You Just Found Out You Have High Cholesterol—Try This 30-Day Meal Plan, Created by a Dietitian

Looking for a simple routine that can help lower your cholesterol? This 30-day meal plan can help.

a collage featuring Cod Fish Tacos, Peach Pie Overnight Oats, and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
Photo:

Antonis Achilleos; Morgan Hunt Glaze; Victor Protasio

Whether you’ve been struggling with high cholesterol for years or just found out your numbers are elevated, this low-cholesterol meal plan can help. We map out 30 days of delicious meals and snacks tailored to reduce cholesterol levels. To make this meal plan beginner-friendly, we chose simpler recipes with shorter ingredient lists, called for leftovers several times throughout the month and included ample meal-prep tips each week to make for a seamless routine. Check it out!

How We Create Meal Plans

Registered dietitians thoughtfully create EatingWell’s meal plans to be easy-to-follow and delicious. Each meal plan meets specific parameters depending on the health condition and/or lifestyle goal it is targeting and is analyzed for accuracy using the nutrition database, ESHA Food Processor. As nutritional needs differ from person to person, we encourage you to use these plans as inspiration and adjust as you see fit.

Why This Meal Plan Is Great for You

To help lower cholesterol, we capped saturated fat at no more than 14 grams per day. While there’s some debate over saturated fat and its impact on cholesterol, we still opted to limit it but included plenty of unsaturated fats from foods such as nuts, seeds and avocado. Unsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and improve heart health.

To further help lower cholesterol, we included fiber-rich meals and snacks. Fiber is an all-star nutrient with many health benefits, including playing an important role in reducing cholesterol. The recommended fiber intake ranges from 25 to 38 grams per day. Because research links a high fiber intake with a reduced level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, we aimed for the higher end of that goal with each day providing an average of 39 grams.

Though total protein intake doesn’t typically significantly influence cholesterol levels, we know it’s a nutrient that many people prioritize. Each day provides an average of 93 grams of protein, which will help keep you feeling satiated and energized throughout the day. 

This 1,800-calorie meal plan has modifications for 1,500 and 2,000 calories to support those with different calorie needs. While we previously included meal plans and modifications for 1,200 calories, we no longer do. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting your calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ​​Is it OK to mix and match meals if there is one I do not like?

    Absolutely! If there's a meal you don’t like, you can opt to repeat a different meal selected for this meal plan or check out more of our recipes for healthy cholesterol levels for inspiration.

  • Can I eat the same breakfast or lunch every day?

    Yes, we provided an array of breakfast and lunch options. All of them fit in a healthy-cholesterol meal pattern, so if you prefer to choose a favorite and stick with it, that works! If you’re closely monitoring calories, fiber, saturated fat or other nutrients, you may need to adjust a snack or two, though most meals selected have a similar nutrition profile.

  • Why is there not a modification for 1,200 calories?

    We no longer provide modifications for 1,200-calorie days in our meal plans. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that limiting calories to 1,200 per day is too low for most people to meet their nutritional needs, plus it’s unsustainable for long-term health and well-being.

  • What are the health impacts of high cholesterol?

    If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which causes narrowing of the blood vessels. This narrowing prevents normal blood flow and can lead to heart attack. High cholesterol also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Strategies to Improve Cholesterol 

Though high cholesterol can be caused by genetic factors, there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce cholesterol levels:

  • Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish and lean proteins in your routine to support a healthy heart and reduce cholesterol. Aim to eat plenty of high-fiber foods, which can also help lower cholesterol.  
  • Exercise: The American Heart Association recommends that people aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise to help lower cholesterol. This may look like a brisk walk, five days a week for 30 minutes. Wondering where to start? Check out our Walking Plan to Help Lower Your Cholesterol Levels.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Though often easier said than done, aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night can lower your risk of high cholesterol. Learn how to get better zzz’s by reading 4 Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep, According to an Expert.
  • Eat More Unsaturated Fats: Including more unsaturated fats in your routine can help lower cholesterol. Unsaturated fats are found in foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil. 

Heart-Healthy Foods to Focus On

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Edamame and tofu
  • Dairy, especially yogurt and kefir
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts (including nut butters)
  • Seeds (chia, flax, pumpkin and more)
  • Lean proteins, such as poultry and eggs
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Beans and lentils
  • Avocado
  • Unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and avocado oil
  • Herbs and spices

Week 1

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Lemon-Blueberry Granola to have with breakfast throughout the week.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing to have for lunch on Days 2 through 5. 
  3. Make Peach Pie Overnight Oats to have for breakfast on Days 2 through 5.
  4. Prepare Mango-Date Energy Bites to have as a snack throughout the week.  

