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Gourmet Week: A Beginner's 7-Day Meal Plan for Healthy Weight Gain – Delicious Recipes Under 30 Minutes!

Posted on August 5, 2024

Avoids: Brocoli
Age: 18
Male
Target Time: 12 weeks
Activity Level: Sedentary (office job)
Low Activity
30-Minute Meals
Beginner Recipes
Meal Variety: Moderate variety
Calorie Management
Personalized Meal Plan

This meticulously crafted meal plan is designed to help you achieve a healthy weight gain of 9 lbs over 12 weeks.

With a focus on quick, beginner-friendly recipes, each meal takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare, fitting seamlessly into your busy, sedentary lifestyle.

Cover image
Smart meal planning: Because your time is precious.

Unlocking the Power of a Custom Meal Plan: Gourmet Week - Balanced Bites

As we navigate the fast-paced chaos of our lives, eating healthily often takes a back seat. Especially for young adults, juggling studies, social lives, and burgeoning independence, meal preparation can feel like a daunting task. This is where the transformative power of a custom meal plan comes into play. Consider this: with a well-thought-out plan, not only can you eat deliciously, but you can also embrace a healthier lifestyle that nourishes your body and mind. Let’s dive into a specific plan that’s been tailor-made for 18-year-olds embarking on their culinary journey—introducing Gourmet Week: Balanced Bites. Designed to make healthy weight gain a smooth and enjoyable process, this meal plan sets out to help you gain 9 pounds over the course of 12 weeks. But don’t fret—this isn’t about overwhelming you with complex recipes or tedious kitchen tasks. No, this plan is about keeping it simple, delicious, and energetic, all while taking no more than 30 minutes to prep each meal. That’s right, culinary novices—your culinary adventure is about to kick off!

The Importance of Eating Healthy as an 18-Year-Old

As you step into adulthood, your body is undergoing incredible changes. Nutritional needs evolve, especially for an 18-year-old looking to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Think about it: your diet is foundational for physical growth, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Eating healthy isn’t just about looks—it's about vitality! Aiming for balanced meals rich in nutrients fuels not only your body but your brain. Balanced Bites places emphasis on wholesome, diverse ingredients to foster a relationship with food that is encouraging rather than restrictive. Instead of succumbing to the monotonous cycle of takeout, you’ll explore scrumptious options that tantalize your taste buds. Imagine starting your day with a fulfilling bowl of Greek Yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with crunchy almonds! Not only does it sound delicious—it's a powerhouse of protein and healthy fats.

A Dish for Every Day: Your Journey Awaits

Each day in Gourmet Week is a delightful culinary exploration, marrying nutrition with flavor seamlessly. Let's take a sneak peek into this week of delightful dishes, crafted to keep your palate excited. - **Day 1** sets off with Greek Yogurt and promises a comforting lunch of Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, culminating with Grilled Chicken accompanied by quinoa and an array of colorful vegetables for dinner. - **Day 2’s breakfast** switches things up with light Scrambled Eggs combined with vibrant spinach, while lunch treats you to a refreshing Tuna Salad. The day wraps up with a hearty Beef Stir Fry, because who doesn’t love a sizzling plate full of flavor? - As the week progresses, each breakfast brilliantly complements the lunches and dinners: Spaghetti Carbonara, Baked Salmon with Asparagus, even Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes become staples of your experience. - With flavors ranging from **peanut butter banana toast** to **shrimp tacos**, there’s no shortage of variety and joy in your meals.

The Benefits of Customization

What’s particularly striking about this meal plan is its adaptability. Every individual is different, with unique preferences and dietary needs. Gourmet Week: Balanced Bites recognizes this and encourages personalization. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply prefer a specific ingredient, this meal plan is your canvas. Adjust, swap, and play with flavors until your meal plan speaks to you personally. This sense of ownership enhances your connection with food, promoting not only a healthier lifestyle but also a deeper appreciation for what you eat.

Your Culinary Adventure Begins!

So why choose Gourmet Week: Balanced Bites? Because it's the bridge between not knowing how to cook and preparing quick, healthy meals! It’s about nurturing your body and indulging your senses without complexity. Gone are the days of worrying about what to eat; this plan simplifies your choices while packing in the nutrients necessary for healthy weight gain. With around **2892 calories** per day curated thoughtfully, the plan ensures you achieve your goals without sacrificing taste or your valuable time. In conclusion, embarking on this culinary adventure isn’t just about gaining weight—it’s about cultivating a lifestyle, embracing flavors, and enjoying your precious time in the kitchen. So grab your apron, turn on the stove, and let Gourmet Week smooth your journey toward a healthier you!

Enjoy a moderate variety of 12 new meals each week, keeping your palate excited and satisfied.

Meal plans so smart, even your grandma's recipes are jealous.

