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A Dietitian’s 1500 Calorie Meal Plan for Weight Loss
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Navigating meal planning can be challenging, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule, picky eaters, and the goal of losing weight.
If you’re aiming to keep calories in check and shed some pounds, this is for you—a 1,500-calorie meal plan designed with weight loss in mind. It includes everything you need to stay on track: full recipes, calorie counts, and a macronutrient breakdown to help you make informed choices without the guesswork.
Want support that goes beyond the meal plan? Working one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian can give you the structure, accountability, and expert guidance to hit your goals faster—book an appointment today!
Day 1
Breakfast: Ham and Cheese Scramble
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 slices of ham, chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
¼ cup shredded cheese (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or your favorite)
1 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp red or yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp milk or cream
⅛ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk/cream, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in the skillet, followed by the diced yellow onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Pour the egg mixture on top of the veggie mixture and stir slightly so the eggs can reach the bottom of the skillet.
Add the ham and cook until it reaches your desired consistency.
Per serving:
Calories: 350
Fat: 26g
Carbs: 4g
Protein: 25g
Lunch: Loaded Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 slices whole wheat bread
½ of a red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium-sized slice of red onion
½ of an avocado, sliced or mashed
½ of a small cucumber, thinly sliced
1-2 leaves of leaf lettuce, butter lettuce, or romaine
For hummus: Add ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Start with the lower amounts of water and oil and add more if it’s too thick. Of course, you can use store-bought hummus if you prefer.
For the sandwiches, spread hummus on both sides of the bread (toast the bread if desired) and assemble veggies.
Per Serving:
Calories: 360
Carbs: 39g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 19g
Snack:
⅛ cup mixed nuts + 1 small apple
Calories: 185
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 21g
Protein: 4g
Dinner: Asian-Inspired Steak Salad
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
1 bag (6 oz) of prewashed salad greens, like spring mix or mixed baby greens
½ lb of flank steak, cooked and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
¼ cup of red onion, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced into coins
1 large carrot, grated or chopped into matchsticks
1 avocado, diced
1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Dressing:
⅛ cup soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp fresh garlic, minced or pressed
1 Tbsp honey
Directions:
To make dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also add it to a mason jar and shake vigorously.
For salad, assemble all ingredients and top with dressing and sesame seeds.
Per Serving:
Calories: 630
Total Carbs: 39g
Fiber: 11g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 37g
Total for Day 1: 1,525 calories
Day 2
Breakfast: Tropical Green Protein Smoothie
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
4-8 oz unsweetened almond milk
4-6 oz canned full-fat coconut milk
2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale
½ cup diced frozen zucchini
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
¼ cup frozen pineapple chunks
Directions:
Blend all ingredients well in a high-powered blender.
Note: Add more of the milk if you want a thinner consistency.
Per Serving:
Calories: 305
Total Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 12g
Lunch: Greek Salmon Salad Bowls
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 cups butter lettuce
1, 5-oz can wild-caught salmon
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
¼ cup red onion, sliced
1 small cucumber, diced
Optional: 2-3 Tbsp olives
Dressing:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
⅛ tsp dried oregano
Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
Add all salad ingredients to a large bowl.
Whisk or shake dressing ingredients in a mason jar and add to salad.
¼ cup unsalted roasted pistachios (measured without shells)
½ of a lemon, juiced
2-3 large carrots, cut into coins
1-2 tsp avocado oil
½ tsp salt, divided
½ tsp black pepper, divided
½ tsp garlic powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
In a food processor, combine chopped dates, dill, pistachios, lemon juice, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and a drizzle of avocado oil (add just enough if needed for binding). Pulse until the mixture is coarse and chunky, not a paste.
Place salmon fillets on one side of the baking sheet. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Press the date-pistachio mixture onto the top of each piece.
On the other side of the sheet, toss carrot coins with 1 tsp avocado oil, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper. Spread evenly.
Roast for 14–16 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through and carrots are tender and caramelized at the edges.
Per Serving:
Calories: 550
Total Carbs: 41g
Protein: 47g
Fat: 23g Total for Day 2: 1,524 calories
Day 3
Breakfast: 5-Minute Healthy Oatmeal
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup of milk (any milk of your preference will work)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
Optional toppings: Blueberries, strawberries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, or honey
Directions:
Add oats, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to a small pot and bring to a low boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until it thickens to a desired consistency. Stir in the protein powder.
