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Atkins meal plan for gaining weight

Build muscle and strength with our Atkins meal plan for gaining weight. This plan is perfect for those looking to add healthy pounds through nutrient-dense, low-carb meals. Focus on gaining weight the right way without excess carbs.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Ground beef
  • Salmon fillets
  • Bacon
  • Eggs
  • Almonds
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Avocado
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Greek yogurt

  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Olive oil
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Cucumbers
  • Bell peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Romaine lettuce

  • Tomatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cottage cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Beef steaks
  • Pork chops
  • Turkey breast
  • Tuna

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on July 2, 2024.
• Updated on August 5, 2024.

Meal plan overview

The Atkins meal plan for gaining weight focuses on healthy weight gain through nutrient-dense foods. It includes high-calorie, low-carb meals with an emphasis on healthy fats and proteins. Meals might include dishes like creamy avocado and bacon salads, high-fat yogurt with nuts, and protein shakes.

This plan is ideal for those who need to increase their calorie intake without turning to unhealthy options. It’s all about gaining weight in a healthy, controlled manner.

Foods to eat

  • Fatty Meats: Pork, lamb, and fatty cuts of beef for protein and calorie intake.
  • Full-fat Dairy: Cheese, whole milk, and Greek yogurt for additional calories and fats.
  • Nuts and Nut Butters: Almonds, cashews, and their butters for calorie-dense snacks.
  • Low-carb Vegetables: Spinach, kale, and broccoli for essential nutrients without excessive carbs.
  • Healthy Oils: Coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil to add calories to meals.
✅ Tip

Snack on nuts and seeds throughout the day to increase calorie intake healthily.

Foods not to eat

  • Sugar-sweetened Beverages: Soft drinks and sweetened teas that add carbs without beneficial nutrients.
  • Refined Carbs: White bread, pasta, and rice that don't align with low-carb principles.
  • Trans Fats: Margarine and other processed fats that are unhealthy for the body.
  • High-sugar Fruits: Bananas, grapes, and dried fruits that add too many carbs.
  • Processed Snacks: Chips, crackers, and cookies that contain hidden carbs and unhealthy fats.

Main benefits

The Atkins meal plan for gaining weight is ideal for those needing to increase their calorie intake healthily. It focuses on nutrient-dense foods that can help build muscle mass rather than just adding fat. This plan is also great for improving overall nutritional intake, ensuring you gain weight in a balanced way.

Atkins meal plan for gaining weight breakdown pie chart
Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

How to budget on this meal plan

Gaining weight on an Atkins meal plan can be affordable by focusing on calorie-dense, low-carb foods like nuts, cheese, and avocados. Buy in bulk when possible and look for sales on meats and dairy products. Planning your meals ahead ensures you always have nutritious, high-calorie options on hand without resorting to expensive convenience foods. Cooking at home is key to saving money.

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Extra tips ✨

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy snack ideas for an Atkins meal plan for gaining weight:

  • Greek yogurt with granola
  • Protein shake
  • Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
  • Avocado with olive oil
  • Cheese and turkey roll-ups
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Trail mix
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For the Atkins meal plan for gaining weight, drink plenty of water and consider low-carb protein shakes made with unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Black coffee and unsweetened teas are also good choices. Avoid sugary drinks and limit diet sodas to maintain the diet's low-carb nature while focusing on higher calorie intake through foods.

How to get even more nutrients?

Those on an Atkins meal plan to gain weight should increase their intake of calorie-dense, nutrient-rich foods. Focus on lean proteins such as beef, chicken, and fish, along with fiber from vegetables like sweet potatoes and legumes. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help increase calorie intake, and adding protein shakes can provide additional nutrients.

Meal plan suggestions

Atkins Meal Plan for Gaining Weight

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Spinach
  • Lunch: Chicken Breast Salad with Avocado, Romaine Lettuce, and Olive Oil Dressing
  • Dinner: Beef Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Buttered Asparagus
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Blueberries and Almonds

Calories: 2500  Fat: 180g   Carbs: 50g   Protein: 170g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Salmon Fillet with Sauteed Spinach and Olive Oil
  • Lunch: Turkey Breast with Cauliflower Rice and Butter
  • Dinner: Pork Chops with Zucchini Noodles and Parmesan Cheese
  • Snack: Cottage Cheese with Strawberries and Almonds

Calories: 2600  Fat: 190g   Carbs: 40g   Protein: 180g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Omelette with Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, and Mushrooms
  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken with Caesar Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, Caesar Dressing)
  • Dinner: Ground Beef with Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Raspberries and Almonds

Calories: 2550  Fat: 185g   Carbs: 45g   Protein: 175g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Spinach, and Cheddar Cheese
  • Lunch: Tuna Salad with Avocado, Cucumbers, and Olive Oil Dressing
  • Dinner: Beef Steak with Roasted Bell Peppers and Buttered Asparagus
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Blueberries and Almonds

Calories: 2650  Fat: 195g   Carbs: 35g   Protein: 185g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Salmon Fillet with Steamed Broccoli and Butter
  • Lunch: Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles and Parmesan Cheese
  • Dinner: Pork Chops with Sauteed Spinach and Olive Oil
  • Snack: Cottage Cheese with Strawberries and Almonds

Calories: 2550  Fat: 180g   Carbs: 50g   Protein: 170g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Omelette with Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, and Mushrooms
  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken with Caesar Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Parmesan Cheese, Caesar Dressing)
  • Dinner: Ground Beef with Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Raspberries and Almonds

Calories: 2600  Fat: 190g   Carbs: 40g   Protein: 180g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Bacon, Spinach, and Cheddar Cheese
  • Lunch: Tuna Salad with Avocado, Cucumbers, and Olive Oil Dressing
  • Dinner: Beef Steak with Roasted Bell Peppers and Buttered Asparagus
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Blueberries and Almonds

Calories: 2650  Fat: 195g   Carbs: 35g   Protein: 185g

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.

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⚠️ Keep in Mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.