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Atkins meal plan for muscle gain

Achieve your muscle-building goals with the Atkins meal plan for muscle gain. This plan is tailored to provide the nutrients needed to support muscle growth while keeping carbs low. Enjoy protein-rich meals that help you get stronger and leaner.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon fillets
  • Eggs
  • Ground beef
  • Turkey bacon
  • Pork chops
  • Shrimp
  • Tuna
  • Greek yogurt
  • Cottage cheese
  • Cheddar cheese

  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Cauliflower
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Avocado
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts

  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Almond milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Beef jerky
  • Whey protein powder

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Meal plan overview

The atkins meal plan for muscle gain aims to provide the right nutrients to support muscle growth while keeping carbs low. This plan includes high-protein foods like eggs, lean meats, and protein shakes, combined with healthy fats and low-carb vegetables. Meals are designed to fuel your workouts and aid in recovery.

It's perfect for those looking to build muscle without the extra carbs. This plan ensures you're getting the protein and nutrients needed for muscle repair and growth, helping you achieve your fitness goals effectively.

Foods to eat

  • Lean Meats: Chicken breast, turkey, and lean cuts of beef are essential for muscle growth.
  • Eggs: High in protein and rich in vitamins, great for muscle repair and growth.
  • Fish: Salmon and tuna are high in protein and beneficial fats.
  • Whey Protein: A quick and effective way to increase protein intake post-workout.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds offer protein and healthy fats.
✅ Tip

For muscle gain, add a post-workout snack of Greek yogurt and a handful of nuts to fuel muscle recovery with high protein and healthy fats.

Foods not to eat

  • Sugary Snacks: These can lead to energy crashes and interfere with muscle recovery.
  • Refined Carbs: White bread, pastries, and pasta can cause insulin spikes.
  • High-Fat Fast Foods: Burgers, fries, and fried chicken are high in unhealthy fats and low in protein.
  • Soft Drinks: Sodas are full of empty calories and sugar.
  • Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can impair muscle recovery and growth.

Main benefits

The Atkins meal plan for muscle gain emphasizes high protein intake, essential for muscle repair and growth. This plan ensures a steady supply of amino acids, crucial for building lean muscle mass. It also includes healthy fats that provide energy for intense workouts and support overall hormonal balance.

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🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

To maximize muscle growth while following the Atkins diet, consider these powerful substitutions:

  • For an alternative protein source, duck breast can replace ground beef, providing a rich, flavorful meat with high protein content.
  • To diversify fats, macadamia nuts can replace walnuts, offering a buttery texture and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • For a different green, Swiss chard can replace spinach, providing a mild flavor and essential vitamins.
  • To add variety to dairy, goat cheese can replace cheddar cheese, offering a tangy flavor and easier digestibility.
  • For a creamy treat, coconut cream can replace heavy cream, offering a dairy-free option with a rich, smooth texture.

How to budget on this meal plan

For muscle gain on an Atkins meal plan, focus on buying protein sources in bulk and during sales, like chicken, beef, and fish. Consider incorporating more eggs and dairy products, which are often cheaper than meat. Opt for nutrient-dense, low-carb vegetables and buy them frozen to save money. Meal prepping ensures you always have a high-protein option ready without resorting to expensive, pre-packaged foods.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Here are some healthy snack ideas for an Atkins meal plan for muscle gain:

  • Greek yogurt with protein powder
  • Boiled eggs with a pinch of paprika
  • Grilled chicken breast strips
  • Cottage cheese with sliced strawberries
  • Protein bars
  • Edamame
  • Tuna salad with celery sticks
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For the Atkins meal plan for muscle gain, focus on hydrating with water. Additionally, consider drinking protein shakes made with low-carb, high-protein powders and unsweetened almond or coconut milk. Black coffee and unsweetened teas are also good options. Avoid sugary drinks and limit diet sodas to keep your carb intake in check.

How to get even more nutrients?

For the Atkins meal plan for muscle gain, prioritize high-quality protein sources such as lean beef, chicken breast, and whey protein to support muscle repair and growth. Include complex carbohydrates from vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots for additional energy and fiber. Ensure adequate healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocados to support hormone production and overall health.

Meal plan suggestions

Atkins Meal Plan for Muscle Gain

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Cheddar Cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled Chicken Breast with Asparagus
  • Dinner: Salmon Fillet with Cauliflower Rice
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries

Calories: 1800  Fat: 120g   Carbs: 40g   Protein: 150g

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Turkey Bacon and Scrambled Eggs
  • Lunch: Beef Jerky with Cheddar Cheese
  • Dinner: Pork Chops with Steamed Broccoli
  • Snack: Cottage Cheese with Almonds

Calories: 1900  Fat: 130g   Carbs: 30g   Protein: 160g

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Omelette with Bell Peppers and Cheddar Cheese
  • Lunch: Grilled Shrimp Salad with Avocado
  • Dinner: Ground Beef Stir-fry with Zucchini
  • Snack: Whey Protein Shake with Almond Milk

Calories: 1850  Fat: 125g   Carbs: 35g   Protein: 155g

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Chia Seed Pudding with Coconut Milk and Berries
  • Lunch: Tuna Salad with Olive Oil Dressing
  • Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Roasted Cauliflower
  • Snack: Greek Yogurt with Walnuts

Calories: 1750  Fat: 115g   Carbs: 40g   Protein: 145g

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Bacon
  • Lunch: Baked Salmon with Asparagus
  • Dinner: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles
  • Snack: Cottage Cheese with Strawberries

Calories: 1950  Fat: 135g   Carbs: 30g   Protein: 165g

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Greek Yogurt Parfait with Almonds and Berries
  • Lunch: Pork Chops with Steamed Broccoli
  • Dinner: Grilled Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice
  • Snack: Beef Jerky with Cheddar Cheese

Calories: 1800  Fat: 125g   Carbs: 35g   Protein: 150g

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Spinach and Cheese Omelette
  • Lunch: Tuna Salad with Avocado
  • Dinner: Grilled Chicken with Asparagus
  • Snack: Mixed Nuts (Almonds and Walnuts)

Calories: 1900  Fat: 130g   Carbs: 30g   Protein: 160g

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.