Remove from heat and top with optional toppings.
Per Serving: (Without toppings)
Calories: 355
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 28g Fat: 8g
Lunch: BLAT Salad
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 cups butter lettuce
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
½ of an avocado, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (or 1 large Roma or beefsteak tomato)
Assemble all ingredients in a salad bowl and top with dressing.
Per Serving:
Calories: 435
Total Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 38g
Snack:
Turkey + cheese roll-ups
4 slices of turkey breast
1 slice cheese of choice
2 Tbsp mustard for dipping
Calories: 225
Total Carbs: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 11g
Dinner: Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
1, 15-oz can black beans
1, 15-oz can of corn (or fresh)
2 tsp olive oil
½ of a red bell pepper, sliced
½ of a red onion, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1 cup cooked brown rice (or choose cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option)
¼ tsp each of salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika
Optional toppings: Salsa, cilantro, cheese, or Greek yogurt (as a sour cream substitute)
Directions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Add bell pepper and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add spices, black beans, and corn, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Separate brown rice into bowls and top with bean/veggie mixture, diced avocado, and any optional toppings.
Per Serving:
Calories: 485
Carbs: 66g
Fiber: 15g
Protein: 13g Fat: 22g
Total for Day 3: 1,500 calories
Day 4
Breakfast: Savory Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
¼ cup dry quinoa
½ cup water
1 egg (fried, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled)
1 tsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ of a red bell pepper, diced
2 Tbsp red onion, diced
1 cup baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ tsp salt
¼ – ⅓ of an avocado, sliced or diced
Directions:
Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a small pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, bell pepper, and onion; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt.
Cook your egg to preference (fried, soft-boiled, or hard-boiled).
Assemble the bowl: quinoa on the bottom, topped with sautéed veggies, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and the cooked egg on top.
Per serving:
Calories: 340
Fat: 21g
Carbs: 33g
Protein: 13g
Lunch: Chicken Cobb Salad
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh butter lettuce, roughly chopped or torn
1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
¼ cup red onion, sliced
4-6 oz cooked chicken, diced (pre-grilled or cook your own)
1 hard-boiled egg, sliced and sprinkled with salt and pepper
½ of a box (about 8oz) of chickpea spaghetti (like Banza)
1 zucchini, sliced into thin coins
½ of a medium yellow onion, diced
½ of a red bell pepper, diced
2 tsp olive oil
12 oz of marinara sauce
½ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the chickpea spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper.
Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Stir in most of the grated Parmesan cheese, reserving some to sprinkle on top when serving.
Per serving:
Calories: 400
Fat: 15g
Net Carbs: 36g
Protein: 26g
Total for Day 4: 1,555 calories
Day 5
Breakfast: Avocado Egg and Veggie Skillet
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
1 small avocado (diced)
2 eggs (scrambled or fried)
½ cup spinach (fresh)
¼ cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor
Directions:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add spinach and tomatoes to the skillet and sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened, about 2-3 minutes.
Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and crack the eggs into the empty side, cooking them to your preferred doneness (scrambled or fried).
While the eggs cook, dice the avocado and set it aside.
Once the eggs are ready, add the diced avocado on top of the eggs and veggies.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices/herbs.
Veggies for serving/dipping with: Celery, baby carrots, cucumbers, or bell pepper quarters
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and scoop on top of veggies.
Calories: 475
Total Carbs: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 49g
Fat: 26g
Snack:
2 Tbsp guacamole or mashed avocado
Assorted unlimited veggies (carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, radishes)
Calories: 120-150
Total Carbs: 10-12g
Fiber: 4-5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Dinner: Healthy Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
½ of a medium spaghetti squash or 1 small*
½ lb grass-fed ground beef (15% fat)
½ of a yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1/4 tsp oregano
½ – ¾ tsp salt or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
12 oz jar of marinara sauce (with no or low added sugar)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Carefully slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise (if it’s too hard, pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute and let it cool before trying again).
Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place each squash half (cut side down) on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cook for 20-25 minutes, then let cool.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil.
Add the ground beef and let it brown for a few minutes.
Add the onion, carrots, celery, and seasonings; mix and cook until veggies are tender.