From a hearty Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds breakfast to delicious dinners like Grilled Chicken with Quinoa and Vegetables or Beef Tacos, each day offers a balanced and tasty approach to nutritiously gaining weight. Embrace the flavors of classic staples and diverse ingredients tailored to meet your dietary preferences and needs, ensuring you stay on track while indulging in delightful meals

Additional Insights

This meal plan is designed to provide balanced nutrition while being easy to prepare. Each meal is crafted with fresh ingredients and offers a variety of flavors to keep your taste buds excited.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, these recipes are straightforward and come with detailed instructions to ensure you can follow along with ease. Enjoy the process of cooking and the satisfaction of a well-prepared meal.

Remember, the key to a successful meal plan is consistency and variety. Make sure to try out different recipes and adjust them according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Additionally, each meal plan is tailored to meet specific dietary requirements, ensuring that you get the right balance of nutrients. From protein-packed breakfasts to fiber-rich dinners, every meal is designed to support your health and wellness goals.

Our meal plans also include tips on how to make the most of your ingredients, reducing waste and saving money. Learn how to store your food properly, make use of leftovers, and create delicious meals with minimal effort.

We also provide insights into the nutritional benefits of each ingredient used in the meal plans. Understand how each component contributes to your overall health, from boosting your immune system to improving your digestion.

Monday

Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs with Spinach

Calories: 778

Ingredients:

  • Eggs 4
  • Spinach 100g
  • Olive oil 1 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Crack 4 eggs into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and whisk until well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Add 100g of fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are scrambled to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Tuna Salad

Calories: 867

Ingredients:

  • Tuna 1 can (150g)
  • Lettuce 100g
  • Cherry tomatoes 50g
  • Cucumber 50g
  • Olive oil 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Drain and flake 1 can (approximately 150g) of tuna in a mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Chop 100g of lettuce, 50g of cherry tomatoes, and 50g of cucumber.
  3. Step 3: Add the vegetables to the tuna, along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until combined.
10 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Beef Stir Fry with Bell Peppers

Calories: 1248

Ingredients:

  • Beef 200g
  • Bell pepper 1
  • Onion 1
  • Olive oil 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce 1 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Slice 200g of beef into thin strips.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slice 1 bell pepper and 1 onion into thin strips and add to the pan.
  5. Step 5: Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper.
25 minutes
Easy

Tuesday

Breakfast

Banana Smoothie

Calories: 723

Ingredients:

  • Banana 2 pieces
  • Milk 1 cup
  • Plain yogurt 1 cup
  • Honey 1 tablespoon
  • Ice cubes 1 handful

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Peel and slice 2 bananas.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine sliced bananas, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a handful of ice cubes.
  3. Step 3: Blend until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Grilled Chicken Salad

Calories: 867

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast 1 piece
  • Lettuce 2 cups
  • Cucumber 1 piece
  • Tomato 1 piece
  • Onion 1/2 piece
  • Olive oil 2 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Season a boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, and your preferred seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Grill the chicken breast over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken is grilling, chop lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion.
  4. Step 4: Mix the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
  5. Step 5: Once grilled, slice the chicken and place it on top of the salad.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss to combine and serve.
10 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Spaghetti Carbonara

Calories: 1302

Ingredients:

  • Spaghetti 200g
  • Pancetta 100g
  • Eggs 2 large
  • Parmesan cheese 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Cook 200g of spaghetti according to the package instructions.
  2. Step 2: While the spaghetti is cooking, fry 100g of pancetta in a large pan until crispy.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti.
  5. Step 5: Quickly toss the hot spaghetti with the pancetta and fat in the pan.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, add the egg and cheese mixture, and a bit of pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy sauce.
  7. Step 7: Mix thoroughly and serve immediately.
25 minutes
Easy

Wednesday

Breakfast

Oatmeal with Blueberries

Calories: 723

Ingredients:

  • Rolled oats 100g
  • Honey 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh blueberries 50g
  • Sliced almonds 25g

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
  2. Step 2: Add 100g of rolled oats to the boiling water.
  3. Step 3: Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey.
  5. Step 5: Top the oatmeal with 50g fresh blueberries and a handful of sliced almonds.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Chicken Caesar Wrap

Calories: 867

Ingredients:

  • Cooked chicken breast 100g
  • Caesar dressing 50g
  • Grated Parmesan cheese 50g
  • Tortilla 1 large
  • Romaine lettuce 1 handful

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 100g cooked and diced chicken breast, 50g Caesar dressing, and 50g grated Parmesan cheese.
  2. Step 2: Lay a large tortilla on a flat surface and add a handful of romaine lettuce.
  3. Step 3: Top with the chicken mixture and wrap the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides.
  4. Step 4: Slice the wrap in half and serve.
10 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Baked Salmon with Asparagus

Calories: 1298

Ingredients:

  • Salmon fillet 200g
  • Asparagus 200g
  • Olive oil 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper To taste
  • Lemon wedge 1

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: Place 200g salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss 200g asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place next to the salmon.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 20 minutes or until the salmon is fully cooked and the asparagus is tender.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked salmon and asparagus with a lemon wedge on the side.
25 minutes
Easy

Thursday

Breakfast

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Calories: 723

Ingredients:

