Without a structured meal plan, many beginners find themselves falling into the trap of impulsive food choices, leading to wasted groceries, unhealthy takeout orders, and feelings of guilt and frustration. Transform your eating habits with our comprehensive 14-day healthy eating meal plan for beginners, featuring simple recipes, shopping lists, and daily guidance to start your wellness journey.
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14-Day Healthy Eating Meal Plan for Beginners
New ingredients, meal prep time, and breaking old habits might make starting a 14-day healthy eating meal plan seem intimidating. This may result in nutritional gaps, energy crashes, and the perpetual cycle of failing various diets. We can help you conquer these obstacles with easy techniques like batch cooking and wise grocery shopping.
Once you get the hang of it, this method changes the way you feel about food. We’re excited to support you in this journey as you achieve improved energy levels, better health outcomes, and a more confident approach to nutrition!
Week 1: Days 1-7 Healthy Eating Meal Plan for Beginners
To kickstart your 14-day healthy eating meal plan for beginners, we’re going explore an excellent balance of protein-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables. We’ve spent time developing these recipes to make healthy eating enjoyable while distributing nutrients throughout the day.
There are meals you can repeat every three days, letting you batch-cook the ingredients. From appealing flavor combinations to captivating textures, these recipes will make you look forward to the next meal.
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snack |
Monday | Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Berries and Almonds | Chicken Burrito Bowls with Brown Rice | Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus | Apple Slices with Almond Butter |
Tuesday | Veggie and Cheese Omelets | Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps | Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats | Hummus with Cucumber and Bell Pepper Sticks |
Wednesday | Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Honey | Chicken and Avocado Salad | Chicken Stir-fry with Broccoli and Carrots | Banana and Greek Yogurt |
Thursday | Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Berries and Almonds | Chicken Burrito Bowls with Brown Rice | Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus | Apple Slices with Almond Butter |
Friday | Veggie and Cheese Omelets | Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps | Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats | Hummus with Cucumber and Bell Pepper Sticks |
Saturday | Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Honey | Chicken and Avocado Salad | Chicken Stir-fry with Broccoli and Carrots | Banana and Greek Yogurt |
Sunday | Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Berries and Almonds | Chicken Burrito Bowls with Brown Rice | Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus | Apple Slices with Almond Butter |
Meal Overview
This meal plan offers an excellent balance of protein from sources like quinoa, chicken, salmon, and Greek yogurt and healthy fats from avocados, almonds, and salmon. You’ll also get complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, brown rice, and fruits while incorporating plenty of vegetables throughout the day.
Breakfast
The breakfast options combine complex carbohydrates (quinoa, granola) with protein sources (eggs, Greek yogurt) to provide energy throughout the morning. Aside from that, these meals incorporate antioxidant-rich fruits and healthy fats to support cognitive function and help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowls with Berries and Almonds: This simple yet satisfying breakfast combines sweet berries and crunchy almonds. A protein-packed bowl provides energy through quinoa’s complete protein profile and healthy fats from almonds.
- Veggie and Cheese Omelets: A fluffy omelet is a fun and delicious way to start your day with its colorful vegetables and melted cheese. Protein from eggs and fiber from vegetables will keep you satisfied until lunch.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Honey: Do you want to create the perfect balance of textures and sweetness in Greek yogurt? This creamy breakfast is rich in protein from the Greek yogurt while providing probiotics for gut health and complex carbohydrates from the granola for sustained energy.
Lunch
As a newbie, you may struggle with sustaining energy levels at first. These midday dishes balance energy coming from lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables. These meals are also rich in healthy fats from fruits, making them filling while supporting energy levels in your afternoon activities.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls with Brown Rice: Brown rice, seasoned chicken, and traditional burrito toppings create a filling and adaptable dinner. Together with vegetables and fiber-rich brown rice, the lean protein from chicken makes for a well-balanced, satisfying, and nourishing lunch.
- Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps: Crisp lettuce leaves, lean turkey, and fresh vegetables provide a light yet satisfying low-carb meal. These wraps provide ample protein from the turkey while keeping calories low and offering a refreshing crunch from the vegetables.
- Chicken and Avocado Salad: Tender chicken pieces mixed with creamy avocado create a rich, protein-packed salad that’s incredibly satisfying. Lean protein and healthy fats promote muscle recovery and sustained energy, especially after exercising.
