⭐⭐ 2-Star High-Protein Plan — Balanced Gains
✨ Expected Benefits After 1 Week
- Optimized Muscle Protein Synthesis — A consistent 125g of daily protein provides the essential building blocks for efficient muscle repair and accelerated growth.
- Enhanced Workout Performance & Recovery — Balanced macronutrients and quality carbs fuel your training and reduce muscle soreness.
- Sustained Energy & Mental Clarity — A diverse mix of complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean proteins prevents energy crashes and supports focus.
- Improved Body Composition — Supports fat loss while preserving and building lean muscle mass for a more defined physique.
- Foundation for Advanced Strength — This plan bridges basic nutrition to performance-focused eating, setting the stage for significant strength gains.
This 2-Star plan is designed to fit within an average weekly grocery cost of $79. Per-meal cost reflects ingredient usage, not grocery checkout total—some ingredients will last multiple weeks. Prices are based on average U.S. grocery store values.
Key High-Protein Ingredients
- Salmon & Tuna: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and reducing inflammation.
- Chicken Breast & Ground Turkey: Versatile, lean protein sources that are staples for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Egg Whites & Whole Eggs: Provide a complete protein profile with minimal fat; perfect for boosting volume and protein content.
- Greek Yogurt & Feta: Adds a creamy, tangy protein boost to sauces, wraps, and omelets while supporting gut health.
- Quinoa & Edamame: Plant-powered complete proteins that provide sustained energy, fiber, and essential amino acids.
- Protein Powder & High-Protein Noodles: Convenient, concentrated sources to effortlessly meet your elevated daily protein target.

🌅 Breakfast
Savory Protein Oats with Smoked Salmon
Break free from sweet breakfasts with these creamy, savory oats. Cooked with milk and egg whites, they become a protein-packed canvas for luxurious smoked salmon and fresh dill, providing long-lasting energy and a powerful start to your day.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Calories: 420 kcal | Cost: $4.50
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup liquid egg whites
- 2 oz smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine oats and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly pour in the egg whites, whisking continuously to prevent clumping.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oats are creamy and the egg whites are fully cooked.
- Transfer to a bowl and top with smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a crack of black pepper.
Macros (Approximate)
🥗 Lunch
Pesto Chicken Wrap
A fresh and flavorful wrap that’s perfect for a on-the-go lunch. The combination of grilled chicken and a creamy Greek yogurt pesto is both light and satisfying, delivering a hefty dose of protein to power you through the afternoon.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min (with pre-cooked chicken) | Calories: 380 kcal | Cost: $4.20
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 4 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 large spinach tortilla
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp pesto
- Handful of fresh spinach
- 2-3 slices of tomato
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and pesto until well combined.
- Lay the tortilla flat and spread the pesto-yogurt sauce evenly over it.
- Layer the fresh spinach, tomato slices, and grilled chicken in the center of the tortilla.
- Fold in the sides and roll the tortilla tightly away from you to enclose the filling.
- Slice in half diagonally and serve immediately, or wrap in foil for a portable lunch.
Macros (Approximate)
🍽️ Dinner
Turkey & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
A complete, well-balanced meal packed into a vibrant bell pepper. Lean ground turkey and protein-rich quinoa simmered in tomato sauce create a hearty filling, making this a satisfying, muscle-friendly dinner that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 450 kcal | Cost: $5.10
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 large bell pepper, halved and deseeded
- 5 oz lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella (upgrade)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish. Spoon the turkey-quinoa mixture into each half, packing it down.
- If using the upgrade, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Macros (Approximate)
🌅 Breakfast
Protein French Toast Stack
Transform classic French toast into a high-protein powerhouse. The addition of whey protein to the egg batter creates a deliciously crisp exterior and a fluffy interior, making this stack a decadent yet goal-aligned breakfast.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 8 min | Calories: 400 kcal | Cost: $3.80
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 2 slices thick bread (brioche or whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 1 scoop vanilla or cinnamon whey protein
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mixed berries
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, protein powder, and milk until smooth.
- Soak each slice of bread in the mixture for 30-60 seconds per side, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a light coating of oil or butter.
