Co-op Low-Calorie Swaps Weight Loss Plan — 1,500 kcal
Anyone aiming for a sustainable calorie deficit. This 7-day plan targets 1,500 kcal/day and averages 95g of protein, built around Co-op's Honest Value (launched November 2024) for an estimated £35–55/week. Portions are set around the daily calorie target. Where a dish has a starchy side, swapping some of it for non-starchy vegetables is one way to lighten that meal while keeping its protein source.
Plan summary
Individual days vary around these figures.
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We'll send: Co-op Low-Calorie Swaps Weight Loss Plan — 1,500 kcal
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Adjust Household PortionsCurrently 1 person · 1 cook portions
Your 7-Day Meal Plan
Monday
Banana and Oat Smoothie
Made with banana, rolled oats, oat milk.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 40g rolled oats
- 225ml oat milk
- 1 tsp peanut butter
Allergens in this meal: Cereals containing gluten, Peanuts. Worked out from generic ingredient names — always read the product label.
Method
- Put banana, rolled oats, oat milk and peanut butter in a blender, or in a jug if you are using a stick blender.
- Blend until completely smooth, adding a small splash of water or milk only if needed.
- Pour into a glass or shaker and serve cold.
Cottage Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Made with cottage cheese, courgette, red pepper.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 175g cottage cheese
- 1 courgette, roasted
- 1 red pepper, roasted
- 7 cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 wholemeal pitta
Allergens in this meal: Cereals containing gluten, Milk. Worked out from generic ingredient names — always read the product label.
Method
- Warm the roasted courgette and roasted red pepper through, or use them cold. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Put the vegetables in a bowl, top with the cottage cheese and sprinkle over the mixed herbs.
- Toast the wholemeal pitta, cut it into strips and serve alongside.
Turkey Mince Bolognese with Wholemeal Pasta
Made with turkey mince lean, wholemeal pasta, tinned tomatoes.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 175g lean turkey mince
- 80g wholemeal pasta (dry weight)
- 1 standard tin of tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
Allergens in this meal: Cereals containing gluten. Check the label for: Eggs. Worked out from generic ingredient names — always read the product label.
Method
- Cook the pasta according to its packet instructions, then drain if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the lean turkey mince in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring, until browned and hot through. Add tomatoes, onion and garlic and cook until tender.
- Fold the cooked pasta through the pan, stir in mixed herbs, and heat through before serving.
Weekly Shopping List
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Estimated cost: £35–55/week for 1 person from Co-op. Calories and macros remain per person, while shopping quantities are scaled for the household.
Protein
Carbs & Grains
Vegetables
Plant-Based Milks & Alternatives
Dairy & Eggs
Fruit
Herbs & Spices
Condiments & Oils
Tins & Jars
Extras
Container setup for this plan
This plan has about 21 prep-friendly meals. Start with 11 main containers, 5 small sauce or snack tubs, and 2 freezer tubs.
Use 3 five-container glass packs to provide at least 11 main meal spaces, then add the separate small tubs shown above.
Best for regular weekday lunches, reheating at work, curry, chilli, pasta, and repeat washing.
- Material
- Glass
- Price and availability
- Check Amazon UK before buying
This plan includes saucy or reheated meals, so choose containers with secure, leak-resistant lids. If using plastic, check that it is suitable for reheating and follow the product instructions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability can change on Amazon UK.
Plan Details and Assumptions
Co-Op Shopping Evidence Notes
These basket notes explain why this plan is shaped around certain ingredients and swaps before you open the shopping list.
- Best for local convenience shops, top-up baskets, simple staples and smaller household meal prep.
- Use flexible recipes because range and pack sizes can vary by store format and local availability.
- Keep the plan built around easy-to-find basics such as eggs, oats, tins, pasta, potatoes, wraps, yogurt and frozen veg where available.
The Assumptions Behind This Plan
Every plan is built on four decisions. If one of them does not match your week, that is the part to change - the swaps below cover the common cases.
| Decision | This plan uses | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie target | Built around roughly 1,500 kcal per day | Lower-calorie days need protein, fibre and vegetables so the plan still feels like meals. |
| Supermarket | Co-op | Co-op pages suit local top-up shops, smaller baskets and flexible convenience staples. |
| Budget | £35–55/week estimate | Budget plans keep variety while still prioritising own-brand and batch-friendly ingredients. |
| Prep style | Minimal (under 10 min/day) | Minimal-prep plans use more assembly meals, ready-to-eat staples and short cooking steps. |
Shopping This Plan At Co-op
Convenience-led with smaller stores. Priced above the big four, but member pricing and the Honest Value range keep everyday staples reasonable.
What Co-op is good for here
- Honest Value covers fresh meat, produce and dairy rather than just cupboard goods.
- Local store footprint makes topping up mid-week realistic when a plan slips.
- Member pricing applies to many staples used across prep plans.
Worth knowing before you shop
- Smaller stores carry less stock, so bulk buying for batch cooking is harder.
- Non-member prices are noticeably higher on the same items.
Retailer details checked 2026-07-20. Ranges and loyalty schemes change — the weekly cost estimate above is based on the plan's budget tier, not on live prices at this store.
Swaps & Suggestions
💰 Make it cheaper
- Compare Co-op's own-brand versions of the ingredients on this shopping list
- Compare the price per 100g or 100ml when choosing pack sizes for this week’s quantities
- Plan another use for any unused pack contents before buying extra ingredients
- Compare dried pulses with the tinned pulses on this list if you have time to soak and cook them
- Compare fresh and frozen salmon prices for the salmon meals in this plan
- Compare fresh and frozen chicken breast prices for the chicken meals in this plan
💪 Increase protein
- Use 0% fat Greek yogurt or quark in place of standard yogurt for more protein at a similar calorie cost
- Add a hard-boiled egg or egg white as an afternoon snack instead of a higher-calorie option
- Swap a carb side for extra lean protein when a meal feels short on fullness
🥦 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 weight loss plan cost per week?
This plan is designed for Co-op and is estimated at £35–55 per week for one person at typical UK prices, depending on what you already have at home. Co-op Membership (member pricing) can reduce this further.
How much protein does this plan provide per day?
This plan averages 95g of protein per day across the week, based on the meals actually selected — in line with general UK guidance of roughly 0.8–1.6g per kg of bodyweight for active adults.
How is this different from a generic weight loss plan?
Plenty of weight loss plans share the same 1,500 kcal target — the difference here is that portions are set around the daily calorie target, with an optional lighter swap for dishes that have a starchy side.
Can I print this weight loss meal plan or save it as a PDF?
Yes. Use the export / print PDF button on the plan page. The printable version summarises all 7 days at 1,500 kcal/day, the Co-op shopping list, and your chosen household portion sizes.
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. Recipes are rated Minimal (under 10 min/day) and use ingredients available at Co-op — no specialist equipment or advanced technique is needed.
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