
- Wash and prepare 7 small sweet potatoes
- Measure out 3.5 cups dry oatmeal
-
Vegetables:
- Wash and portion 7 cups spinach
- Prepare 7 cups mixed vegetables
Portioning Stage (by meal, for 7 days):
-
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
-
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
-
Dinner (7 portions):
- 7 containers: 4 oz cooked salmon each
- 7 containers: 1/2 cup cooked quinoa + 1 cup mixed vegetables each
-
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.