This is a super simple easy to follow low-calorie meal plan. 

A lot of you that have been following me know that I post Slimming World based recipes, but to be honest, I'm not even following Slimming World properly myself anymore. 

On all my recipes you'll see that I calculate the syn values, but I also put in the calorie count as well.

I've been focusing mainly on lower calorie meals, and also follow some of the principles of Slimming World by keeping meals low in fat and low in sugar.

I put a post up on my Facebook yesterday asking if anyone would be interested in a calorie based meal plan and SO MANY of you replied!

I got to work and put together a meal plan that I followed myself, and I thought you may be interested in it too!

For anyone new to calorie counting, the basic principles are that women should have 2000 calories a day and men should have 2500 calories a day. In order to lose weight, you eat fewer calories than your body requires.

This plan is based on the principle of 1600 calories per day and is aimed at one person, who would usually have a 2000 calorie allowance. 

A lot of the meals provide loads of leftovers so make the most of these for your lunches. Of course, if you're making this for more than just yourself you can double up the ingredients to add more to the meal.

If your aim is to be healthy rather than to lose weight, then just add snacks to incease it up to 2000 or 2500 calories a day.

I have allowed a few spare calories on most days for anything extra like sauces that you may add.

It is always recommended to double-check your calories, and if you have any change in brand or quantity, adjust it accordingly.

I've added some snacks as a guide, but if these don't take your fancy, try and find an alternative snack for similar calorie values.

Monday

Breakfast: Strawberries, Blueberries, Yoghurt and Honey 173 cals (50g strawberries, 50g blueberries, low fat protein yoghurt, 1 tbsp of honey, mixed in a bowl)

Lunch: Tuna Jacket Potato & Salad 498 cals (1 cooked jacket potato, mix 1 tin tuna (tinned tuna in water) 3 tbsp low fat mayo, pinch of Salt, pinch of Pepper and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder and serve in the jacket. Served with 1 cup of ready made salad)

Tuesday

Breakfast: Poached Egg on Toast 428 cals (2 poached eggs on 2 slices of wholemeal toast)

Lunch: Leftover Creamy Chicken, Sweet Potato and Spinach Bake 681 Cals (adjust calories if you eat more or less than 1 portion)

Dinner: Tomato & Feta Pasta Bake 318 cals (Click for the full recipe, makes 4 portions, calories based per portion) Served with 100g mixed salad 20 cals

Snacks:  Walkers Ready Salted Crisps 132 cals

Total Daily Calories: 1579

Wednesday

Breakfast:  Breakfast: Strawberries, Blueberries, Yoghurt, Honey & Granola 242 calories (50g strawberries, 50g blueberries, low fat protein yoghurt, 1 tbsp of honey, 60g granola mixed in a bowl)

Lunch: Leftover Tomato & Feta Pasta Bake 318 cals (Click for the full recipe) Served with 100g mixed salad 20 cals

Dinner: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich 368 cals Oven Chips 404 cals (200g of McCain Homefries Oven Chips)

Total Daily Calories: 1554

Thursday

Breakfast: Cheesy Beans on Toast 622 cals (1 tin of baked beans, 2 slices of wholemeal bread with low fat spread, 60g low fat cheese)

Lunch: Leftover Tomato & Feta Pasta Bake 318 cals (Click for the full recipe) Served with 100g mixed salad 20 cals

Dinner: Chicken Tikka Rice Stir-fry 2 servings 694 cals (Click for the full recipe)

Friday

Breakfast: Strawberries, Blueberries, Yoghurt and Honey 173 calories (50g strawberries, 50g blueberries, low fat protein yoghurt, 1 tbsp of honey, mixed in a bowl)

Lunch: Leftover Chicken Tikka Rice Stir-fry 2 servings 694 cals (Click for the full recipe)

Dinner: Prawn Masala Curry 362 cals (2 x portions with 50g cooked rice) 183 cals

Saturday

Breakfast: Biscoff Cinnamon Roll Mugcake 287 cals (Click for the full recipe)

Lunch: Leftover Prawn Masala Curry 362 cals (2 x portions with 50g cooked rice) 183 cals

Dinner: Spicy Vodka Pasta 532 cals (2 x portions, click for the full recipe)

Sunday

Breakfast: Breakfast Fry Up 568 cals (2 low fat sausages, 2 bacon medallians, 1/2 tin baked beans, 2 slices wholemeal toast, 1 mushrooms)

