7-Day Meal Prep For Weight Loss: Your Delicious, No-Stress Weekly Plan

by Eddie Tibbitts | 14th April, 2025 | Health & Fitness

There’s something incredibly satisfying about opening the fridge and knowing exactly what you’re eating for the week.

A well-planned 7-day meal prep for weight loss makes healthy eating easier, helps you avoid impulse snacking and sets you up for success long before hunger strikes.

People who regularly plan meals are also more likely to follow a healthier diet and have lower odds of being overweight or obese, while frequent meal planning has been linked to greater weight loss over time.

We've put together a complete 7-day weight loss meal prep plan with balanced recipes, healthy (but delicious) snack ideas, and a handy shopping list and tips to help you save time in the kitchen.

But if you prefer to skip the prep altogether, Frive’s ready-made meals have you covered with fresh, portioned and balanced ingredients—no cooking required.

Why meal prep is essential for weight loss

As one of the most effective tools for staying consistent, meal prepping helps you make healthier choices throughout the week.

Having your meals planned and ready means you're less likely to reach for convenience foods or exceed your calorie goals.

Prepping in advance also makes it easier to control portions, hit your calorie and macronutrient targets and avoid decision fatigue—all crucial when trying to lose weight. According to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, people who planned their meals were more likely to have a healthier diet and lower odds of being overweight or obese.

Frequent meal planning has also been linked to greater weight loss, showing that consistency and staying organised really do make a difference. With the right structure in place, healthy eating becomes the default, not the exception.

Is it okay to meal prep for 7 days?

Meal prepping for a whole week can be done safely, but properly storing your food is essential. Most cooked meals can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 5 days before the taste and safety start to decline. 

To stretch your prep across the week, it’s best to refrigerate meals for the first few days and freeze the rest to help maintain freshness and avoid foodborne illness. Thaw frozen meals overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be mindful of ingredients that don’t freeze well, like salads or delicate greens.

Read our guide “How Long Does Meal Prep Last?” to find out more.

Your 7-day meal prep for weight loss

A 7-day meal prep for weight loss can keep you on track, reduce food waste and take the stress out of deciding what to eat. We've put together easy, balanced meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to support a calorie deficit while keeping you energised and your stomach and taste buds satisfied.

You can adapt it for different weight loss goals, like fat loss or muscle retention and tailor it to your preferences, depending on whether you’re going high protein, plant-based, or somewhere in between.

If you’re new to meal prepping, fear not. Read our “Beginners Weight Loss Meal Prep” guide to learn more. 

7-day meal prep for weight loss essentials: What you’ll need

Kitchen tools:

  • - Food storage containers (various sizes, ideally stackable)
  • - Measuring cups or a kitchen scale
  • - Non-stick pans or sheet trays
  • - A sharp knife and a chopping board
  • - A blender or food processor (for smoothies or sauces)

 Grocery basics to stock up on:

  • - Lean proteins: chicken breast, eggs, salmon, Greek yoghurt, tofu
  • - Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa, whole grain wraps
  • - Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, courgette, peppers, carrots, mixed salad
  • - Fruit: bananas, apples, berries, oranges, etc.
  • - Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, almonds, chia seeds
  • - Extras: hummus, nut butters, low-sugar sauces, spices, herbs
  • Frives Chicken Thigh Shawarma meal with 47g of protein

7-Day meal prep plan

Please note, for all meals with meat ingredients, replace with vegan and vegetarian options like tofu, jackfruit, chickpeas and more. For all ‘Frive alternative’ meals listed below, take a look at our menu for more information.

Day 1

Breakfast:

Overnight oats with chia seeds, almond milk and berries (Take a look at our guide “How to Get 30g of Protein For Breakfast” for more helpful recipes and tips)

Snack:

Apple slices with a spoonful of peanut butter

Lunch:

Grilled chicken salad with quinoa, mixed greens, cucumber and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon (take a look at our guide that covers the best chicken substitutes for meat-free meals)

Snack:

Greek yoghurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and pumpkin seeds

Dinner:

Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and roasted sweet potato

Frive alternative:

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon

Day 2

Breakfast:

Scrambled eggs with sautéed spinach and a slice of whole grain toast

Snack:

Carrot sticks and hummus

Lunch:

Turkey mince lettuce wraps with brown rice and avocado

Snack:

Hard-boiled egg and a few almonds

Dinner:

Fish taco bowl with lime & coriander

Frive alternative:

Citrus & Miso Tofu Poke Bowl

Day 3

Breakfast:

Protein smoothie with banana, spinach, protein powder and almond milk

Snack:

Cottage cheese with pineapple chunks

Lunch:

Whole grain wrap with grilled chicken, hummus and mixed greens

Snack:

Celery with almond butter

Dinner:

Baked cod with quinoa and roasted carrots

Frive alternative:

Saffron & Paprika Baked Bass

Day 4

Breakfast:

Greek yoghurt with granola, blueberries and chia seeds

Snack:

Boiled egg and cucumber slices

Lunch:

Chickpea and roasted vegetable grain bowl with tahini dressing

Snack:

Protein bar (low sugar, high protein)

Dinner:

High protein vegan stuffed peppers

Frive alternative:

Harissa Lamb Meatballs

Day 5

Breakfast:

Oatmeal with sliced banana, flaxseed and almond butter

Snack:

A handful of trail mix (nuts and dried fruit)

Lunch:

Tuna salad with sweetcorn, spinach, cherry tomatoes and olive oil dressing

Snack:

Sliced pear with cottage cheese

Dinner:

Grilled chicken with brown rice and roasted courgette

Frive alternative:

Chicken Puttanesca Rigatoni

Day 6

Breakfast:

Veggie omelette with mushrooms, peppers and a sprinkle of feta

Snack:

A small orange and a few walnuts

Lunch:

Lentil soup with a side of whole grain toast

Snack:

Plain yoghurt with berries

Dinner:

Baked falafel with mixed salad and tahini dressing

Frive alternative:

Tom Yum Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

Day 7

Breakfast:

Protein pancakes topped with Greek yoghurt and sliced strawberries

Snack:

Rice cakes with avocado and black pepper

Lunch:

Grilled salmon with couscous, rocket and a squeeze of lemon

Snack:

A boiled egg and a handful of cherry tomatoes

Dinner:

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, black beans, sour cream and salsa

Frive alternative:

Naked Bean Burrito Bowl

Frive’s Chimichurri Beef Style Strip Bowl with Roots, Sweet Corn & Roasted Peppers with only 498 Kcal per meal

How to meal prep for weight loss to save time and money

In addition to supporting weight loss, meal prepping is one of the easiest ways to cut food waste, save money on groceries, and avoid the cumbersome, daily “what’s for dinner?” panic that we all know and experience all too well. By thinking ahead, you can prep once and eat well all week.

Plan your meals in advance

Planning takes the guesswork out of healthy eating, helping you stick to your calorie goals and make better use of pantry staples. Set aside 15–20 minutes each week to map out meals and snacks.

Find budget-friendly ingredients

Whole foods like oats, lentils, brown rice, eggs and seasonal vegetables are nutrient-dense and easy on your wallet (just the way we like it.) Choose versatile ingredients you can use in multiple meals for plenty of variety.

Make a smart shopping list

Once you’ve planned your meals, write out exactly what you need and group items by section (produce, cupboard and pantry staples, protein, etc.) to shop faster and avoid extras that drive up the cost.

Cook in batches to save time and money

Batch cooking allows you to make several portions at once, saving time, energy, gas, or electricity. Roast a tray of vegetables, cook a big batch of grains, or prepare double portions of your favourite dishes.

Store meals properly for freshness and longevity

Use airtight containers and label meals with the prep date. Refrigerate meals you’ll eat within 3–5 days and freeze the rest. Defrost overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.

Reduce food waste to maximise savings

Use up leftovers creatively—toss roasted veg into salads or repurpose proteins into wraps or soups. Freezing ingredients close to their expiry date can also stretch your budget further.

Subscribe to Frive to make meal prep a breeze

If chopping, cooking and planning every meal sounds like a full-time job, Frive is here to help. Our ready-made meals are crafted by chefs, balanced by nutritionists and designed to support your weight loss goals without prepping everything yourself.

You’ll get fresh, low-calorie meals delivered twice a week, made with real ingredients and zero ultra-processed shortcuts. Just heat, eat and get on with your day.

Great experience with Frive so far. It’s so easy to order, the food is delicious, and it helps me lose weight and stay nutritionally balanced. – Frive customer via Trustpilot

Frive’s Citrus & Miso Tofu Poke Bowl

Your 7-day meal prep for weight loss sorted

Getting into a rhythm with your meals can make all the difference when it comes to losing weight, and a 7-day meal prep for weight loss is one of the most effective ways to stay consistent, cut out the guesswork and feel in control of your routine.

Planning ahead and choosing balanced recipes results in saved time and healthier habits that easily stick while reducing food and money waste. Whether you’re aiming for fat loss, to gain muscle, or simply more energy throughout the week, this plan gives you the tools to make it happen.

And if you need a cheeky shortcut, Frive’s ready-made meal plans are here to take care of the hard part, leaving you to focus on your goals without spending hours in the kitchen. Every meal is portion-controlled, nutritionist-approved and made with whole ingredients to support weight loss the easy way.

Explore Frive’s healthy meal options and take the first step towards a simpler, more successful week.

For a limited time only, take advantage of Frive’s introductory offer today!

FAQs

What should I eat to lose weight in 7 days?

Focus on whole, minimally processed foods that are high in protein, fibre and nutrients. Meals should include lean proteins (like chicken, tofu, or eggs), plenty of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats in moderation. Staying hydrated and limiting added sugars, refined carbs, and processed snacks can also support weight loss over the week.

How to lose 5 pounds in 7 days?

Losing 5 pounds in one week is possible for some people, especially if it includes water weight, but it may not be sustainable long-term. Combining a calorie-controlled, high-protein diet with regular exercise and reduced sodium intake can help. However, the NHS recommends aiming for 1–2 pounds per week as a healthy and realistic target.

How to lose 10 lbs in 7 days?

Losing 10 pounds in 7 days could be considered extreme and is typically not recommended by health professionals. Most rapid weight loss in this time frame is due to water loss, not fat. Severe calorie restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies, fatigue and rebound weight gain. Focus instead on making gradual changes, eating balanced meals and moving regularly for sustainable results.

  
 
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