30-Day No-Sugar-Added, High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan, Created by a Dietitian

Enjoy a month of delicious high-protein anti-inflammatory meals, all without any added sugar

Overhead photo of One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan in a pot with two bowls
Credit:

Antonis Achilleos

Reducing inflammation is a high priority on many people’s health to-do lists lately. And for good reason—research links chronic inflammation to a growing number of health issues. In this 30-day meal plan, we map out a month of high-protein anti-inflammatory recipes. Each day provides at least 79 grams of protein, spread throughout the day, to promote stable energy levels and stave off that afternoon energy dip. You’ll also find at least 28 grams of satiating fiber per day—fiber is an important nutrient that has a slew of health benefits, including reducing inflammation. And of, course, no added sugar in this plan.

Why This Meal Plan Is Great for You

Unlike acute inflammation, which is a temporary response to an injury, chronic inflammation is a low-level inflammatory response that can be a catalyst for several health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancers and even dementia. There are a lot of trendy "superfoods" that claim to be a cure-all, but the best strategy for reducing chronic inflammation for most people starts with a nutritious diet. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the anti-inflammatory diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods that may reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds and plenty of colorful produce.

Because many people follow meal plans with the goal of weight loss, we set this plan at 1,500 calories per day, which is a level where many people will lose weight. As with all meal plans, this is meant to serve as a framework for a healthy eating routine. Feel free to swap out meals or snacks if there's something else you prefer and modify as needed.

This 1,500-calorie meal plan has modifications for 2,000 calories to support those with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

Week 1

Day 1

a recipe photo of the Arugula & Cucumber Salad with Tuna
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (291 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter

Lunch (333 calories)

P.M. Snack (162 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 medium peach, sliced

Dinner (394 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,498 calories, 61g fat, 87g protein, 166g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,528mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 2

overhead view of Cumin Chicken Chickpea Stew in skillet and in a bowl

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Breakfast (357 calories)

A.M. Snack (235 calories)

Lunch (329 calories)

P.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Dinner (509 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,525 calories, 60g fat, 98g protein, 162g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,975mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add 1½ Tbsp. natural peanut butter to P.M. snack.

Day 3

Super Green Pasta
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (222 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds
  • ¼ cup raspberries

Lunch (329 calories)

P.M. Snack (219 calories)

Dinner (437 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,525 calories, 64g fat, 94g protein, 155g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,559mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 1 serving Traditional Greek Salad to dinner.

Day 4

Greek Muffin-Tin-Omelets With Feta and Peppers on white plate

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (291 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter

Lunch (329 calories)

P.M. Snack (165 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (375 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,491 calories, 72g fat, 90g protein, 136g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,925mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup chopped walnuts to P.M. snack.

Day 5

Anti-Inflammatory Lemony Salmon & Orzo Casserole with a utensil and small dish of dressing

Stacy Allen

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (291 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter

Lunch (329 calories)

P.M. Snack (165 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (391 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve two servings Anti-Inflammatory Lemony Salmon & Orzo Casserole to have for lunch on Days 6 and 7.

Daily Totals: 1,493 calories, 53g fat, 98g protein, 172g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,584mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 1 serving Guacamole Chopped Salad to dinner. 

Day 6

a recipe photo of the Sheet-Pan Baked Feta, Bell Peppers, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes & Chickpeas

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (271 calories)

  • 1½ cups edamame, in pods

Lunch (391 calories)

P.M. Snack (32 calories)

  • ½ cup raspberries

Dinner (476 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,501 calories, 71g fat, 80g protein, 144g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 2,207mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack.

Day 7

a recipe photo of the Roasted Lemon Chicken & Vegetables

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (357 calories)

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (391 calories)

P.M. Snack (165 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (527 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,502 calories, 67g fat, 88g protein, 147g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 2,046mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to A.M. snack.

Week 2

Day 8

a recipe photo of the Low-Carb, High-Protein Ground Turkey Zucchini Boats
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Breakfast (310 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries (or fruit of choice)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Lunch (361 calories)

P.M. Snack (219 calories)

Dinner (498 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,483 calories, 66g fat, 88g protein, 149g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,862mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to A.M. snack and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds with 1 medium banana as an evening snack.

