Made with firm tofu, mixed peppers, turmeric. Ready in 12 min — 290 kcal, 22g protein.
Lunch440 kcal · 40g protein · 25 min
Chicken and Orzo Soup
Made with chicken breast, orzo pasta, carrot. Ready in 25 min — 440 kcal, 40g protein.
Dinner540 kcal · 44g protein · 45 min
Lean Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
Made with lean stewing beef, sweet potato, tinned tomatoes. Ready in 45 min — 540 kcal, 44g protein.
Weekly Shopping List
Estimated cost: £30–40/week for one person from Lidl.
Protein
Firm tofu 200g
Chicken breast 160g
Lean stewing beef 200g
Beef stock 300ml
Eggs 2 hard-boiled
Turkey mince lean 200g
King prawns 200g
Tuna steak 200g
Smoked mackerel fillet 80g
Salmon fillet 150g
Carbs & Grains
Orzo pasta 60g dry
Wholemeal bread 2 slices
Brown rice 90g dry
New potatoes 200g
Vegetables
Mixed peppers 100g
Carrot 1
Celery 2 stalks
Onion 1
Sweet potato 250g
Tinned tomatoes 400g
Lettuce 40g
Cucumber 50g
Frozen peas 80g
Romaine lettuce leaves 4
Spring onion 2
Mushrooms 200g
Asparagus 150g
Spinach 60g
Cherry tomatoes 8
Red onion half
Dairy & Eggs
Mint yogurt sauce 30g
Butter 5g
Extras & Condiments
Turmeric 0.5 tsp
Cumin 0.5 tsp
Olive oil 1 tsp
Parsley fresh
Garlic 3 cloves
Light mayo 20g
Watercress 30g
Mustard 1 tsp
Soy sauce 2 tbsp
Sesame oil 1 tsp
Hoisin sauce 20g
Low-fat crème fraîche 50g
Thyme 1 tsp
Roasted mixed veg 150g
Tahini 20g
Lemon juice
Green beans 100g
Reduced-fat feta 60g
Ginger 1 tsp
Garam masala 2 tsp
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 Lidl 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.