Day 1

7748790.jpg

Breakfast (545 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (420 calories)

P.M. Snack (215 calories)

Dinner (405 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,804 calories, 65g fat, 11g saturated fat, 88g protein, 230g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,388mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie at breakfast. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack. 

Day 2

6859253.jpg

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (215 calories)

Dinner (501 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,783 calories, 76g fat, 13g saturated fat, 88g protein, 194g carbohydrate, 32g fiber, 1,518mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast and change A.M. snack to ½ cup sliced strawberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack. 

Day 3

a recipe photo of the Easy Spaghetti with Spinach Sauce

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (489 calories)

Evening Snack (146 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,821 calories, 79g fat, 12g saturated fat, 79g protein, 212g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,369mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast, change P.M. snack to 1 plum and reduce to 1 serving Mango-Date Energy Bites at evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium apple with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter. 

Day 4

Green chile rotisserie chicken casserole recipe in a light green baking dish, with a serving spoon spooning out a portion of the casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (215 calories)

Dinner (418 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Green Chile Rotisserie Chicken Casserole to have for dinner tomorrow night.  

Daily Totals: 1,796 calories, 58g fat, 12g saturated fat, 107g protein, 218g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,752mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast, change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange and change evening snack to ½ cup sliced strawberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack. 

Day 5

a recipe photo of the Peach Pie Overnight Oats

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (305 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (393 calories)

P.M. Snack (243 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts

Dinner (418 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,814 calories, 63g fat, 11g saturated fat, 113g protein, 201g carbohydrate, 30g fiber, 1,778mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast and omit peanut butter at A.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack. 

Day 6

a recipe photo of Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall

Breakfast (420 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 2 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (420 calories)

P.M. Snack (215 calories)

Dinner (398 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,804 calories, 76g fat, 13g saturated fat, 84g protein, 217g carbohydrate, 42g fiber, 1,161mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to 1 medium peach and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Traditional Greek Salad to dinner. 

Day 7

Veggie & hummus sandwich

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Breakfast (401 calories)

A.M. Snack (210 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (420 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (400 calories)

Evening Snack (146 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,783 calories, 72g fat, 14g saturated fat, 89g protein, 214g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,305mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium peach and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter at A.M. snack, add 1 plum to P.M. snack and increase to 3 servings Mango-Date Energy Bites at evening snack.

Week 2

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Triple-Berry Blended Oats to have for breakfast on Days 9 through 12.
  2. Prepare Spicy Slaw Bowls with Shrimp & Edamame to have for lunch on Days 9 through 12. 
  3. Prepare Mango-Date Energy Bites to have as a snack throughout the week. 

Day 8

Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach
Jacob Fox

Breakfast (545 calories)

A.M. Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Dinner (573 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,806 calories, 74g fat, 12g saturated fat, 89g protein, 207g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 2,248mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie at breakfast.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to A.M. snack. 

Day 9

6885399.jpg

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (364 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (394 calories)

Evening Snack (210 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Daily Totals: 1,778 calories, 99g fat, 13g saturated fat, 96g protein, 137g carbohydrate, 36g fiber, 879mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to ¼ cup salted dry-roasted edamame and change evening snack to 1 medium peach. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple to lunch and increase to 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter at evening snack. 

Day 10

a bowl of kale topped with Parmesan cheese
Jason Donnelly

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Lunch (364 calories)

P.M. Snack (243 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts

Dinner (513 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover 4-Ingredient Adas bis-Silq (Lentil & Chard Soup) to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,810 calories, 84g fat, 11g saturated fat, 85g protein, 203g carbohydrate, 48g fiber, 1,136mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 plum, omit walnuts at P.M. snack and change evening snack to 1 cup sliced strawberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack. 

Day 11

a recipe photo of the Triple-Berry Blended Oats

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Lunch (364 calories)

P.M. Snack (243 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 medium peach
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped walnuts

Dinner (513 calories)

Evening Snack (95 calories)

  • 1 medium apple

Daily Totals: 1,810 calories, 84g fat, 11g saturated fat, 85g protein, 203g carbohydrate, 48g fiber, 1,136mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 plum, omit walnuts at P.M. snack and change evening snack to 1 cup sliced strawberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack. 