  • Whole grain bread 2 slices
  • Avocado 1 medium
  • Eggs 2
  • Salt To taste
  • Black pepper To taste
  • Chives (optional) 1 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork and add a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Spread the mashed avocado evenly over the toasted bread slices.
  4. Step 4: In a pot of simmering water, add a splash of vinegar. Crack each egg into a small bowl and carefully slide each into the water. Poach for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set and the yolk remains runny.
  5. Step 5: Remove the poached egg with a slotted spoon and place it on top of the avocado toast. Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with chopped chives if desired.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Chicken Quesadilla

Calories: 1012

Ingredients:

  • Tortillas 2 large
  • Cooked shredded chicken 200g
  • Shredded cheese 100g
  • Bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup
  • Onion, diced 1/4 cup
  • Salsa 2 tbsp
  • Guacamole 2 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place one tortilla in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Spread shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and onions evenly over the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Top with another tortilla and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Step 6: Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve with salsa and guacamole.
10 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes

Calories: 1159

Ingredients:

  • Pork chops 2 (200g each)
  • Salt To taste
  • Black pepper To taste
  • Garlic powder 1 tsp
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp
  • Potatoes 2 large
  • Butter 2 tbsp
  • Milk 1/4 cup
  • Parsley (optional) 1 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and cover with aluminum foil to rest.
  4. Step 4: In a large pot, boil water and add peeled and chopped potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pork chops alongside the mashed potatoes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
25 minutes
Easy

Friday

Breakfast

Smoothie Bowl with Mixed Fruits

Calories: 722

Ingredients:

  • Mixed fruits 200g
  • Low-fat milk 200ml
  • Granola 50g
  • Chia seeds 20g
  • Sliced almonds 30g
  • Honey 10g

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Blend 200g of mixed fruits (e.g., banana, berries, mango) with 200ml of low-fat milk until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Top with 50g of granola, 20g of chia seeds, and 30g of sliced almonds.
  4. Step 4: Add a drizzle of honey if desired.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Calories: 866

Ingredients:

  • Whole grain bread 2 slices
  • Ham 150g
  • Cheese 2 slices
  • Mustard 1 tablespoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Spread 1 tablespoon of mustard on two slices of whole grain bread.
  2. Step 2: Layer 150g of sliced ham and 2 slices of cheese on one slice of bread.
  3. Step 3: Top with the other slice of bread.
  4. Step 4: Grill the sandwich in a preheated pan for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.
10 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Shrimp Tacos

Calories: 1204

Ingredients:

  • Shrimp 200g
  • Olive oil 1 tablespoon
  • Small tortillas 4
  • Shredded cabbage 50g
  • Diced tomatoes 30g
  • Avocado slices 20g
  • Lime juice 1 lime
  • Cilantro 5g

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Cook 200g of shrimp in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until pink.
  2. Step 2: Warm 4 small tortillas in the microwave or on a stove.
  3. Step 3: Fill each tortilla with cooked shrimp, 50g of shredded cabbage, 30g of diced tomatoes, and 20g of avocado slices.
  4. Step 4: Top with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro.
10 minutes
Easy

Saturday

Breakfast

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Calories: 780

Ingredients:

  • Whole-grain bread 2 slices
  • Peanut butter 2 tablespoons
  • Banana 1 medium
  • Honey 1 teaspoon (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Toast two slices of whole-grain bread.
  2. Step 2: Spread two tablespoons of peanut butter evenly across both slices.
  3. Step 3: Slice one medium banana and distribute the slices over the peanut butter.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle a small amount of honey (optional) over the bananas for extra sweetness.
10 minutes
Easy

Lunch

Grilled Chicken Wrap

Calories: 1020

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast 1 (about 150g)
  • Whole-wheat tortilla 1
  • Mixed greens 1/2 cup
  • Shredded carrots 1/4 cup
  • Ranch dressing 1 tablespoon
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Season one chicken breast with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill the chicken breast over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it is cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Warm a whole-wheat tortilla in a pan for about 1 minute on each side.
  4. Step 4: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and place them in the center of the tortilla.
  5. Step 5: Top with 1/2 cup of mixed greens, 1/4 cup of shredded carrots, and 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing.
  6. Step 6: Roll up the tortilla tightly to form the wrap.
15 minutes
Easy

Dinner

Beef Tacos

Calories: 1190

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef 200g
  • Taco seasoning 1 packet
  • Water 1/2 cup
  • Corn tortillas 4
  • Shredded lettuce 1 cup
  • Diced tomatoes 4 tablespoons
  • Shredded cheese 4 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Step 1: Brown 200g of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
  2. Step 2: After the beef is browned, drain the excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Add one packet of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the beef. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Warm four small corn tortillas in a pan over medium heat for about 1 minute on each side.
  5. Step 5: Evenly divide the beef mixture among the tortillas.
  6. Step 6: Top each taco with 1/4 cup of shredded lettuce, 1 tablespoon of diced tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese.
25 minutes
Easy

Enhance Your Health with AI Meal Planning at Rex.Fit

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