I live with IBS, so "what do I eat today?" used to be the hardest question of my day. These meal plans are the weeks I actually cook, built from recipes I've tested in my own kitchen. Pick the one that fits the week you have.
High-proteinNo onion ยท no garlic optionsVegetarian, vegan & vratPregnancy, 60+ & 70+Weight loss & weight gain
Seven days of breakfast, lunch and dinner from one grocery list. Cook a protein-rich dinner, carry it into tomorrow's lunch, and keep one quick backup ready for the tired nights.
Plan length7 days ยท 3 meals a day
Cooking rhythmOne weekend prep + one midweek refresh
๐ฟ Plans marked Doctor-check are for pregnancy, breastfeeding, older age or a health condition. Your needs depend on your own health, so please show the plan to your doctor or a registered dietitian before you follow it.
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The 7-Day High-Protein Gut-Kind Indian Meal Plan
This is the week I cook when I want everything planned: breakfast, lunch, a snack and dinner for seven days, all from one grocery list. Dinners are cooked a little extra so tomorrow's lunch is already in the fridge.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmWeekend prep + one midweek refresh
Best for1โ2 adults who want more protein
Before you start โ checked, not guessed
If you have IBS, the low-FODMAP diet is meant to be followed in three steps: swap high-FODMAP foods for about 2โ6 weeks, reintroduce them one group at a time, then personalize. Check portion sizes in the Monash FODMAP app.[1]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains & flours
Vegetables
Fruit, nuts & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Cook the Day 1 and Day 5 dinners in a bigger batch. They become the Day 2 and Day 6 lunches.
2
Set the chia pudding before bed so breakfast is waiting.
3
Keep the Day 3 recipe for whichever night falls apart. Swap days freely.
Questions
Can I swap days in this 7-day meal plan?
Yes. The days are a guide, not a rule. Keep the pairs together where a dinner becomes the next day's lunch, and move everything else to fit your week.
Is this meal plan low-FODMAP?
It's built from my IBS-friendly recipes, but whether a food is low-FODMAP often depends on the portion. Monash University's FODMAP app lists tested foods and their low-FODMAP serving sizes, so check portions there.
How long should I follow a low-FODMAP diet?
Monash University describes three steps: swap high-FODMAP foods for about 2โ6 weeks, reintroduce FODMAP groups one at a time, then personalize your diet for the long term, ideally with a FODMAP-trained dietitian.
Can I make this plan vegetarian?
Yes. Swap the chicken dinners for palak paneer, bottle gourd kofta or a dal, and use my Dal & Veg Week for more vegetarian dinners.
Is this plan free?
Yes. All my meal plans are free. Save this page or print it as a PDF to keep it.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Five chicken dinners and one reserve night
Weeknights are when my plans used to fall apart. This plan gives you five chicken dinners for Monday to Friday, a reserve night for Saturday, and a note on which leftovers become lunch.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Sort out mornings and lunches before dinner gets squeezed
When my mornings were rushed, lunch became whatever was in the kitchen, and by evening I was too tired to cook. This plan fixes the daytime: two breakfasts and two lunches you can repeat Monday to Friday.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A dal-and-vegetable week, no onion, no garlic
Five vegetarian dinners built around dal, paneer and vegetables, all cooked without an onion-garlic base. Each dinner leaves enough for the next day's lunch.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A full vrat day that actually fills you
Two fasting-day plans, breakfast to dinner, using common vrat ingredients like sama rice, kuttu, rajgira and makhana. Every meal can be made vegan by cooking in oil instead of ghee and skipping curd.
Plan length2 vrat days
Cooking rhythmPrep the night before
Best forMonday vrat, Navratri, Ekadashi
Before you start โ checked, not guessed
Vrat rules differ between families and festivals. Check which ingredients your household allows before you follow this plan.
Your meals, day by day
Vrat day 1
Breakfast
Sama rice (barnyard millet) upma with peanuts and potato
Mid-morning
A fruit and a handful of almonds
Lunch
Kuttu (buckwheat) roti with lauki sabzi
Evening
Roasted makhana with sendha namak
Dinner
Rajgira (amaranth) porridge with plant milk and banana
Vrat day 2
Breakfast
Rajgira and potato thalipeeth
Mid-morning
Coconut water and a fruit
Lunch
Sama rice khichdi with peanuts and vegetables
Evening
Roasted peanuts and makhana
Dinner
Kuttu cheela with a tomato-cucumber salad
Grocery list
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Vrat grains
Protein & snacks
Vegetables & fruit
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Soak the sama rice for 20 minutes the night before so breakfast is quick.
2
Roast a big jar of makhana and peanuts at the start of the week.
3
For a vegan vrat, use groundnut oil and plant milk, and skip curd.
Questions
Is this vrat plan vegan?
It can be. Cook in oil instead of ghee, use plant milk for the porridge, and skip curd and paneer.
Which vrat does this plan suit?
It uses ingredients many families allow on Monday vrat, Navratri and Ekadashi, but rules vary. Follow your household's custom.
Can I use sabudana?