Day 12

6349099.jpg

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (364 calories)

P.M. Snack (315 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (514 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,802 calories, 88g fat, 14g saturated fat, 85g protein, 183g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,188mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Reduce to 2 servings Mango-Date Energy Bites at A.M. snack and omit peanut butter at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple and 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter as an evening snack.

Day 13

a recipe photo of the Fish Taco Bowls with Green Cabbage Slaw
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Breakfast (369 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (529 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,781 calories, 85g fat, 12g saturated fat, 95g protein, 181g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,789mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit chopped walnuts at breakfast and reduce to 1 serving Mango-Date Energy Bites at A.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack. 

Day 14

a recipe photo of the One-Pot White Bean, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo with Lemon & Feta

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Breakfast (401 calories)

A.M. Snack (219 calories)

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Dinner (495 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,780 calories, 76g fat, 14g saturated fat, 74g protein, 221g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,746mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 plum and change P.M. snack to 1 cup sliced strawberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack.

Week 3

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Peach Pie Overnight Oats to have for breakfast on Days 16 through 19. 
  2. Prepare Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken to have for lunch on Days 16 through 19. 

Day 15

Salmon Rice Bowl

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (545 calories)

A.M. Snack (133 calories)

  • ¼ cup salted dry-roasted edamame
  • 1 clementine

Lunch (420 calories)

P.M. Snack (215 calories)

Dinner (481 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,794 calories, 66g fat, 10g saturated fat, 78g protein, 236g carbohydrate, 45g fiber, 1,555mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie at breakfast. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to the apple at lunch. 

Day 16

a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (355 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (419 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans to have for dinner tomorrow night.

Daily Totals: 1,782 calories, 55g fat, 9g saturated fat, 108g protein, 227g carbohydrate, 37g fiber, 1,051mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast and change P.M. snack to ⅓ cup blueberries. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 3 servings Mango-Date Energy Bites to lunch. 

Day 17

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Lydia Pursell

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (210 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (355 calories)

P.M. Snack (315 calories)

Dinner (419 calories)

Evening Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Daily Totals: 1,816 calories, 45g fat, 13g saturated fat, 110g protein, 251g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,240mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit peanut butter at A.M. snack and omit Lemon-Blueberry Granola at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to evening snack. 

Day 18

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing, low angle on a plate

Ali Redmond

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (355 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (472 calories)

Evening Snack (105 calories)

  • 1 medium banana

Daily Totals: 1,808 calories, 55g fat, 9g saturated fat, 97g protein, 247g carbohydrate, 47g fiber, 1,270mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to ¼ cup blueberries and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack. 

Day 19

Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce

Breakfast (455 calories)

A.M. Snack (141 calories)

  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup hummus

Lunch (355 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (557 calories)

Evening Snack (105 calories)

  • 1 medium banana

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Spaghetti with Quick Meat Sauce to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,820 calories, 68g fat, 14g saturated fat, 93g protein, 226g carbohydrate, 38g fiber, 1,894mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit kefir at breakfast and hummus at A.M. snack and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter to evening snack. 

Day 20

Traditional Greek Salad

Breakfast (318 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (141 calories)

  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup hummus

Lunch (387 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (557 calories)

Evening Snack (193 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • ¼ cup salted dry-roasted edamame 

Daily Totals: 1,802 calories, 84g fat, 14g saturated fat, 91g protein, 195g carbohydrate, 49g fiber, 1,733mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit hummus at A.M. snack and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Peanut Butter-Banana Cinnamon Toast to breakfast and change evening snack to 1 large pear. 

Day 21

Charred Shrimp, Pesto & Quinoa Bowls

Breakfast (369 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (387 calories)

P.M. Snack (259 calories)

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (436 calories)

Evening Snack (118 calories)

  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Daily Totals: 1,784 calories, 94g fat, 13g saturated, 102g protein, 148g carbohydrate, 41g fiber, 1,203mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit almonds at P.M. snack and change evening snack to 1 medium peach. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 serving Peanut Butter-Banana Cinnamon Toast to breakfast and omit strawberries at P.M. snack.

Week 4

How to Meal-Prep Your Week of Meals:

  1. Make Triple-Berry Blended Oats to have for breakfast on Days 23 through 26.
  2. Prepare Chopped Salad with Chickpeas, Olives & Feta to have for lunch on Days 23 through 26. 

Day 22

4784296.jpg

Breakfast (545 calories)

A.M. Snack (141 calories)

  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup hummus

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (59 calories)

  • 1 medium peach

Dinner (543 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,820 calories, 73g fat, 11g saturated fat, 90g protein, 218g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,977mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie at breakfast and change P.M. snack to 1 clementine. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack. 

