Aldi Cutting Phase Meal Plan — 1,600 kcal

Free 7-day cutting phase meal plan for Aldi. Targets ~1600 kcal/day with a full shopping list, macro breakdown, and AI meal swaps — no sign-up needed.

SupermarketAldi
Calorie target~1600 kcal/day
Weekly budget£30–40
Prep difficultyBatch cook (prep on Sunday)
Best forAggressive calorie deficit while preserving lean muscle mass
DietAll diets

Estimated daily macros

Protein
160g
Carbs
150g
Fats
55g
Fibre
30g

Your 7-Day Meal Plan

Monday

1300 kcal86g protein
Breakfast390 kcal · 28g protein · 5 min

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Wholemeal Bagel

Made with wholemeal bagel, light cream cheese, smoked salmon. Ready in 5 min — 390 kcal, 28g protein.

Lunch410 kcal · 18g protein · 25 min

Green Lentil and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl

Made with green lentils, sweet potato, baby spinach. Ready in 25 min — 410 kcal, 18g protein.

Dinner500 kcal · 40g protein · 35 min

Lentil and Turkey Sausage Casserole

Made with turkey sausages, red lentils, tinned tomatoes. Ready in 35 min — 500 kcal, 40g protein.

Weekly Shopping List

Estimated cost: £30–40/week for one person from Aldi.

Protein

  • Smoked salmon 80g
  • Green lentils 100g dry
  • Turkey sausages 4
  • Red lentils 100g
  • King prawns 200g
  • Chicken breast 200g
  • Egg 1
  • Lean lamb mince 200g
  • Eggs 2 hard-boiled

Carbs & Grains

  • Baking potato 200g
  • Brown rice 80g dry
  • Orzo pasta 60g dry

Vegetables

  • Cucumber 4 slices
  • Sweet potato 200g
  • Baby spinach 60g
  • Tinned tomatoes 400g
  • Onion 1
  • Celery 2 stalks
  • Sweetcorn 60g
  • Cherry tomatoes 200g
  • Courgette 1
  • Broccoli 200g
  • Frozen peas 80g
  • Spring onion 2
  • Carrot 1
  • Peas 80g

Dairy & Eggs

  • Light cream cheese 40g
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt 30g
  • Coconut milk light 200ml

Extras & Condiments

  • Wholemeal bagel 1
  • Lemon juice 1 tsp
  • Tahini 20g
  • Cumin 1 tsp
  • Paprika 1 tsp
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Olive oil 1 tbsp
  • Basil fresh
  • Chilli flakes pinch
  • Vegetable stock 500ml
  • Reduced-fat crème fraîche 80g
  • Mixed leaves 60g
  • Quinoa 60g
  • Mango chunks 80g
  • Cinnamon 0.5 tsp
  • Maple syrup 1 tsp
  • Parsley fresh
  • Cauliflower 300g
  • Ginger 1 tsp
  • Garam masala 2 tsp
  • Watercress 30g
  • Mustard 1 tsp
  • Curry paste 30g

Swaps & Suggestions

💰 Make it cheaper

  • Replace fresh salmon with tinned mackerel or sardines in brine (saves ~£2–3/week)
  • Buy store-brand rolled oats, rice, and pasta — nutritionally identical to branded
  • Use frozen chicken breast instead of fresh (saves ~£1.50/week, same protein)
  • Swap fresh berries for frozen mixed berries (same nutrients, fraction of the cost)
  • Buy pulses (lentils, chickpeas, black beans) dried and cook in bulk

💪 Increase protein

  • Add a scoop of unflavoured whey or plant protein to porridge or smoothies
  • Replace rice or pasta with extra protein (an additional chicken breast or 2 boiled eggs)
  • Use Skyr or Quark instead of standard yogurt (roughly 2× the protein)
  • Add a hard-boiled egg as an afternoon snack on rest days
  • Swap rice cakes or crackers for a protein bar (aim for 20g+ protein, under 200 kcal)

🥦 Make it vegetarian

  • Replace chicken with Quorn fillets or diced firm tofu
  • Swap beef mince for tinned green lentils or plant-based mince
  • Use halloumi or feta instead of meat in lunch salads
  • Substitute eggs or cottage cheese for fish-based meals

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this cutting phase plan cost per week?

This plan is designed for Aldi and typically costs £30–40 per week for one person, depending on what you already have at home. Buying in bulk, choosing own-brand items, and batch cooking can reduce the cost further.

How much protein does this plan provide per day?

This is a high-protein plan. Most days target 140–180g of protein, which supports muscle retention during a calorie deficit and helps manage hunger.

Can I swap meals I don't like?

Yes. Use the AI edit button on any meal to swap it out. Common requests include swapping chicken for turkey, replacing salmon with tinned tuna, or making a day vegetarian. The shopping list updates automatically.

Is this plan suitable for meal prep?

Yes — this plan is specifically designed for batch cooking. Prep everything on Sunday in 60–90 minutes and portion into containers for the week ahead.

Is this plan suitable for beginners?

Yes. The meals use widely available ingredients and straightforward cooking methods. No specialist equipment or culinary experience is needed.