Diet charts or meal programs for weight loss are tailored according to the needs of a person. Taking a step for your weight loss begins by Replacing processed food with whole-grain wheat. Gradually avoid foods that induce weight loss such as sweets, potatoes, carbohydrates, and rice. Thus it is important to make a healthy meal plan, stick to it, and avoid any extra calories for effective weight loss.
Why is a healthy meal plan important for weight loss?
A healthy meal plan for weight loss or a diet plan is a plan of consuming nutrients every day by maintaining the calorie goal that has been set for weight loss. These meal programs for weight loss are also helpful in fighting against some of the health issues and minimizing the risk of heart disease. A healthy eating plan is made of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs nuts, meat, fish, beans etc. It limits the consumption of added sugar and unhealthy fats and replaces it with nutritious and balanced food.
A healthy meal plan for weight loss depends on :
- The amount of activity the person does
- Amount of weight they intend to lose
- Any dietary modification because of the medical condition
- Cooking ability and accessibility of the ingredients
- Available time for preparing and cooking
Planning the Healthy Meals
The portion size and the serving size are the two measurements that if taken under consideration can help you reduce weight.
- The amount of food that people usually consume is generally shown on the label of the package. The label shows the calories, carbohydrates, and other nutritional information which is known as the serving size.
- Portion size is the amount of food you choose to consume.
Also Read: 5 Gut-Friendly Curry Recipes You Need To Try!
Weight Loss Meal Plan for Vegans
Vegans depend on a completely plant-based diet, which means that they do not consume anything nonvegetarian. They have lower body index mass than people who follow a pescatarian or omnivorous diet. They do not usually consume food that has high saturated fat, calories, or cholesterol. However, they are completely devoid of vitamin B12 as they do not consume non veg, which needs to be replenished through other sources or supplements.
Meal plan to get you started:
Breakfast |
Lunch |
dinner |
Snack |
Oatmeal: One-quarter cup of oats that is rolled and cooked, one-half cup of sliced banana, one-quarter cup of peanut butter, and almond or soy milk |
A bowl of grains with one cup of quinoa and one cup of mixed vegetables such as Brussels Sprouse, broccoli, and chickpeas |
Sweet potato tacos with onion, tomato, avocados |
Hummus with celery sticks and carrot |
Weight Loss Meal Plan for Vegetarians
Vegetarians eat everything except meat and fish. They eat eggs and dairy products. A vegetarian diet is the best way to lose weight but they must be very conscious about what they eat and about fulfilling their nutritional requirements.
Example of a vegetarian meal plan for a day:
breakfast |
lunch |
dinner |
snacks |
2 hard-boiled egg with some hot sauce and a pinch of salt |
Kale salad: walnuts, chickpeas, raisins, and roasted sweet potatoes. |
Black bean burger with roasted brussel sprouts and avocado |
Yogurt with granola |
Weight loss meal plan for people with diabetes
People with diabetes are advised to follow a diet meal plan for weight loss to maintain their blood sugar level which can otherwise lead to complications. Losing weight doesn't just depend on the diet but also on exercise and eating by controlling portion size and medication. Consuming food with a low glycemic index can help in controlling sugar spikes while losing weight.
A healthy meal plan for weight loss for a diabetic person will include non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, spinach, broccoli; added sugar, and refined grains. An example of a one-day meal plan for weight loss tailored for a diabetic person.
Sample meal plan for diabetics:
breakfast |
lunch |
dinner |
snacks |
2 egg omelet with vegetables such as avocado, bell pepper, spinach, and mushroom. 1 cup of blueberries |
Sandwich: 2 regular slices of high fiber whole grain bread, 1 smashed avocado, 2 canned tuna in water mixed with a tinge of lemon juice |
1 cup of cooked lentil penne pasta, 1.5 cups of tomato sauce made with mushroom, greens, zucchini, eggplant, and cooked garlic. 2 slices of ground lean turkey. |
2 tbsp of plain hummus with 15-20 baby carrots |
Weight Loss Meal Plan for People with Heart Problems
Unhealthy eating habits can cause obesity and diabetes which can lead to additional heart problems or cardiovascular issues. A diet meal plan for weight loss for people with hearty issues includes foods such as oily fish, whole grains, and vegetables rather than red and processed meat, alcohol, salty, and sugary food.
Example of meal program for weight loss for heart patients:
Breakfast |
Lunch |
dinner |
snacks |
Mixed food parfait: includes strawberry, kiwi, blueberry, cantaloupe and a whole grain toast |
I cup whole-grain pasta with tomato, onion, and kale cooked with a tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice |
2 slices of Salmon with green beans |
I cup of mixed dry fruit or nuts such as cashew, walnut, and almond |
Conclusion
Diet alone cannot make a difference to your weight. Your weight loss routine must include regular physical activities, a healthy lifestyle, and healthy meal plans to bring some effect on weight loss. Take the help of a certified nutrition specialist or a registered dietitian to get your meal plans tailored according to individual needs. Though the healthy meal plans for weight loss for males and females are more or less the same, there are slight differences, women need to have a balanced diet whereas males need to have more protein in their diet. Always check the serving size and the portion size of the meal that you are consuming.
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