Yes, if your family uses it. I've built this plan around sama rice, kuttu and rajgira to give you more variety.
Can I follow this plan on non-fasting days?
Yes. These are simple, gluten-free meals that work any day.
Is this plan free?
Yes. It's a free giveaway, so save it before your next fast.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A gentle Indian pregnancy meal plan for your 30s and beyond
A week of home-style Indian meals for pregnancy over 30, with protein at every meal and five small eating times a day. I'm not a doctor or dietitian, so I've checked every safety point below against NHS and ICMR-NIN guidance. Please take this plan to your doctor and let them adjust it for you.
Plan length7 days ยท 5 eating times
Cooking rhythmWeekend batch + quick weekday meals
Best forPregnancy over 30, with your doctor's OK
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Folic acid: 400 micrograms a day until 12 weeks of pregnancy, and vitamin D: 10 micrograms a day. Don't take vitamin A supplements, and avoid liver and liver products.[1][2]
Extra food: ICMR-NIN says a normal-weight pregnant woman needs about 350 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters, and recommends iron-folic acid supplements from the 12th week, as your doctor prescribes.[3]
Caffeine: keep it under 200 mg a day. Tea, coffee, cola and chocolate all count. Herbal tea: no more than 2 cups a day.[2]
Cook eggs, chicken and fish all the way through. Avoid unpasteurized milk and products made from it, and avoid shark, swordfish and marlin.[2]
Alcohol: the safest choice is to avoid it completely during pregnancy.[2]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit, nuts & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Eat smaller meals more often if nausea or heartburn makes big meals hard.
2
Cook a dal and a chicken dish in bulk on weekends so you rest more in the week.
3
Bring this page to your next appointment and ask your doctor to adjust portions for you.
Questions
Is this pregnancy meal plan safe for me?
It's a general home-cooking plan, not a medical diet. Every pregnancy is different, so show it to your doctor or midwife and follow their advice on portions and supplements.
How much extra should I eat during pregnancy?
ICMR-NIN's Dietary Guidelines for Indians say a normal-weight pregnant woman needs about 350 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters. Your doctor may adjust this for you.
Which foods should I avoid while pregnant?
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and products made from it, liver and vitamin A supplements, and shark, swordfish and marlin. The safest choice is no alcohol.
Can I drink tea or coffee during pregnancy?
Yes, in small amounts. Keep caffeine under 200 mg a day, counting tea, coffee, cola and chocolate, and have no more than 2 cups of herbal tea a day.
Is the diet different for pregnancy over 30?
The food safety and supplement guidance I've used isn't age-specific. Your doctor may monitor you more closely, so follow any extra advice they give you.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A calm Indian pregnancy meal plan for pregnancy after 40
A week of home-style Indian meals for pregnancy over 40, with protein at every meal and five small eating times a day. I'm not a doctor or dietitian, so I've checked every safety point below against NHS and ICMR-NIN guidance. Please take this plan to your doctor and let them adjust it for you.
Plan length7 days ยท 5 eating times
Cooking rhythmWeekend batch + quick weekday meals
Best forPregnancy over 40, with your doctor's OK
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Folic acid: 400 micrograms a day until 12 weeks of pregnancy, and vitamin D: 10 micrograms a day. Don't take vitamin A supplements, and avoid liver and liver products.[1][2]
Extra food: ICMR-NIN says a normal-weight pregnant woman needs about 350 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters, and recommends iron-folic acid supplements from the 12th week, as your doctor prescribes.[3]
Caffeine: keep it under 200 mg a day. Tea, coffee, cola and chocolate all count. Herbal tea: no more than 2 cups a day.[2]
Cook eggs, chicken and fish all the way through. Avoid unpasteurized milk and products made from it, and avoid shark, swordfish and marlin.[2]
Alcohol: the safest choice is to avoid it completely during pregnancy.[2]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit, nuts & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Eat smaller meals more often if nausea or heartburn makes big meals hard.
2
Cook a dal and a chicken dish in bulk on weekends so you rest more in the week.
3
Bring this page to your next appointment and ask your doctor to adjust portions for you.
Questions
Is this pregnancy meal plan safe for me?
It's a general home-cooking plan, not a medical diet. Every pregnancy is different, so show it to your doctor or midwife and follow their advice on portions and supplements.
How much extra should I eat during pregnancy?
ICMR-NIN's Dietary Guidelines for Indians say a normal-weight pregnant woman needs about 350 extra calories a day in the second and third trimesters. Your doctor may adjust this for you.
Which foods should I avoid while pregnant?
Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and products made from it, liver and vitamin A supplements, and shark, swordfish and marlin. The safest choice is no alcohol.
Can I drink tea or coffee during pregnancy?
Yes, in small amounts. Keep caffeine under 200 mg a day, counting tea, coffee, cola and chocolate, and have no more than 2 cups of herbal tea a day.
Is the diet different for pregnancy over 40?
The food safety and supplement guidance I've used isn't age-specific. Your doctor may monitor you more closely, so follow any extra advice they give you.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Easy Indian meals for the newborn months
In the newborn months there's barely time to cook or sit down. This plan uses make-ahead dals and stews, plus snacks you can eat with one hand, so you're eating well without cooking every meal fresh. Please check it with your doctor.