Day 9

spinach and strawberry meal-prep salad
Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RDN

Breakfast (330 calories)

A.M. Snack (211 calories)

  • 1 cup edamame, in pods
  • 1 plum

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (162 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 medium peach

Dinner (432 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,509 calories, 70g fat, 81g protein, 155g carbohydrate, 33g fiber, 1,181mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 1 serving Guacamole Chopped Salad to dinner. 

Day 10

Garlic-Butter Roasted Salmon with Potatoes and Asparagus

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell

Breakfast (310 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries (or fruit of choice)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (177 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • ¾ cup low-fat plain kefir

Dinner (522 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,514 calories, 69g fat, 95g protein, 138g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,089mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to A.M. snack, add 1 medium banana to lunch and add 1 serving Massaged Kale Salad to dinner.

Day 11

a recipe photo of the One-Pot Chicken with Farro
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Breakfast (330 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (516 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,521 calories, 69g fat, 87g protein, 148g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,396mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to A.M. snack, add 1 clementine to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Guacamole Chopped Salad to dinner.

Day 12

Side view of a clear glass jar of Cottage Cheese Snack Jar recipe

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (300 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup raspberries (or fruit of choice)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (374 calories)

P.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Dinner (461 calories)

Evening Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 cup blackberries 

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve two servings Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta to have for lunch on Days 13 and 14.

Daily Totals: 1,511 calories, 63g fat, 90g protein, 154g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,452mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 3 Tbsp. sliced almonds to breakfast and add 1 serving Cucumber & Avocado Salad to dinner.

Day 13

a recipe photo of the Anti-Inflammatory Lemon-Blueberry Smoothie

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster, Food Stylist Jennifer Wendorf

Breakfast (330 calories)

A.M. Snack (99 calories)

  • ½ cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • ¼ cup raspberries

Lunch (461 calories)

P.M. Snack (179 calories)

  • 1 cup edamame, in pods

Dinner (447 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,516 calories, 78g fat, 81g protein, 142g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,374mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 large hard-boiled eggs to breakfast, add 3 Tbsp. sliced almonds to A.M. snack, add 1 medium orange to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Massaged Kale Salad to dinner.

Day 14

Overhead view of a bowl of Creamy Green Pea Pesto Pasta recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Breakfast (310 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries (or fruit of choice)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Lunch (461 calories)

P.M. Snack (135 calories)

  • 3/4 cup edamame, in pods

Dinner (462 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,499 calories, 54g fat, 89g protein, 175g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,396mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to A.M. snack, increase to 1½ cups edamame in pods at P.M. snack and add 1 serving Massaged Kale Salad to dinner.

Week 3

Day 15

Chickpea Tuna Salad
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

Breakfast (295 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Lunch (357 calories)

P.M. Snack (241 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain kefir
  • 1 large pear

Dinner (508 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,495 calories, 74g fat, 86g protein, 130g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,499mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to A.M. snack.

Day 16

a recipe photo of the Summery Chicken Quinoa Casserole
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Torie Cox, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Breakfast (410 calories)

A.M. Snack (119 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • ¼ cup raspberries

Lunch (367 calories)

P.M. Snack (176 calories)

  • ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios

Dinner (427 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Chicken & Quinoa Casserole to have for dinner tomorrow night.

Daily Totals: 1,499 calories, 68g fat, 83g protein, 153g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,371mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup sliced almonds to A.M. snack, add 1 medium banana to P.M. snack and add 1 serving Guacamole Chopped Salad to dinner.

Day 17

One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan
Antonis Achilleos

Breakfast (410 calories)

A.M. Snack (155 calories)

  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs
  • Pinch of salt & pepper

Lunch (367 calories)

P.M. Snack (145 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain kefir
  • 1 clementine

Dinner (427 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,504 calories, 64g fat, 86g protein, 157g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,698mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple to A.M. snack, add 1 serving Massaged Kale Salad to dinner and add 1 serving Apple with Cinnamon Almond Butter as an evening snack.

Day 18

anti-inflammatory cherry spinach smoothie

Breakfast (410 calories)

A.M. Snack (35 calories)

  • 1 clementine

Lunch (367 calories)

P.M. Snack (291 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter

Dinner (421 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,524 calories, 63g fat, 82g protein, 175g carbohydrate, 35g fiber, 1,408mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 large hard-boiled egg to breakfast, change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange and ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios and add 1 serving Apple with Cinnamon Almond Butter as an evening snack.

