Made with wholemeal bagel, light cream cheese, smoked salmon. Ready in 5 min — 390 kcal, 28g protein.
Lunch400 kcal · 24g protein · 20 min
Baked Tofu and Tahini Buddha Bowl
Made with firm tofu, brown rice, roasted mixed veg. Ready in 20 min — 400 kcal, 24g protein.
Dinner470 kcal · 18g protein · 35 min
Mushroom and Pea Brown Rice Risotto
Made with brown rice, mushrooms, frozen peas. Ready in 35 min — 470 kcal, 18g protein.
Snack150 kcal · 20g protein · 1 min
Skyr High-Protein Yogurt
Made with skyr. Ready in 1 min — 150 kcal, 20g protein.
Snack220 kcal · 20g protein · 3 min
Sardines on Rye Crackers
Made with tinned sardines in spring water, rye crackers. Ready in 3 min — 220 kcal, 20g protein.
Weekly Shopping List
Estimated cost: £30–40/week for one person from Aldi.
Protein
Smoked salmon 80g
Firm tofu 180g
Tinned sardines in spring water 90g
Salmon fillet 150g
Beef tomato 1
Chicken breast 180g
Turkey breast slices 100g
Cod fillet 200g
Pork tenderloin 180g
Carbs & Grains
Brown rice 80g dry
New potatoes 200g
Vegetables
Cucumber 4 slices
Mushrooms 200g
Frozen peas 100g
Onion 1
Red onion half
Broccoli 200g
Spring onion 2
Carrot 2
Celery 2 stalks
Avocado half
Baby spinach 30g
Parsnip 100g
Sweet potato 100g
Dairy & Eggs
Light cream cheese 40g
Skyr 150g
Peanut butter 1 tbsp
Cottage cheese 150g
Coconut milk light 200ml
Butternut squash 400g
Extras & Condiments
Wholemeal bagel 1
Lemon juice 1 tsp
Roasted mixed veg 150g
Tahini 20g
Sesame seeds 1 tsp
Vegetable stock 600ml
Parmesan 20g
Garlic 2 cloves
Rye crackers 4
Green beans 100g
Olive oil 1 tsp
Mixed frozen veg 200g
Curry paste 30g
Apple 1
Walnuts 20g
Basil leaves
Balsamic glaze 1 tsp
Teriyaki sauce 40g
Dark chocolate 70% 30g
Almonds 20g
Quinoa 80g dry
Dill 1 tsp
Lean lamb shoulder 200g
Cinnamon 1 tsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Mango chunks 80g
Maple syrup 1 tsp
Mustard 1 tsp
Parsley
Dried cranberries 20g
Pumpkin seeds 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 muscle gain 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?
Most recipes in this plan scale well and reheat easily. Soups, stews, and grain dishes are ideal for making in larger batches to save time midweek.
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.