Add in marinara sauce, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
After the spaghetti squash has cooled slightly, take two forks and shred the inside of the squash, resulting in spaghetti-like strands.
Split the squash between bowls and top with bolognese sauce.
*Time-Saver-Tip: You can also use pre-cooked and shredded spaghetti squash
Per Serving:
Calories: 420
Carbs: 22g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 25g
Total for Day 6: 1,485 calories
Day 7
Breakfast: Blueberry Tahini Smoothie
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 banana (sliced and then frozen is best)
8-10 oz unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1 serving of vanilla protein powder (1-2 scoops)
1 Tbsp tahini
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend well.
Add more milk if you like a thinner smoothie, or less (<6 oz) if you want a thicker consistency.
Per Serving:
Calories: 400
Carbs: 44g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 27g Fat: 13g
Lunch: “Big Mac” Salad
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2-3 cups (1 head) of romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ lb of ground beef
1 tsp olive or avocado oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 small beefsteak tomato, diced (or ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved)
2 Tbsp red onion, sliced or diced
¼ cup pickles, diced
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp “special sauce” dressing (either store-bought, such as Thrive Market and Primal Kitchen, or homemade)
Homemade Special Sauce Dressing: (will have extra)
¼ cup avocado oil mayonnaise (Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods)
1 Tbsp ketchup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp pickles, minced
1 Tbsp yellow onion, finely minced
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Directions:
Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive/avocado oil.
When hot, add the ground beef, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, breaking it up with a wooden spoon and cooking until no longer pink. Set aside (draining excess fat), allowing to cool.
Add chopped romaine, diced tomato, sliced or diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped pickles to a large salad bowl.
Add the cooked ground beef and salad dressing. If you’re making homemade dressing, whisk all of the ingredients well in a small bowl.
Per serving:
Calories: 490
Fat: 30g
Net Carbs: 11g
Protein: 43g
Snack:
6oz full-fat Greek yogurt (plain)
7-10 almonds
Calories: 170
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 14g
Dinner: Shrimp Tacos with Easy Cabbage Slaw
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
4 small corn tortillas
½ lb large or jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cumin
Cabbage Slaw: (May have extra)
2 cups of shredded red cabbage
2 Tbsp avocado oil mayonnaise
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ – ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: Sliced avocado (¼ of an avocado adds about 60 calories), lime juice, hot sauce, or salsa
Directions:
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then toss the shrimp with the seasonings in a bowl.
Add the cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to a separate bowl. Mix well to combine and set aside.
Add the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, followed by the seasoned shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp is cooked through and not translucent throughout. Remove from the heat.
Fill the tortillas with shrimp, cabbage slaw, and optional toppings, like lime juice, sliced avocado, salsa, or hot sauce.
Per Serving: (2 tacos)
Calories: 440
Carbs: 35g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 23g Fat: 16g
Total for Day 7: 1,500 calories
Tips and Daily Guidelines
Build balanced meals: Include protein, fiber, and healthy fats at every meal to stay satisfied and support blood sugar balance.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. A common goal is to aim for about half of your body weight in ounces, but listen to your body and adjust based on your activity level, climate, age, and environment (i.e., drink more if you’re hot and sweating).
Enjoy your coffee or tea within reason: Moderate amounts are fine, but watch out for sugary creamers, which can add up fast.
Move your body daily: Even 20 minutes of walking or light activity counts.
Avoid “naked carbs”: Pair carb-dense foods like fruit or bread with a source of protein, fat, or fiber to prevent energy crashes and hunger spikes.
Moderate alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, try to keep it moderate—up to one drink per day for women and two for men. Be mindful of how it affects your calorie intake, as each drink adds approximately 100-200 calories (or much more, if sugary mixers are added).
How a Dietitian Can Help
While general meal plans on the Internet can be helpful to get ideas and recipe inspiration, it’s important to know that they don’t apply to everyone.
Your calorie and macronutrient needs are not the same as those of your friend, spouse, or neighbor, so you shouldn’t all use the same meal plan.
That’s where a Registered Dietitian (RD) comes in.
RDs are nutrition experts who can craft personalized meal plans that are tailored to your calorie needs, preferences, time constraints, and dietary habits.
If you want a meal plan that is 100% customized to you, book an appointment with one of our RDs today!
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