Dinner
Before you end the day, you’ll still get enough proteins, nutrient-dense vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. These meals are designed to be satisfying while being lighter on calories, ideal when your metabolism starts to slow down at night.
- Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus: Do you want a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple to prepare? This recipe provides omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, complex carbs from sweet potato, and vital nutrients from asparagus.
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats: For a creative dish, have some hollowed zucchini halves filled with seasoned ground turkey and topped with cheese. This dish focuses on protein while sneaking in extra vegetables to control your carb intake.
- Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Carrots: Another way to satisfy your dinner cravings is to have quick-cooked chicken and crisp-tender vegetables in a light sauce. This balanced meal provides lean protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins while being easily customizable with different vegetables or sauces.
Snacks
These snacks aim to create balanced mini-meals that help maintain stable blood sugar levels between main meals. These portion-controlled snacks can help manage hunger in between full meals without causing you to consume too much carbs.
- Apple Slices with Almond Butter: These are sweet, crisp apple slices paired with creamy almond butter. The apple’s fiber and almond butter’s protein and healthy fats help maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals, especially for those with diabetes.
- Hummus with Cucumber and Bell Pepper Sticks: Looking for something creamy yet crunchy to munch on for snacks? This Mediterranean-inspired snack provides plant-based protein from chickpeas, healthy fats from olive oil, and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
- Banana and Greek Yogurt: One of the things we love about bananas is that their natural sweetness complements the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt. This satisfying snack provides potassium, protein, and probiotics.
Grocery List
Here is the ultimate shopping list for a week’s worth of healthy meals!
Proteins:
- Chicken breast: 4 lbs (64 oz)
- Ground turkey: 2 lbs (32 oz)
- Salmon fillets: 1.5 lbs (24 oz)
- Eggs: 4
Vegetables:
- Broccoli: 2 heads
- Bell peppers (various colors): 8 (6 for roasting, 2 for snacks)
- Carrots: 1 lb (for snacks)
- Spinach: 1 bag (10 oz)
- Zucchini: 6
- Avocados: 4
- Asparagus: 1 bunch
- Cucumbers: 2
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 pints
- Red onions: 4
Fruits:
- Apples: 7
- Bananas: 7
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries): 3 pints
Grains:
- Brown rice: 4 cups (uncooked)
- Quinoa: 3 cups (uncooked)
- Granola: 1 bag
Dairy:
- Greek yogurt: 2 quarts
- Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): 1 lb
Pantry Items:
- Olive oil: 1 bottle
- Honey: 1 bottle
- Mustard: 1 bottle
- Soy sauce: 1 bottle
- Salt: 1 pack
- Black pepper: 1 pack
- Garlic powder: 1 pack
- Paprika: 1 pack
- Italian seasoning: 1 pack
- Almond butter: 1 jar
- Hummus: 1 container
Nuts/Seeds:
- Almonds: 1 lb
Meal Prep Instructions
Starting on Sunday, you can do these meal prep stages and save time for the rest of the week.
1. Prepare Proteins
Chicken Breast
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season 4 pounds of chicken breast with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow to cool, then shred 2 pounds of the chicken and dice the remaining 2 pounds. Store in separate containers.
Ground Turkey
- In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Allow to cool and store in a container.
Salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season 1.5 pounds of salmon fillets with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Allow to cool and store in a container.
2. Prepare Grains
Brown Rice
- Cook 4 cups of brown rice according to package instructions. Cool and store in a container.
Quinoa
- Cook 3 cups of quinoa according to package instructions. Cool and store in a container.
3. Prepare Vegetables
Roasted Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Chop 2 heads of broccoli, 4 bell peppers, 4 zucchinis, and 4 red onions.
- Toss with 4 teaspoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and set aside.
Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and chop 4 sweet potatoes into cubes.
- Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and set aside.
Asparagus
- Trim and wash 1 bunch of asparagus.
- Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and set aside.
Zucchini
- Halve 4 zucchinis and remove seeds to create boats. Set aside.
Spinach
- Chop 1 cup of spinach. Set aside.
Tomatoes
- Dice 1 cup of tomatoes. Set aside.
Onions
- Dice 1 ½ cups of red onions. Set aside.
Bell Peppers
- Dice 1 cup of bell peppers. Set aside.