Day 19

Overhead view of a plate of High-Protein Grilled Chicken Salad recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Breakfast (295 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (367 calories)

P.M. Snack (218 calories)

  • ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios
  • ½ cup blueberries

Dinner (415 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,515 calories, 69g fat, 94g protein, 140g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,790mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add 1 serving Everything Bagel Avocado Toast to lunch.

Day 20

One-pot garlicky shrimp & broccoli recipe cooked and ready in a stainless steel pan

Diana Chistruga

Breakfast (295 calories)

A.M. Snack (218 calories)

  • ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios
  • ½ cup blueberries

Lunch (403 calories)

P.M. Snack (165 calories)

  • ¾ cup edamame, in pods
  • ½ cup blackberries

Dinner (436 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,517 calories, 60g fat, 98g protein, 160g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,525mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast, add 1 medium apple to lunch and increase to 1¼ cups edamame in pods at P.M. snack.

Day 21

Sheet Pan Lemon Pepper Chicken with Broccoli and Tomatoes
Ali Redmond

Breakfast (310 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries (or fruit of choice)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Lunch (403 calories)

P.M. Snack (238 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds
  • ½ cup raspberries

Dinner (424 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,506 calories, 65g fat, 94g protein, 154g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,552mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast, add ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios to A.M. snack and add 1 plum to lunch.

Week 4

Day 22

a recipe photo of the Fish Taco Bowls with Green Cabbage Slaw
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (360 calories)

P.M. Snack (139 calories)

  • 1 large hard-boiled egg
  • 1 cup blackberries

Dinner (475 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,511 calories, 68g fat, 79g protein, 157g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,473mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 1 serving Cucumber & Avocado Salad to dinner.

Day 23

a recipe photo of the Pasta alla Norma
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (144 calories)

  • 1 cup blackberries
  • ¾ cup low-fat plain kefir

Lunch (336 calories)

P.M. Snack (179 calories)

  • 1 cup edamame, in pods

Dinner (521 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Pasta alla Norma to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,512 calories, 58g fat, 83g protein, 177g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,851mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to the apple at lunch.

Day 24

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (146 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • ⅔ cup raspberries

Lunch (336 calories)

P.M. Snack (183 calories)

  • 1 large hard-boiled egg
  • 1 medium banana

Dinner (521 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,503 calories, 48g fat, 79g protein, 201g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,532mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to the apple at lunch.

Day 25

a recipe photo of the Mediterranean Chicken and Couscous Bowls
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickeyt, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 cup blackberries

Lunch (336 calories)

P.M. Snack (299 calories)

  • 1½ cups edamame, in pods
  • 1 plum

Dinner (473 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,502 calories, 49g fat, 104g protein, 176g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,725mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to the apple at lunch.

Day 26

Overhead view of a plate of Braised Lentils & Kale with Fried Eggs recipe

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (179 calories)

  • 1 medium pear
  • 1 large hard-boiled egg

Lunch (336 calories)

P.M. Snack (237 calories)

  • 1 medium orange
  • ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios

Dinner (437 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,507 calories, 49g fat, 84g protein, 191g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,424mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Sprouted-Grain Toast with Peanut Butter & Banana to breakfast and add 2 Tbsp. almond butter to the apple at lunch.

Day 27

Weeknight lemon chicken skillet dinner recipe, with red potatoes, lemon slices, green beans and chicken breasts in a blue skillet

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Lunch (337 calories)

P.M. Snack (120 calories)

  • ⅔ cup raspberries
  • 1 large hard-boiled egg

Dinner (502 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,516 calories, 57g fat, 102g protein, 157g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,845mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to A.M. snack.

Day 28

a recipe photo of the Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta
Photographer: Sara Baurley, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Breakfast (318 calories)

A.M. Snack (291 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. almond butter

Lunch (337 calories)

P.M. Snack (162 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • 1 medium peach

Dinner (393 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,501 calories, 57g fat, 87g protein, 177g carbohydrate, 29g fiber, 1,319mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack, add 1 serving Guacamole Chopped Salad to dinner and add 1 medium orange as an evening snack.

