Made with wholemeal flour, eggs, semi-skimmed milk. Ready in 15 min — 420 kcal, 20g protein.
Lunch500 kcal · 40g protein · 25 min
Lean Beef and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Made with lean beef strips, sweet potato, mixed leaves. Ready in 25 min — 500 kcal, 40g protein.
Dinner490 kcal · 46g protein · 25 min
Baked Cod and Chickpea Stew
Made with cod fillet, tinned chickpeas, tinned tomatoes. Ready in 25 min — 490 kcal, 46g protein.
Weekly Shopping List
Estimated cost: £20–30/week for one person from Lidl.
Protein
Eggs 2
Lean beef strips 160g
Cod fillet 200g
Tinned chickpeas 200g
Quorn mince 200g
Green lentils 100g cooked
Chicken thighs 220g
Smoked salmon 80g
Firm tofu 200g
Carbs & Grains
Wholemeal flour 80g
Brown rice 80g dry
Vegetables
Sweet potato 200g
Red onion half
Onion 1
Romaine lettuce leaves 4
Spring onion 2
Spinach 100g
Baby spinach 100g
Courgette 1
Cherry tomatoes 10
Cucumber 60g
Edamame beans 80g
Mushrooms 200g
Frozen peas 100g
Dairy & Eggs
Semi-skimmed milk 150ml
Low-fat yogurt 100g
Halloumi 80g
Light cream cheese 40g
Extras & Condiments
Blueberries 50g
Mixed leaves 80g
Balsamic dressing 15g
Garlic 3 cloves
Paprika 1 tsp
Parsley fresh
Soy sauce 1 tbsp
Ginger 1 tsp
Cumin 1 tsp
Curry powder 2 tsp
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Pomegranate seeds 30g
Ras el hanout 2 tsp
Sesame oil 1 tsp
Vegetable stock 600ml
Parmesan 20g
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 low effort plan cost per week?
This plan is designed for Lidl and typically costs £20–30 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?
Protein is balanced across the week. Most days provide 100–130g, which meets general UK dietary guidelines for active adults.
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.