Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (2024)

Be successful on the keto diet by planning out your menu. This guide will show you how easy it is to plan an entire week’s worth of meals that are all keto-friendly.

Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (1)

What is the Keto Diet?

Basically, the ketogenic diet is a way of eating that puts your body into a state called “ketosis.” By restricting your carbohydrate intake, your body releases ketones and burns fat for energy.

YUP! It uses fat for energy – goodbye fat! – and doesn’t store any more fat. That’s how so many people lose weight when they follow the ketogenic diet.

If you are brand new to keto, start here. In that blog post, I outline 5 simple ways to get started.

How to Avoid Temptation on Keto

One of the most challenging things about starting keto, especially when you’re transitioning from a high-carb diet, is how restricting it can feel at times. This is your body detoxing from relying on sugar and carbs for energy and it’s totally normal.

But when those urges hit – and they might hit hard – you have to remain strong and stick to your plan. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to fight those cravings and stay on track.

Here are some tried-and-tested ways to avoid temptation on Keto:

  • Eat plenty of healthy fats. When you consume healthy fats, your brain will get a “full” signal and you won’t feel as hungry. Types of healthy fats include avocado, fish, nut butters.
  • Don’t eat out as much. Yes, you can eat low carb when dining out, but it can be tough. Research where you are going before you arrive. And if you are feeling particularly emotional or weak-willed, just eat at home.
  • Meal plan. When you plan ahead, you are fighting your cravings before they start. Eliminate that feeling of “I don’t know what to eat” with a thorough meal plan.

How to Make a Meal Plan on Keto Diet

I know, meal planning seems like a really boring and tedious task, right? But it can be fun! Take this opportunity to try new meals and experiment with different flavors.

The best thing about making a Keto menu for the week is that you know ahead of time what there is to eat! No more wondering and excuses and feeling defeated.

Plus, when you plan out your meals, you can schedule the slow cooker meals on your busy days and your more involved meals on your days off.

If you haven’t ever made a meal plan, here’s how to do it in 5 easy steps!

1.) Make a List of Meals You Enjoy

First, sit down with Pinterest and start making a list of meals you enjoy. Even if you really love something that is filled with carbs chances are there is a Keto version on Pinterest.

2.) Plan all 3 Meals and Snacks

Next, don’t forget to plan for all 3 meals and some snacks. Don’t leave anything up to chance.

3.) Do Food Prep On One Day

After you have all your meals planned out for the week, do meal prep on your day off. Chop up all the veggies and pre-cook your meats. This will save you time during the week and remove any excuses you might have to order takeout.

4.) SeparateMeals into Portable Containers

When you do your meal prep, sort everything into portable containers. Some people even put their work lunches in plastic containers so they can just grab them and go.

5.) Write it Down

Finally, write everything down. Use a calendar if you have to or print out a meal planning worksheet. Don’t try to rely on your memory to recall what you are supposed to make that week.

Sample Keto Meal Plan

Are you ready to make a meal plan? Go browse and create some incredible dishes! If you still don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. I’m here for ya! Here is a sample meal plan to get you started.

Sunday

  • Breakfast – Keto Breakfast Muffins2.5g net carbs
  • Lunch – Crispy Parmesan Dill Salmon1.4g net carbs
  • Dinner – Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole4.3g net carbs
  • Snack – Nut Free Keto Cheesecake3.9 g net carbs

Monday

  • Breakfast – Cranberry Orange Muffins 3.2g net carbs
  • Lunch – Slow Cooker Taco Soup4.3g net carbs
  • Dinner – Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole 3.7g net carbs
  • Snack – Keto Cheesy Breadsticks3.7g carbs

Tuesday

  • Breakfast – Flourless Pumpkin Spice Pancakes 3.3g net carbs
  • Lunch – Keto Meatza 4.1g net carbs
  • Dinner – Instant Pot Beef Stew 3.3g net carbs
  • Snack – Chai Latte Fat Bombs0.6g net carbs

Wednesday

  • Breakfast – Low Carb Triple Chocolate Zucchini Muffins 4.5g net carbs
  • Lunch – Low Carb Tuna Cakes .8g net carbs
  • Dinner – Keto Beef Stroganoff 2.4g net carbs
  • Snack – Low Carb Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes 4.9g net carbs

Thursday

  • Breakfast – Low Carb Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Muffins 2.6g net carbs
  • Lunch – Keto Buffalo Chicken Tenders .6g net carbs
  • Dinner – Keto Meatballs 1g net carbs
  • Snack – Keto Chocolate Pudding 3.6g net carbs

Friday

  • Breakfast – Low Carb Glazed Orange Scones 3.1g net carbs
  • Lunch – Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup 2.8g net carbs
  • Dinner – Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Salad 1.2g net carbs
  • Snack – Keto Coffee Cake 1.7g net carbs

Saturday

  • Breakfast – Keto Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins 1g net carbs
  • Lunch – Keto Loaded Cauliflower Salad 4.7g net carbs
  • Dinner – Pressure Cooker Italian Beef 2.6g net carbs
  • Snack – Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cookies 3.7g net carbs

What are the best sides for Keto meals?

Keep the following convenient veggies prepped and ready to eat with any meal and you’ll always have low carb side dishes to round out any meal.

  • Zucchini noodles
  • Cucumbers
  • Cheese chips
  • Avocados
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Broccoli

Free Ketogenic Diet Help for Beginners

I’ve been through it and I know the struggle. I’m here to help! When you are ready to start the Ketogenic diet, make sure you are prepared. Find someone that will keep you accountable.

This blog is FULL of keto and low carb recipes.

And my favorite thing of all? Keto fat bombs! I have this amazing cookbook that I made. I might be biased, but you will love all the pictures and easy recipes inside. And you’ll never crave a high-carb snack again!

Subscribe to my newsletter and get a free Fat Bomb Recipes eBook. My newsletter is where I share free tips and ideas that will motivate you and keep you on track.

You got this! Weight loss is just around the corner.

More keto resources

Keep it up! Here are some more keto resources that will help you with your healthy-eating journey.

  • Vegetarian Keto: Eat Low-Carb and High-Protein Without Meat
  • Keto Diet Bread You Can Eat Without Guilt
  • How To Make Keto Diet Coffee
  • Keto Diet Rules – What Not To Eat
Previous Post30 Keto Salad Dressing Recipes
Next PostKeto Meatloaf

Reader Interactions

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4 Comments

  1. Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (2)Debbie Butler says

    Valid attempt at advising Keto dieters but you made one major mistake. You provided net carbs rather than total carbs. Net carbs can be associated with fresh vegetables but all remaining foodstuffs must count total carbs. This information is misleading!

    Reply

    • Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (3)Sara Nelson says

      If tracking total carbs works for you, that’s great! But, tracking net carbs is totally fine too. There are no hard and fast rules when following a ketogenic diet; ketosis is a metabolic state, not a diet with strict “yes” and “no” foods. What works for someone else may or may not work for you. The goal, for me and for many others, is to ensure that this is a sustainable diet lifestyle. Tracking net carbs rather than total carbs allows for that.

      Reply

  2. Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (4)Denise Rutledge says

    Thank you so much!! My company has a new product that helps with Ketosis(whether you eat keto or not) and recommend going Keto… I found your Blog and now understand so much better!!! Just , Thank You!!

    Reply

    • Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (5)Sara Nelson says

      Thanks, Denise! So happy to hear that you’ve found my site resourceful!

      Reply

Keto Meal Plan Guide: How to Plan For the Week (2024)

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