High-protein, low-fat diets represent a hybrid between two current schools of thought in weight loss and maintenance: low-carb diets and low-fat diets. Low-carb, high protein diets minimize hunger during weight loss, while low-fat diets may protect heart health. Both types of diet are effective for weight loss and maintenance, and some people choose to combine the two to maximize their results.
Meal Plans
If you have chosen to follow a low-fat, high protein diet, the following meal plans are designed to help. Choose three meals and two snacks each day.
Breakfast
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Food(s) | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Special instructions | |
Breakfast 1 |
Southwestern veggie scramble made with:
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225 | 24 g | 5 g |
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Breakfast 2 |
Chia smoothie made with:
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250 | 26 g | 7 g |
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Breakfast 3 |
Canadian bacon and egg open faced sandwich made with:
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345 | 43 | 8.5 |
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Breakfast 4 |
Fat-free yogurt parfait made with:
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322 | 12 g | 9 g | |
Breakfast 5 |
Spinach and bacon frittata made with:
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330 | 33 g | 5 g |
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Lunch
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Food(s) | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Special instructions | |
Lunch 1 |
Open-faced tuna salad sandwich made with:
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252 | 37 g | 1 g |
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Lunch 2 |
Kale chicken roll-up made with:
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300 | 31 g | 10 g |
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Lunch 3 |
Turkey pinwheels made with:
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315 | 35 g | 3 g |
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Lunch 4 |
Beef and bean burrito made with:
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365 | 33 g | 7 g |
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Lunch 5 |
Chef's salad made with:
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310 | 29 g | 6 g |
Dinner
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Food(s) | Calories | Protein | Fat | Special instructions | |
Dinner 1 |
6 ounces grilled salmon Steamed artichoke 2 tablespoons fat-free ranch |
350 | 45 g | 7 | |
Dinner 2 |
Warm shrimp spinach salad made with:
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311 | 90 g | 3 g |
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Dinner 3 |
Protein style hamburger made with:
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340 | 34 g | 8 g |
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Dinner 4 |
1/2 roasted chicken breast, skin removed Mashed cauliflower made with:
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300 | 42 g | 2 g |
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Dinner 5 |
Halibut with pesto "mayonnaise"
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364 | 56 g | 8 g |
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Snacks
Have two or three healthy, low-fat snacks to round out your day. Suggestions include:
- Low-fat string cheese - 50 cal, 2 g fat, 6 g protein
- 6 ounces fat-free yogurt - 140 cal, 0 g fat, 7 g protein
- Hard boiled egg - 78 cal, 5 g fat, 6 g protein
- Celery spread with 2 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese - 40 cal, 0 g fat, 3 g protein
- Veggies and 2 tablespoons hummus - 100 calories, 4 g fat, 3 g protein
- Green smoothies
Making Healthy Choices
The above suggestions are a jumping off point for choosing low-fat, high-protein foods. Consider the following tips to make healthy choices.
- Choose whole, natural foods that are minimally processed including healthy fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid foods that are low in nutritional value such as candy, low-fat crackers and cookies, or starchy grains like white rice or white bread. When you do eat grains, opt for whole grain foods.
- Shop around the outside aisles of the supermarket, where you'll find the fresh, healthy foods your body needs.
- If you add dairy to your diet, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy.
- Nuts and seeds can be a healthy part of a low-fat, high protein diet; however, in order to minimize fat you should limit them to an ounce or less per day.
- Instead of cooking with oils, use non-fat cooking spray or water for cooking.
- Choose cooking methods that minimize fat such as steaming, broiling, or grilling.
- Choose lean proteins like fish and white meat poultry. Remove skin from poultry and trim all visible fat from meats.
- Pump up flavor with fat-free ingredients such as fresh herbs, Dijon mustard, Sriracha, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Visit local farmer's markets for the highest quality, in-season, healthful produce and meats.
- Consider joining a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program that will deliver fresh seasonal produce to you weekly. Locate nearby CSAs on Local Harvest.
- Learn the basics of multiple low-carb and low-fat diet plans by following blogs such as South Beach Diet, and the Beauty Detox System where you will glean healthy eating tips to support your lifestyle.
A Healthy Lifestyle
For many, a low-fat, high protein diet supports their overall health goals. Eating right is part of a healthy lifestyle that can help you manage your weight, prevent illness, increase your energy, and feel great. If you need help downloading the printable meal plans, check out these helpful tips.