- Slice 1 cup of bell peppers. Set aside.
Carrots
- Shred 1 cup of carrots. Set aside.
- Slice 1 cup of carrots. Set aside.
Avocado
- Dice 1 avocado. Set aside
Sliced Vegetables for Snacks
- Slice 2 bell peppers and 1 pound carrots into sticks. Store in a container.
- Slice 2 cucumbers into sticks. Store in a container.
4. Prepare Snacks
Fruit and Nuts
- Portion out 7 servings of 1/4 cup almonds. Store in small bags.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
- Mix 2 cups Greek yogurt with 2 tablespoon honey (for 2 servings).
- Put 1/2 cup granola into a storage container or bag. Store in containers.
5. Assemble Meals
Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
- Portion 1 cup quinoa, a handful of berries, and 1/4 cup almonds into 3 containers for breakfast.
Veggie and Cheese Omelets
- Cook 2 omelets in a pan on the stove using 2 eggs for each omelet, 1 cup chopped spinach, and 1/2 cup cheese. Cool and store in containers.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Mix 1 pound shredded chicken with 2 cups brown rice, 1 cup corn (optional), 1 cup black beans (optional), 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup diced onions. Portion into 3 containers.
Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps
- Portion 1/2 pound ground turkey with 1 cup diced bell peppers and 1 cup shredded carrots into 2 containers. Include romaine lettuce leaves for wrapping.
Chicken and Avocado Salad
- Mix 1 pound diced chicken with 2 cups spinach, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced red onion, and 1 diced avocado. Portion into 2 containers.
Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus
- Portion 1 salmon fillet with 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes and 1 cup roasted asparagus into 3 containers.
Stuffed Zucchini
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill zucchini halves with 1 pound of cooked ground turkey, top with 1/2 cup cheese, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and store in containers.
Chicken Stir-Fry
- Mix 1 pound diced chicken with 2 cups broccoli, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced bell peppers, and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Portion into 2 containers.
Hummus and Veggie Snack
- Assemble the sliced bell peppers, cucumber sticks, and carrot sticks in containers with 1/4 cup hummus each.
Day-of Instructions
Here are some day-of instructions that only take up three minutes of your time per meal.
Breakfast
- Quinoa Breakfast Bowls: Eat cold or warm in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Veggie and Cheese Omelets: Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Add granola and eat as-is.
Lunch
- Chicken Burrito Bowls: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turkey and Veggie Lettuce Wraps: Eat cold.
- Chicken and Avocado Salad: Eat cold.
Dinner
- Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato and Asparagus: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Zucchini Boats: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Chicken Stir-Fry: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
Snacks
- Apple Slices with Almond Butter: Slice apple and dip in 2 tablespoons of almond butter.
- Hummus with Carrot and Bell Pepper Sticks: Eat as-is.
- Banana and Greek Yogurt: Eat as-is.
Week 2: Days 8-14 Healthy Eating Meal Plan for Beginners
As a follow-up from the previous week, we’ll continue your healthy meal prep journey using protein-rich ingredients, whole grains, and fresh produce. From overnight puddings to simple salads, these recipes remain straightforward for beginners.
As you repeat some meals every few days, you can save time in grocery shopping and preparing the ingredients. Take a look at this table to see how you can broaden your recipe list with tasty yet nutritious meals.
Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snack |
Monday | Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries | Chicken Caesar Salad | Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus | Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds |
Tuesday | Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta | Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers | Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles | Hummus with Carrot and Celery Sticks |
Wednesday | Avocado Toast with Poached Egg | Quinoa and Black Bean Salad | Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Broccoli | Apple Slices with Peanut Butter |
Thursday | Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries | Chicken Caesar Salad | Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus | Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds |
Friday | Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta | Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers | Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles | Hummus with Carrot and Celery Sticks |
Saturday | Avocado Toast with Poached Egg | Quinoa and Black Bean Salad | Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Broccoli | Apple Slices with Peanut Butter |
Sunday | Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries | Chicken Caesar Salad | Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus | Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds |
Meal Overview
Despite consumers’ desire to have healthy eating habits, about 50% of consumers get confused about conscious eating, especially with what to do to balance health and sustainable food choices. Even as a beginner, you can start controlling meal portions and set sustainable eating habits with these meals.
