Elevate Your Cooking Game: The Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan for Healthy Weight Gain
Posted on August 6, 2024
This meal plan is crafted to help you reach your goal of gaining weight healthily over the course of 12 weeks.
Tailored to fit your sedentary lifestyle and designed for easy, quick cooking, this plan features a delightful variety of meals requiring only up to 30 minutes of your time in the kitchen.
Embrace Wholesome Eating: Your Ultimate 7-Day Meal Plan
Eating healthy shouldn't feel like a daunting task, especially for an 18-year-old budding chef eager to embark on a culinary journey. Welcome to the Wholesome Week Feast: A Nutritious 7-Day Meal Plan tailored for individuals like you—students juggling studies, social life, and the growing need for nutritious sustenance. This meal plan is about more than just food; it’s a pathway to nurturing your body and embracing a lifestyle that feeds your cravings while supporting your health goals. The essence of this meal plan lies in its simple yet powerful premise: gaining weight healthily shouldn't require hours spent in the kitchen or exotic ingredients that could intimidate any beginner cook. This plan is designed with your needs in mind, accounting for a sedentary lifestyle while ensuring your days are packed with flavors and nutrients to drive your energy levels up, encouraging vitality rather than sluggishness. Every meal can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes, allowing you to whip up delicious dishes even amidst a busy schedule. Why is healthy eating so important, especially for someone just stepping into adulthood? At this stage, your body is like a sponge, absorbing everything it needs to thrive and develop. Making informed choices about what you eat today will influence your energy levels, concentration, and overall health as you navigate through this pivotal phase of life. Entering the world of healthy cooking can also empower you to cultivate skills that will benefit you well beyond your teenage years.
A Week of Wholesome Delights: Your Meal Plan Breakdown
Now, let's delve into the delicious specifics of your week! Over the next seven days, you'll rotate through an array of dishes specifically designed to introduce you to fresh flavors without overwhelming you. This is not just about filling your stomach; it's about enjoying the textures and tastes of wholesome food. **Day 1: Start Fresh with Breakfast** Kick off your week with energizing Greek Yogurt with Honey and Banana—a delightful combination that serves as a perfect introduction to healthy eating. Packed with protein and natural sugars, this meal fuels your brain for those early lectures. For lunch, you'll relish a colorful Veggie Wrap filled with hummus, lettuce, and bell peppers. Dinner? Treat yourself to Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegetables—simple, satisfying, and a great way to learn basic cooking techniques. **Day 2: Fish to the Rescue!** On Day 2, awaken your taste buds with Baked Salmon accompanied by Sweet Potatoes. This dish isn’t just a treat for your palate; it offers essential omega-3 fatty acids that are known for their myriad health benefits. Lunch presents a refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and spinach; enjoyable to make and even better to eat! **Day 3: Spice It Up** Who said healthy food has to be bland? Wednesday brings Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw that’s tantalizingly flavorful yet straightforward. Paired with a side of guacamole, you’ll discover that healthy eating can be an explosion of tastes. Lunch could be a cozy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese; American comfort food made healthier! **Day 4: Midweek Boost** Revitalize your week on Day 4 with Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl topped with diced avocado—rich in fiber and proteins. A snack of apple slices with peanut butter will keep you sustained and energized for your evening study sessions. As you wrap the day, relish Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs; a classic meal that’s got a healthy twist.
