Meal plan: how to make one + a free example

A good meal plan starts from your daily calories and macros: work out your TDEE, set protein at 1.8–2.2 g per kg of body weight, fat at ~0.9 g/kg, and fill the rest with carbs — then split that across 3–5 meals a day. For fat loss, eat ~15–20% below TDEE; for muscle, ~10% above. MicroPlan calculates this and builds the plan around your diet and allergies — free, no account.

Build your meal plan

How to make a meal plan in 5 steps

1

Work out your daily calories (TDEE)

Your total daily energy expenditure is the starting point. For fat loss eat ~15–20% below it; for muscle gain ~10% above.

2

Set your macronutrients

Protein 1.8–2.2 g per kg of body weight, fat ~0.9 g/kg, and fill the remaining calories with carbohydrates.

3

Choose your foods

Pick foods you enjoy that fit your diet (mixed, vegetarian, vegan) and your allergies.

4

Split into meals

Divide your daily calories and protein across 3–5 meals, with protein in each meal.

5

Track and adjust

Log meals and measurements; every 28 days recompute the plan from fresh numbers as your needs change.

Don't know your numbers? Start with the calorie & macro calculator.

Example meal plan for one day (~2000 kcal)

A rough, protein-focused example — adjust portions to your own calorie target.

Breakfast

Oats (60 g) + Greek yogurt (200 g) + banana + a spoon of peanut butter

480 kcal
~30 g protein

Lunch

Chicken breast (180 g) + rice (75 g dry) + vegetables + olive oil

620 kcal
~50 g protein

Snack

Skyr or yogurt (200 g) + a handful of almonds

300 kcal
~25 g protein

Dinner

Salmon or eggs (3) + potatoes (250 g) + salad

600 kcal
~45 g protein
Total (approx.)~2000 kcal · ~150 g protein

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a meal plan?

Work out your daily calories (TDEE), set your macros (protein 1.8–2.2 g/kg, fat ~0.9 g/kg, the rest carbs), choose foods that fit your diet and split them across 3–5 meals. MicroPlan does this automatically and for free.

How many meals should I eat per day?

Meal count isn't decisive for results — what matters is your daily total of calories and protein. Most people do well with 3–5 meals; pick a schedule you can keep consistently.

Meal plan for weight loss — how big a deficit?

A moderate deficit of about 15–20% below TDEE, with enough protein and resistance training, loses fat while keeping muscle. Too aggressive a deficit is hard to sustain.

Can I build a plan without cutting my favorite foods?

Yes. As long as you hit your daily calories and macros, you choose the foods. MicroPlan builds the plan around your diet and allergies — no banned lists.

Is the meal plan free?

Yes — calories, macros and the meal plan are free and work without an account. You can use it as a guest.

Is there a plan for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes. MicroPlan respects mixed, vegetarian and vegan diets, plus your allergies, when building meals.

Get your meal plan in two minutes

MicroPlan builds your meals around your calories, diet and allergies — free, no account.

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