Week 5

Day 29

Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (455 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (370 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,507 calories, 63g fat, 86g protein, 159g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,698mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack.

Day 30

Photo of a bowl of White Bean & Veggie Salad

Ali Redmond

Breakfast (331 calories)

A.M. Snack (135 calories)

  • 1 (5-oz.) container low-fat plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt
  • ½ cup raspberries

Lunch (455 calories)

P.M. Snack (168 calories)

  • 1 cup low-fat plain kefir
  • 1 medium peach

Dinner (406 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,496 calories, 63g fat, 99g protein, 144g carbohydrate, 28g fiber, 1,690mg sodium

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Berry-Kefir Smoothie to breakfast and add ¼ cup shelled unsalted dry-roasted pistachios as an evening snack.

How to Meal-Prep Your Month of Meals

Week 1

  1. Make Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Stew to have for lunch on Days 2 through 5.
  2. Prepare Muffin-Tin Omelets with Feta & Peppers to have for breakfast on Days 2, 4, 6 and 7.

Week 2

  1. Make Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad to have for lunch on Days 9 through 12. 

Week 3

  1. Make One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan to have for lunch on Days 16 through 19.

Week 4

  1. Cook Make-Ahead Freezer Breakfast Burritos with Eggs, Cheese & Spinach to have for breakfast throughout the rest of the month. 
  2. Prepare Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup with Kale to have for lunch on Days 23 through 26. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ​​Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?

    If there is a meal you don’t like, feel free to repeat a different meal on this list or check out some of our other high-protein and anti-inflammatory recipes. If you’re following this plan for weight loss, you may want to choose a meal with a similar calorie, protein and fiber level or adjust a snack or two to meet your needs.

  • Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?

    Yes, each breakfast and lunch recipe offers a very similar calorie range, so you can eat the same breakfast or lunch every day if that’s easier.

  • Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?

    We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

  • How much protein should I aim for daily?

    Daily protein needs vary by individual, but everyone should aim for 10-35% of their total calories from protein. You can also calculate how much protein you need by using your body weight. The minimum amount of protein is 0.8 g/kg of body weight. So, calculate how much protein you need each day by multiplying 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Focus On

  • Fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies
  • Dark leafy greens
  • Sweet potato
  • Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts)
  • Beets
  • Herbs and spices
  • Garlic
  • Nuts, including natural nut butters
  • Seeds (pumpkin, chia, flax and more)
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Whole grains (bulgur, farro, whole-wheat, oats, quinoa and more)
  • Avocado
  • Olive oil and other unsaturated oils
  • Unsweetened dairy (yogurt, kefir)
  • Fruit (especially berries, cherries and plums and high-fiber fruit, like apples and pears)

Strategies to Help Lower Inflammation

  • Exercise: Both cardiovascular exercise and resistance training have been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the body. This doesn't mean you need to push it hard on the treadmill or put in miles on the road, you can gain all the anti-inflammatory benefits of exercise by simply starting with walking and progressing from there.
  • Reduce Added Sugar: A diet high in excessive added sugar may aggravate chronic inflammation. That said, occasional added sugar intake is to be expected (and enjoyed!). The challenge with added sugars is that they don’t provide much, if any, nutrition and tend to displace more nutrient-dense foods if eaten in large amounts. It is recommended that men have no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) of added sugar per day, and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) for women. While we include plenty of natural sugar from fruit, vegetables and unsweetened dairy, you won’t find any added sugar in this plan. Added sugars are added during food processing and are found in foods such as granola bars, flavored oatmeal, some sliced breads, sweetened drinks, granola and, of course, desserts, too. Though added sugar can certainly be included in a healthy diet, many of us are consuming more than we realize. It can be helpful to survey the foods we eat regularly and see where extra added sugar is making its way into our daily routine. 
  • Get Quality Sleep: If you're not getting the recommended minimum 7 hours of sleep per night, you might be increasing your risk for inflammation. Sleep disruptions increase markers of inflammation in the body, which is then compounded if sleep quality doesn't improve. The increased inflammation can cause a weakened immune response and could lead to increased risk for heart disease and mental health conditions. You can improve your sleep quality by getting your body at the right temperature for sleep, skipping the late afternoon latte and getting some daily exercise.

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell’s meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

  2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.

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