Breakfast
To provide energy throughout the morning, these meals combine protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. From berries to spinach, the ingredients will kickstart your metabolism.
- Overnight Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries: This is a creamy, pudding-like breakfast that combines chia seeds soaked in milk overnight with sweet, antioxidant-rich berries. Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein come from the chia seeds.
- Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta: These savory muffins are like miniature frittatas packed with protein-rich eggs, iron-rich spinach, and tangy feta cheese. They provide a complete protein source with vegetables.
- Avocado Toast with Poached Egg: This trendy recipe is worth the hype! The combination provides healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates that keep you full until lunch.
Lunch
With some energy you’ll get from the breakfast meals, it’s equally important that your lunch options prevent afternoon energy crashes. From protein to fiber-rich ingredients, these lunch dishes will provide a balanced midday meal.
- Chicken Caesar Salad: A substantial combination of protein and greens, chicken Caesar salad is a classic made with grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing. While the romaine offers fiber and vitamin K, the chicken’s protein aids with muscular growth.
- Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers: This colorful and healthy low-carb dish is made with bell peppers filled with seasoned ground turkey and spinach. The spinach contributes iron and vitamins, the turkey provides lean protein, and the peppers supply vitamins C and A.
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: Looking for a protein-packed vegetarian dish? The combination of quinoa, black beans, vegetables, and a zesty dressing provides a fiber-rich meal that’s also good for gut health.
Dinner
During your first few days, you may end up looking for satisfying meals that don’t feel too heavy before bedtime. The combination of lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats will make these meals lighter for better digestion.
- Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus: End your day with a light yet satisfying dinner featuring lean chicken breast. The combination offers high-quality protein and vegetables while being low in calories and high in vitamins.
- Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles: Here’s a healthier twist on traditional spaghetti and meatballs using spiralized zucchini noodles and lean turkey meatballs. This low-carb alternative can help you reduce calories while increasing vegetable intake.
- Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Broccoli: This is a well-balanced meal combining protein, fiber, and nutrients. The shrimp provides lean protein and omega-3s, while the brown rice offers sustained energy and the broccoli adds vitamins and minerals.
Snacks
These snacks are designed to prevent you from overeating. Mixing healthy fats and fiber will energize you throughout the day, even with quick bites.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds: A protein-rich snack that combines creamy Greek yogurt with a touch of natural sweetness from honey and crunch from almonds. The probiotics promote good gut health, while the protein guarantees muscle maintenance.
- Hummus with Carrot and Celery Sticks: When you want something less creamy, you can opt for this fiber-rich snack that pairs protein-packed chickpea hummus with crisp, fresh vegetables. This snack’s ingredients provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Get sweet and savory flavors with just a few ingredients. This classic snack offers the natural sweetness and fiber of apples with protein-rich, satisfying peanut butter.
Grocery List
Here’s the next batch of the shopping list for a week’s worth of healthy meals!
Proteins:
- Chicken breast: 4 lbs (64 oz)
- Ground turkey: 2 lbs (32 oz)
- Shrimp: 1 lb (16 oz)
- Eggs: 14
- Greek yogurt: 2 quarts
Vegetables:
- Spinach: 2 bags (10 oz each)
- Bell peppers (various colors): 10 (4 for meals, 2 for snacks)
- Carrots: 1 lb
- Celery: 1 bunch
- Asparagus: 1 bunch
- Zucchini: 4
- Broccoli: 2 heads
- Avocados: 4
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head
- Red onions: 4
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 pints
Fruits:
- Apples: 7
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries): 3 pints
- Lemons: 3
Grains and Legumes:
- Brown rice: 4 cups (uncooked)
- Quinoa: 3 cups (uncooked)
- Black beans: 1 can
- Whole grain bread: 1 loaf
Dairy:
- Feta cheese (crumbled): 1 container (8 oz)
Pantry Items:
- Olive oil: 1 bottle
- Honey: 1 bottle
- Peanut butter: 1 jar
- Hummus: 1 container
- Salt: 1 pack
- Black pepper: 1 pack
- Garlic powder: 1 pack
- Paprika: 1 pack
- Italian seasoning: 1 pack
- Dried basil: 1 pack
- Soy sauce: 1 bottle
- Chia seeds: 1 pack
- Almonds: 1 lb
Meal Prep Instructions (Sunday)
New week, another round of preps! Free the rest of your week by preparing these ingredients on a Sunday.