- Cook the French toast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Stack the slices on a plate, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Macros (Approximate)
🥗 Lunch
Mediterranean Tuna Bowl
A bright, refreshing bowl that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This no-cook lunch comes together in minutes and is packed with protein from tuna and chickpeas, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables for a truly satisfying midday meal.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Calories: 430 kcal | Cost: $4.50
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained
- ½ cup chickpeas, rinsed
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- In a white bowl, create a bed with the mixed greens.
- In a separate bowl, flake the tuna with a fork. Add chickpeas, cucumber, and parsley.
- Dress the tuna mixture with lemon juice and olive oil. Toss gently to combine.
- Spoon the tuna mixture over the bed of greens.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and an extra grind of black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Macros (Approximate)
🍽️ Dinner
Miso-Glazed Salmon with Edamame Rice
A restaurant-quality meal that’s deceptively simple to make. The sweet and savory miso glaze caramelizes on the salmon, while the edamame rice adds plant-based protein and vibrant color for a dinner that is both elegant and exceptionally nourishing.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Calories: 500 kcal | Cost: $6.50
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 5 oz salmon fillet
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ¾ cup cooked rice
- ¼ cup shelled edamame
- Sesame seeds and green onion for garnish (upgrade)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the miso paste, honey, and soy sauce to form a glaze.
- Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the miso glaze evenly over the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- While the salmon bakes, mix the cooked rice with the shelled edamame and warm through.
- Serve the glazed salmon over the edamame rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onion.
Macros (Approximate)
🌅 Breakfast
Chocolate PB Smoothie
The ultimate grab-and-go breakfast that tastes like a dessert shake but fuels your body like a champion. This thick, creamy smoothie delivers a massive 40g of protein to kickstart muscle recovery and keep you satiated for hours.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 0 min | Calories: 380 kcal | Cost: $3.20
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 small banana
- Handful of ice cubes
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Macros (Approximate)
🥗 Lunch
Crispy Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
A flavor-packed lunch that delivers a serious protein punch. The chipotle-spiked Greek yogurt adds a smoky heat and creaminess without the guilt, while the crispy tortilla provides the perfect vehicle for the cheesy, chicken-filled interior.

Prep: 8 min | Cook: 6 min | Calories: 450 kcal | Cost: $4.40
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 large tortilla
- 4 oz cooked chicken, shredded
- ¼ cup black beans, rinsed
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp chipotle powder or adobo sauce
- 1 tsp oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with Greek yogurt and chipotle powder.
- Lay the tortilla flat. On one half, layer the chicken mixture, black beans, and shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from pan, let cool for a minute, then slice into wedges and serve.
Macros (Approximate)
🍽️ Dinner
Hibachi Shrimp Power Rice
Recreate the fun and flavor of a Japanese steakhouse at home. Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter and tossed with crispy-edged fried rice creates a protein-packed, satisfying dinner that’s as entertaining to make as it is to eat.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Calories: 460 kcal | Cost: $5.80
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 5 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked rice (day-old works best)
- 1 tbsp garlic butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tsp cooking oil
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic butter. Once melted, add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice, spreading it evenly in the pan. Let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop crispy edges.
- Add soy sauce and return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately on a black plate for contrast.
Macros (Approximate)
🌅 Breakfast
Egg White Omelet with Feta & Spinach
A light, fluffy, and incredibly protein-dense breakfast that keeps calories in check. The combination of creamy feta and wilted spinach creates a classic flavor profile that’s both satisfying and nutrient-packed to start your day strong.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 8 min | Calories: 220 kcal | Cost: $3.50
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 cup liquid egg whites
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ¼ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add spinach and tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Pour egg whites into the skillet, tilting to distribute evenly.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges set, then sprinkle feta over one half.
- Carefully fold the omelet in half and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the egg whites are fully set.
- Slide onto a plate and season with salt and pepper.
Macros (Approximate)
🥗 Lunch
Protein Pasta Salad
A fresh, vibrant pasta salad that doesn’t skimp on protein. Chickpea pasta doubles the protein content, while the lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs keep it light and refreshing—perfect for a make-ahead lunch that actually keeps you full.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 8 min | Calories: 420 kcal | Cost: $4.80
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 2 oz chickpea pasta
- 3 oz grilled chicken, cubed
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook chickpea pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Add the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and parsley to the bowl.
- Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Macros (Approximate)
🍽️ Dinner
Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet
A hearty, one-pan wonder that combines lean protein with complex carbohydrates for the ultimate post-workout recovery meal. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, creating a sweet and savory balance that’s deeply satisfying.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Calories: 480 kcal | Cost: $5.20
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 5 oz lean ground beef
- 1 small sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cooking oil
- 1 egg (upgrade)
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potato and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Push sweet potatoes to one side and add ground beef to the empty space. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain any excess fat. Stir in paprika and mix everything together.
- Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- If using the upgrade, fry an egg in a separate pan and place it on top of the skillet before serving.
Macros (Approximate)
🌅 Breakfast
Cinnamon-Apple Protein Oats
A warm, comforting bowl of oats that tastes like apple pie but fuels your muscles like a powerhouse. The addition of protein powder ensures you start your day with sustained energy and ample protein for recovery and growth.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 12 min | Calories: 390 kcal | Cost: $3.30
Ingredients (1 serving):
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ½ apple, diced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine oats, milk, diced apple, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy and the apple is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla protein powder until fully incorporated.
- Add a splash more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle with maple syrup if desired and serve warm.
Macros (Approximate)
🥗 Lunch
High-Protein Ramen Bowl
Transform instant ramen from a college staple into a protein-packed, restaurant-worthy meal. With double protein from both the noodles and chicken, plus a perfectly soft-boiled egg, this bowl is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 10 min | Calories: 450 kcal | Cost: $5.00
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 1 pack high-protein ramen noodles
- 3 oz cooked chicken slices
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- 1 scallion, sliced
- 1 sheet nori (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the high-protein ramen noodles according to package directions.
- While noodles cook, soft-boil an egg (cook for 6-7 minutes in boiling water, then transfer to ice water).
- Pour the cooked noodles and broth into a deep bowl.
- Top with sliced chicken, halved soft-boiled egg, and sliced scallions.
- Add a sheet of nori on the side if using.
- Serve immediately.
Macros (Approximate)
🍽️ Dinner
Greek Chicken Bowl
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired bowl that’s bursting with fresh flavors and textures. The lemon-herb marinated chicken pairs perfectly with creamy tzatziki and briny olives, creating a satisfying and protein-rich end to your week.

Prep: 15 min (plus marinating) | Cook: 15 min | Calories: 490 kcal | Cost: $5.60
Ingredients (1 serving):
- 5 oz chicken breast, cubed
- ¾ cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 tbsp tzatziki sauce
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives
- ¼ cup diced cucumber
- 1 tbsp lemon juice + herbs for marinade
- 2-3 cherry tomatoes, charred (upgrade)
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- If using the upgrade, char cherry tomatoes in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until blistered.
- Assemble the bowl with rice as the base, then top with cooked chicken, olives, cucumber, and charred tomatoes.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve.
Macros (Approximate)
Daily Macro Summary
Based on the meals in this 2-Star High-Protein Plan, here’s your approximate daily nutritional intake:
Note: These are estimates. Adjust portion sizes based on your individual calorie needs and activity level. Add snacks or increase portions to meet your energy requirements.
Budget & Cost Breakdown
This 2-Star plan is designed to fit within an average weekly grocery cost of $79. Per-meal cost reflects ingredient usage, not grocery checkout total—some ingredients will last multiple weeks. Prices are based on average U.S. grocery store values.
| Meal | Est. Cost per Serving | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfasts (5 meals) | ~$4.06 | ~$20.30 |
| Lunches (5 meals) | ~$4.40 | ~$22.00 |
| Dinners (5 meals) | ~$5.34 | ~$26.70 |
| Estimated Total | ~$69.00 | |
| *Note: This total represents full ingredient costs. In practice, pantry staples like oils, spices, and sauces last multiple weeks, bringing your actual weekly cost comfortably within the $79 target. | ||
Costs are estimates and may vary depending on local prices, sales, and use of pantry staples.
★ 1 Star Diabetic-Friendly Meal Plan – Flavor Without the Sugar Crash