The Joy of Eating Well—Routines and Flexibility
**Day 5: Indulge Your Senses** Come Friday, a hearty Taco Tuesday returns with Beef Tacos topped with fresh Salsa and Guacamole. What better way to wrap up your week? After all, Fridays are meant for celebrations—even if it’s a celebration of health! On the side, why not enjoy a mixed greens salad with a drizzle of vinaigrette? **Day 6: Rediscover Breakfast** Weekends bring a little adventure. Enjoy an Omelet packed with spinach and cheese for breakfast—an egg-cellent dish for a budding cook! As you reach for lunch, settle into a satisfying lentil burger that offers a delightful meat-free alternative. Don’t forget dinner! Whip up a comforting Vegetable Stir-Fry that makes use of fresh produce and pairs perfectly with brown rice. **Day 7: Sweet Sundays** Finally, on Day 7, allow yourself to indulge yet again but in a meaningful way. Cinnamon Oatmeal topped with berries can offer comfort and warmth—perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch. Lunch can feature leftover stir-fried veggies, and as for dinner? A homemade Veggie Pizza awaits you, where dough-making skills start to develop, paving the way for culinary exploration. Over the course of this week, you’ll not only be preparing meals; you’ll be discovering your culinary preferences, learning how to enhance flavors, and possibly even experimenting with your unique twists on these recipes.
Empower Yourself with Custom Meal Planning
Creating a custom meal planner isn’t just about nutrition; it’s a way of reclaiming ownership over what you eat. As you navigate this journey, you'll learn that each meal can be an opportunity to nourish and treat yourself. And it doesn’t stop here! Become the architect of your own meal experiences. With Wholesome Week Feast guiding your way, you have the perfect steppingstone. Studies show that individuals who take the time to plan their meals are more likely to achieve their dietary goals. By committing to healthy eating and empowering yourself with cooking skills, you’re fostering habits that lead not only to weight gain but profound wellness in your life. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your week of wholesome delights with confidence. Each bite you take is a step toward embracing and enjoying the relationship between body and food. Here’s to growth, exploration, and an exciting future in your culinary endeavors!
Each day introduces you to new flavors while keeping things simple, perfect for a beginner cook like you.
“AI meal plans: Taste the tech revolution.”
Whether it's starting your day with a Greek Yogurt with Honey and Banana or winding down with Beef Tacos with Salsa and Guacamole, every meal is balanced and nutrient-rich. Pleasant surprises like Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegetables, Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes, and Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw ensure you enjoy moderate variety without overwhelming you with complexity. With this plan, you'll explore 12 new meals each week, keeping your taste buds excited while guiding you towards your target weight seamlessly
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
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Banana
Calories: 774
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt 200g
- Banana 1 medium
- Honey 1 tablespoon
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Peel and slice the banana.
- Step 2: In a bowl, add the Greek yogurt.
- Step 3: Top with banana slices and drizzle honey over it.
- Step 4: Mix gently and serve.
Lunch
Turkey and Avocado Sandwich
Calories: 926
Ingredients:
- Whole grain bread 2 slices
- Turkey breast 100g
- Avocado 1 small
- Tomato 1 small
- Mustard 1 teaspoon
- Mayonnaise 1 teaspoon
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Toast the bread slices lightly.
- Step 2: Slice the avocado and tomato.
- Step 3: Spread mustard on one slice of bread and mayonnaise on the other.
- Step 4: Layer avocado, turkey slices, and tomato slices on one slice of bread.
- Step 5: Top with the other slice of bread, cut the sandwich in half, and serve.
Dinner
Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegetables
Calories: 1147.443119584001
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast 200g
- Broccoli 150g
- Carrots 100g
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
- Step 3: Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While the chicken is grilling, steam the broccoli and carrots for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken breast with the steamed vegetables on the side.
Tuesday
Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs with Spinach
Calories: 723
Ingredients:
- Eggs 4 large
- Fresh spinach 100g
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Crack 4 eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them together.
- Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Step 3: Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet and add 100g of fresh spinach.
- Step 4: Stir continuously until the eggs are fully cooked and the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lunch
Chicken Caesar Salad
Calories: 867
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast 200g
- Romaine lettuce 150g
- Croutons 50g
- Parmesan cheese 30g
- Caesar dressing 2 tablespoons
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Season 200g of chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Grill or pan-fry the chicken breast until fully cooked (approximately 5-7 minutes per side).