Day 23

a recipe photo of the Chicken & Rice Soup

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Lunch (397 calories)

P.M. Snack (141 calories)

  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup hummus

Dinner (519 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover One-Pot Chicken & Rice Soup to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,783 calories, 80g fat, 14g saturated fat, 95g protein, 180g carbohydrate, 41g fiber, 1,927mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 3 servings Mango-Date Energy Bites to lunch. 

Day 24

a recipe photo of the Spinach Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (200 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (397 calories)

P.M. Snack (179 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped walnuts 

Dinner (519 calories)

Evening Snack (131 calories)

  • 1 large pear

Daily Totals: 1,815 calories, 70g fat, 14g saturated fat, 102g protein, 202g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,794mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium orange, omit walnuts at P.M. snack and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to evening snack.

Day 25

Falafel Pita Sandwiches with Tzatziki

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (397 calories)

P.M. Snack (305 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (491 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,797 calories, 79g fat, 12g saturated fat, 87g protein, 188g carbohydrate, 39g fiber, 1,842mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change A.M. snack to 1 medium banana and omit peanut butter at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.

Day 26

Overhead image of One Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli in pan.

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen; Food Stylist: Greg Luna

Breakfast (390 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (397 calories)

P.M. Snack (206 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds

Dinner (436 calories)

Evening Snack (179 calories)

  • 1 (5.3-oz.) container nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped walnuts 

Daily Totals: 1,822, 83g fat, 11g saturated fat, 119g protein, 160g carbohydrate, 34g fiber, 1,202mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Change P.M. snack to 1 medium orange and omit evening snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add 1 medium apple to lunch and increase to 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts at evening snack. 

Day 27

a recipe photo of the Roasted Lemon Chicken & Vegetables

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Breakfast (545 calories)

A.M. Snack (215 calories)

Lunch (516 calories)

P.M. Snack (62 calories)

  • 1 medium orange

Dinner (468 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,805 calories, 71g fat, 12g saturated fat, 79g protein, 227g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,381mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie at breakfast. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds to P.M. snack. 

Day 28

Cod Fish Tacos
Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall

Breakfast (369 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (200 calories)

  • 1 medium apple
  • 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (237 calories)

  • ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds
  • 1 plum

Dinner (478 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,816 calories, 102g fat, 14g saturated fat, 88g protein, 156g carbohydrate, 40g fiber, 1,792mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit peanut butter at A.M. snack and omit almonds at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Increase to 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter at A.M. snack and add 1 medium banana as an evening snack. 

Week 5

Day 29

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

Jason Donnelly

Breakfast (369 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (160 calories)

  • ¼ cup salted dry-roasted edamame
  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (315 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (442 calories)

Meal-Prep Tip: Reserve leftover Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili to have for dinner tomorrow night. 

Daily Totals: 1,819 calories, 85g fat, 13g saturated fat, 99g protein, 177g carbohydrate, 45g fiber, 1,965mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit edamame at A.M. snack and peanut butter at P.M. snack. 

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack. 

Day 30

Overhead view of a blue plate of Anti-Inflammatory Beet & Avocado Wrap recipe ready to serve

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Breakfast (369 calories)

  • 1 cup nonfat plain strained Greek-style yogurt
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped walnuts
  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • ½ cup blueberries

A.M. Snack (160 calories)

  • ¼ cup salted dry-roasted edamame
  • 1 medium orange

Lunch (533 calories)

P.M. Snack (315 calories)

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter

Dinner (442 calories)

Daily Totals: 1,819 calories, 85g fat, 13g saturated fat, 99g protein, 177g carbohydrate, 45g fiber, 1,965mg sodium

Make it 1,500 calories: Omit edamame at A.M. snack and peanut butter at P.M. snack.

Make it 2,000 calories: Add ¼ cup unsalted dry-roasted almonds as an evening snack.

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Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. American Heart Association. 4 Ways to Get Good Fats Infographic.

  2. Fu L, Zhang G, Qian S, Zhang Q, Tan M. Associations between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular risk factors: An umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Front Nutr. 2022;9:972399. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.972399

  3. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Easy Ways to Boost Fiber in Your Daily Diet.

  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Cholesterol.

  5. American Heart Association. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia).

  6. National Institutes of Health. MedlinePlus. How to Lower Cholesterol.

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