Free 7-day cutting phase meal plan for Sainsburys. Targets ~1600 kcal/day with a full shopping list, macro breakdown, and AI meal swaps — no sign-up needed.
SupermarketSainsbury's
Calorie target~1600 kcal/day
Weekly budget£40–55
Prep difficultyStandard (20–30 min/day)
Best forAggressive calorie deficit while preserving lean muscle mass
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: £40–55/week for one person from Sainsbury's.
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)
Switch to own-brand products across the board
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 Sainsburys and typically costs £40–55 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.