1. Prepare Proteins
Chicken Breast
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season 4 pounds of chicken breast with 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow to cool, then shred 2 pounds of the chicken and dice the remaining 2 pounds. Store in separate containers.
Ground Turkey
- In a large skillet, cook 2 pounds of ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Allow to cool and store in a container.
Shrimp
- In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper over medium heat until fully cooked (about 3 to 4 minutes per side). Allow to cool and store in a container.
Eggs
- Boil 4 eggs (for snacks) by placing them in a pot of cold water, bringing them to a boil, and then simmering for 10 minutes.
- Cool in ice water, peel, and store in a container.
2. Prepare Grains and Legumes
Brown Rice
- Cook 4 cups of brown rice according to package instructions. Cool and store in a container.
Quinoa
- Cook 3 cups of quinoa according to package instructions. Cool and store in a container.
Black Beans
- Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans. Store in a container.
3. Prepare Vegetables
Roasted Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Chop 2 heads of broccoli, 4 bell peppers, and 1 bunch of asparagus.
- Toss with 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons pepper, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and set aside.
Bell Peppers
- Halve 4 bell peppers and remove seeds. Set aside.
- Dice ½ cup of bell peppers. Set aside.
Spinach
- Chop 2 cups of spinach. Set aside.
Romaine Lettuce
- Chop 2 cups of romaine lettuce. Set aside.
Red Onion
- Slice ½ cup red onion. Set aside.
- Dice ¼ cup red onion. Set aside.
Sliced Vegetables for Snacks
- Slice 2 bell peppers and 1 bunch of celery into sticks. Store in a container.
- Slice 1 pound of carrots into sticks. Store in a container.
4. Prepare Snacks
Fruit and Nuts
- Portion out 7 servings of 1/4 cup almonds. Store in small bags.
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds
- Mix 3 cups Greek yogurt with 3 tablespoons honey and set aside 3/4 cup chopped almonds in bags (for 3 servings). Store in containers.
5. Assemble Meals
Overnight Chia Seed Pudding
- In jars, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup chia seeds, and 1/2 cup mixed berries. (for 3 servings) Store in the fridge.
Egg Muffins
- Prepare 10 egg muffins using 10 eggs, 2 cups chopped spinach, and 1 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), mix ingredients, pour into muffin tin, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and store in containers.
Chicken Caesar Salad
- Mix 1 pound diced chicken with 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Portion into 3 containers. Add Caesar dressing separately.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill bell peppers with 1 pound cooked ground turkey, top with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and store in containers.
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
- Mix 1 cup quinoa with 1/2 cup black beans, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup diced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup diced red onion. Portion into 2 containers.
Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus
- Portion 1 pound shredded chicken with 1 cup roasted asparagus and 1 cup roasted broccoli into 3 containers.
Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles
- Mix 1 pound ground turkey with 1 egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and form into meatballs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles). Portion into 2 containers.
Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Broccoli
- Portion 1/2 pound cooked shrimp with 1 cup brown rice and 1 cup roasted broccoli into 2 containers.
Hummus and Veggie Snack
- Assemble the sliced bell peppers, celery sticks, and carrot sticks in containers with 1/4 cup hummus each.
Day-of Instructions
Whip up quick and healthy meals with these three-minute day-of instructions.
Breakfast
- Overnight Chia Seed Pudding: Eat cold.
- Egg Muffins: Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Avocado Toast with Poached Egg: Toast bread, mash avocado on top, and add a poached egg.
Lunch
- Chicken Caesar Salad: Eat cold. Add Caesar dressing before eating.
- Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: Eat cold.
Dinner
- Baked Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Turkey Meatballs with Zoodles: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Broccoli: Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.
Snacks
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds: Add almonds and eat as-is.
- Hummus with Carrot and Celery Sticks: Eat as-is.
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: Slice apple and dip in 2 tablespoons peanut butter.
Conclusion
As you start your 14-day healthy eating meal plan for beginners, you’ll develop sustainable eating habits that naturally become part of your lifestyle, making healthy choices to achieve your health goals. Take it one step at a time, and eventually, you’ll have a structured approach that will remove the stress of daily meal preparations.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.