Lunch: Leftover  Spicy Vodka Pasta 532 cals + 100g Salad 20 cals (2 x portions, click for the full recipe)

Dinner: Giant Sausage & Mash Stuffed Yorkshire Pudding 462 cals (Click for the full recipe)

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Buying presents can be tricky, even when you know someone well it can still be a challenge to find them the perfect gift, whether it’s their birthday or another special occasion. Some people just seem to have everything they want and need, making them so hard to buy a present for. If your friend or family member appreciates delicious food, then why not buy them a gift that is literally good enough to eat? If you need some inspiration to help you find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life, take a look at these ideas to help you find an ideal present:

Letterbox Gift

In these times of social distancing, letterbox gifts have become big news and ideal for a contact-free delivery. You can buy almost anything as a letterbox gift, from books to toiletries. But, any food lover will appreciate a food gift dropping through their post box. Everyone loves receiving mail, but getting post is even better when there is something delicious inside!

Letterbox food gifts are available for a whole host of different treats, from gourmet brownies to sweets and macarons, so it won’t be hard to find the perfect items to send and bring some added sweetness to their special day.

Monthly Subscription

If your friend or family member has a passion for a specific type of food or drink, then why not set them up with a monthly subscription to give them a surprise foodie gift each month? The surprise element of monthly subscriptions makes them such an excellent present, as your recipient will not know which tasty treats to expect each month. There is an ever-growing number of food subscriptions services to choose from. The vast selection includes everything from coffees to herbs and spices, making a subscription box a perfect gift for everyone. 

Food From Overseas

Buying food from overseas is an ideal present for anyone with a craving for different flavours. Purchasing food from overseas is an excellent gift for people that have lived or travelled overseas in the past and will provide them with lots of happy foodie memories. Selecting food from another country as a present is such a thoughtful present and shows that you have put lots of effort into sourcing a gift with meaning. Websites such as Pigging Out offer an excellent choice of food from countries around the world, including Japanese food and drinks and American favourites. So, whether they are a big fan of Lucky Charms or are crazy about Chocomel, you will be able to find much-loved treats from overseas to create their ideal present.

Cookery Course

Most foodies are just as passionate about cooking as they are about eating. If this is true for your loved one, why not book them a place on a cookery course? Being taught how to cook by a professional chef is a memorable experience and provides an ideal opportunity to learn many new skills and techniques in the kitchen. There are cookery schools right across the country, and most specialise in specific types of cuisine, so you will be able to choose a course that is tailored to your recipient’s tastes. If there are no suitable courses in their area, you could buy them an online cookery course. Choosing an online cookery course means location is no barrier to them learning to cook their favourite foods, and they can do it from the comfort of their own kitchen.

Hamper

A hamper packed full of delicious goods always makes a welcome present. Many department stores offer their own ready-made hampers, which are usually beautifully presented and are a great choice if you want a gorgeous gift to give but are short on time. Alternatively, you could make up your very own hamper and fill it with all their foodie favourites for them to enjoy at their leisure while relaxing at home.

Dining Experience

If you would like to plan an experience to remember and combine it with a foodie twist, you could book your loved one in for a dining experience. Dining experiences make unique gifts and are great presents for extra-special occasions such as big birthdays and anniversaries. There are lots of dining experiences to choose from, and you could select anything from a three-course dinner at a murder mystery event, dinner on board a steam train or river cruise, or how about dinner in a unique location such as The Shard in London? Whichever option you choose, your gift is sure to be appreciated.

This is a super simple, easy, tasty low calorie chicken strips recipe.

They're so easy to make, and very delicious!

Check out the video to seem them made, or scroll down to the bottom of this page for the full written recipe and instructions.

After trying the feta pasta trend, then making my own Boursin twist on it (which you all seemed to love!) I decided to create another delicious pasta traybake! 

They're so easy to literally throw together, and perfect for weeknight cooking.

This is my pesto pasta chicken, which works out to be 377 calories per serving (4 servings) or approx 4.5 syns, (depending on the reduced fat pesto you use)

Fancy some more recipes?

Like the look of this recipe? I have loads more for you to look through as well! Click the links below for more:

Slimming World Friendly Dinner Recipes

 Slimming World Friendly Breakfast 

Slimming World Friendly Lunch Recipes 

 Slimming Friendly Fakeaways

Add pasta water