- Step 3: Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 150g of romaine lettuce, 50g of croutons, and 30g of Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Add the chopped chicken and 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Step 6: Serve immediately.
Dinner
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Calories: 1300
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti 250g
- Marinara sauce 400g
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves 2 cloves
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Step 2: Add 250g of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 400g of marinara sauce to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Step 6: Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat the spaghetti evenly.
- Step 7: Serve immediately and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Wednesday
Breakfast
Oatmeal with Mixed Berries
Calories: 780
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats 80g
- Water 400ml
- Mixed berries 140g
- Honey 10ml
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Combine 1 cup of rolled oats with 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
- Step 2: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 5: Top with 1 cup of mixed berries and a drizzle of honey.
Lunch
Tuna Salad Wrap
Calories: 1010
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna 150g
- Mayonnaise 60g
- Mustard 15g
- Celery 100g
- Pickles 60g
- Whole-grain wrap 1 large wrap
- Lettuce 20g
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Drain a can of tuna and place in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tbsp of mustard, 1 diced celery stalk, and 1/4 cup of diced pickles.
- Step 3: Mix well to combine.
- Step 4: Spread the tuna salad evenly over a large whole-grain wrap.
- Step 5: Top with lettuce leaves and roll up the wrap.
- Step 6: Slice the wrap in half and serve.
Dinner
Beef Stir Fry with Brown Rice
Calories: 1110
Ingredients:
- Brown rice 200g
- Vegetable oil 15ml
- Beef strips 200g
- Bell pepper 150g
- Onion 100g
- Broccoli florets 100g
- Soy sauce 30ml
- Oyster sauce 15ml
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Cook 1 cup of brown rice according to package instructions.
- Step 2: In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add 200g of sliced beef strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- Step 5: Add 1 sliced bell pepper, 1 sliced onion, and 1 cup of broccoli florets to the pan.
- Step 6: Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Step 7: Return beef to the pan.
- Step 8: Add 2 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tbsp of oyster sauce and toss to combine.
- Step 9: Serve the stir fry over the cooked brown rice.
Thursday
Breakfast
Peanut Butter Toast with Apple Slices
Calories: 723
Ingredients:
- Bread slices 2 slices
- Peanut butter 3 tablespoons
- Apple 1 medium
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Step 2: Spread the peanut butter evenly on each slice of toast.
- Step 3: Slice the apple into thin wedges.
- Step 4: Serve the peanut butter toast with apple slices on the side.
Lunch
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Calories: 867
Ingredients:
- Quinoa 1 cup
- Black beans 400g
- Bell pepper 1 medium, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber 1 cup, chopped
- Cilantro 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice 2 tablespoons
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Rinse and cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Step 2: Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, chopped vegetables, and cilantro.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Dinner
Baked Salmon with Sweet Potatoes
Calories: 1302
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets 2 fillets
- Sweet potatoes 2 medium
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lemon wedges 2 wedges
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thick slices.
- Step 3: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 4: Arrange the sweet potato slices around the salmon.
- Step 5: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sweet potatoes.
- Step 6: Top with garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Step 8: Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
Friday
Breakfast
Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, and Greek Yogurt
Calories: 750
Ingredients:
- Banana 150g
- Spinach 100g
- Greek Yogurt 500g
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Peel and slice the banana.
- Step 2: Place the banana, spinach, and Greek yogurt into a blender.
- Step 3: Add water or milk as needed for blending.
- Step 4: Blend until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Lunch
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Calories: 1000
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast 200g
- Mixed Vegetables 100g
- Olive Oil 2 tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 tbsp
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Chop the vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots).
- Step 3: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add the chicken to the pan and cook until no longer pink.
- Step 5: Add the vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender.
- Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, and soy sauce to taste.
- Step 7: Serve hot with rice or noodles if desired.
Dinner
Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables
Calories: 1142.44
Ingredients:
- Pork Chops 250g
- Mixed Vegetables 150g
- Olive Oil 2 tbsp
- Herbs to taste
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and herbs as desired.
- Step 3: Chop the vegetables (e.g., potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts) into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Place the pork chops and vegetables on a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Step 7: Serve hot.
Saturday
Breakfast
Whole Grain Cereal with Milk
Calories: 725
Ingredients:
- Whole Grain Cereal 100g
- Full-fat milk 200ml
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Measure 100g of whole grain cereal and pour it into a bowl.
- Step 2: Add 200ml of full-fat milk into the bowl.
- Step 3: Optionally, you can add a small handful of berries or sliced banana on top if preferred.
Lunch
Turkey and Cheese Wrap
Calories: 940
Ingredients:
- Whole Grain Tortilla 1 large
- Mayonnaise 1 tbsp
- Turkey Breast 100g
- Cheddar Cheese 50g
- Lettuce 2 leaves
- Tomato 2 slices
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Lay a whole grain tortilla flat on a plate.
- Step 2: Evenly spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise over the tortilla.
- Step 3: Layer 100g of sliced turkey breast, 50g of cheddar cheese, lettuce leaves, and tomato slices over the tortilla.
- Step 4: Roll the tortilla tightly into a wrap, then slice it in half before serving.
Dinner
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Calories: 1160
Ingredients:
- Shrimp 200g
- Olive oil 1 tbsp
- Chili powder 1 tsp
- Salt to taste
- Cabbage 100g
- Lime juice 1 tbsp
- Mayonnaise 1 tbsp
- Corn tortillas 2
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 200g of shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt to taste.
- Step 2: Cook the shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine 100g of shredded cabbage, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and salt to taste to make the slaw.
- Step 4: Warm up 2 corn tortillas on a skillet for 1 minute on each side.
- Step 5: Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked shrimp on the tortillas and topping with the cabbage slaw.
Sunday
Breakfast
Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
Calories: 723
Ingredients:
- Whole grain bread 2 slices
- Avocado 1 medium
- Egg 1 large
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Toast 2 slices of whole grain bread until golden brown.
- Step 2: While bread is toasting, cut 1 avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- Step 3: Mash the avocado with a fork, then spread the mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
- Step 4: Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer and add a splash of vinegar. Crack one egg into a bowl and gently slide it into the simmering water. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny.
- Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, remove the poached egg from the water and place it on top of the avocado toast.
- Step 6: Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if desired).
Lunch
Chicken and Avocado Salad
Calories: 868
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast 200g
- Avocado 1 medium
- Cherry tomatoes 1 cup
- Red onion 1/4 cup
- Cilantro 1/4 cup
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: Cook 200g of chicken breast over medium heat until fully cooked and juices run clear. Allow to cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 ripe avocado (cut into cubes), and 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved).
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup of red onion (thinly sliced) and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Dinner
Beef Tacos with Salsa and Guacamole
Calories: 1301
Ingredients:
- Ground beef 200g
- Corn tortillas 4 small
- Avocados 2 medium
- Lime juice 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Tomatoes 1 cup diced
- Onions 1/4 cup diced
- Cilantro 1 tablespoon chopped
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder 1 teaspoon
Cooking Steps:
- Step 1: In a skillet, cook 200g of ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain fat if necessary.
- Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt to taste. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Warm 4 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mash 2 ripe avocados and add the juice of 1 lime, salt, and pepper to taste to make guacamole.
- Step 5: Assemble the tacos by placing a spoonful of the cooked beef onto each tortilla. Top with a dollop of guacamole and some salsa (made from 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup diced onions, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper).
Enhance Your Health with AI Meal Planning at Rex.Fit
Embrace the convenience of AI meal planning to enrich your dietary experience and meet your wellness objectives. Rex.Fit is your partner in crafting a nutritious meal plan that aligns with your taste and supports your fitness journey:
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