Plan length7 days ยท 5 eating times
Cooking rhythmBatch-cook twice a week
Best forBreastfeeding mothers
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Extra food: ICMR-NIN says breastfeeding mothers need about 600 extra calories and 13.6 g extra protein a day in the first six months, then about 520 calories and 10.6 g protein in the next six months, plus daily iron-folic acid supplements.[1]
Vitamin D: 10 micrograms a day while breastfeeding.[2]
Caffeine: keep it under 300 mg a day, since it can make your baby restless.[3]
Fish: 2 portions a week, including 1 oily fish. Limit shark, swordfish and marlin to 1 portion a week.[3]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit, nuts & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Make a batch of laddus and the peanut butter on Sunday. They're your one-hand snacks for the week.
2
Ask whoever is helping you to cook the stew or dal in a big batch.
3
Keep a water bottle where you usually sit to feed.
Questions
How much extra should I eat while breastfeeding?
ICMR-NIN says breastfeeding mothers need about 600 extra calories and 13.6 g extra protein a day in the first six months, then about 520 calories and 10.6 g protein in the next six months.
Can I drink tea or coffee while breastfeeding?
Yes, in moderation. NHS guidance is to keep caffeine under 300 mg a day because it can make your baby restless.
Can I eat fish while breastfeeding?
Yes. Aim for 2 portions of fish a week, including 1 oily fish, and limit shark, swordfish and marlin to 1 portion a week.
Will this meal plan increase my milk supply?
This plan doesn't promise that. If you're worried about your supply, talk to your doctor, midwife or a lactation consultant.
Can I diet to lose weight while breastfeeding?
Talk to your doctor first. ICMR-NIN guidance says breastfeeding mothers need extra food, not less.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Familiar Indian food for your 60s
Home-style Indian meals for one or two people in their 60s, with protein at every meal and a lighter dinner. If you take medicines or manage a health condition, check this plan with your doctor first.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmCook once, eat twice
Best for1โ2 people in their 60s
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Include protein at your meals and snacks through the day, from foods like fish, dairy, beans, peas and lentils.[1]
Drink water throughout the day, and choose it over sugary drinks.[1]
Plan meals ahead and shop from a list. Pre-cut vegetables help if chopping is hard.[1]
ICMR-NIN asks for nutrient-rich foods in older people's diets, such as pulses, lean meat, fish and low-fat milk, and recommends restricting salt.[2]
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Soft, easy-to-chew home meals for your 70s
Soft, familiar Indian food in small portions, the kind of gentle meals I cook for my own parents. Every dish here is easy to chew, and most can be cooked once and eaten twice. Please check this plan with your doctor, especially if you take medicines.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 small meals
Cooking rhythmCook once, eat twice
Best forPeople in their 70s
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Include protein at your meals and snacks through the day, from foods like fish, dairy, beans, peas and lentils.[1]
Drink water throughout the day, and choose it over sugary drinks.[1]
Plan meals ahead and shop from a list. Pre-cut vegetables help if chopping is hard.[1]
ICMR-NIN asks for nutrient-rich foods in older people's diets, such as pulses, lean meat, fish and low-fat milk, and recommends restricting salt.[2]
See a doctor if weight drops suddenly or without any change in eating.[3]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Cook vegetables until soft and shred chicken small so every meal is easy to chew.
2
Serve smaller portions and offer a snack between meals instead of one big plate.
3
Keep water within reach and remind each other to sip through the day.
Questions
Why are the meals soft in this plan?
Many people in their 70s find chewing harder, so every dish is cooked soft or cut small. Adjust the texture to what suits you.
How do I get enough protein in my 70s?
The National Institute on Aging suggests including protein at meals and snacks through the day, from foods like dairy, beans, lentils and fish. Ask your doctor about your own needs.
What if I'm losing weight without trying?
See your doctor. Sudden or unexplained weight loss can be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Can I follow this plan if I take medicines?
Check with your doctor first, as some medicines and conditions need specific diet changes.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
An Indian weight loss meal plan that keeps roti and rice
I lose weight slowly and steadily, without cutting out Indian staples. This plan keeps roti and rice in smaller portions, and puts protein and vegetables at every meal. The pace and portion guidance comes from NHS dietitians.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmWeekend prep + leftovers
Best forSlow, steady weight loss
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Aim to lose no more than 0.5โ1 kg (1โ2 lb) a week, and weigh yourself no more than once a week.[1]
Eat regular meals and don't skip breakfast. Skipping meals tends to lead to more snacking later.[1][2]
A typical starch portion is one slice of toast or about 3 tablespoons of rice. A smaller plate helps.[1]
Fill up on vegetables and high-fiber foods, drink water when you're thirsty, and don't ban foods outright.[2]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Serve on a smaller plate. Vegetables first, then protein, then a measured portion of roti or rice.
2
Weigh yourself once a week, at the same time of day.
3
Plan the week's snacks and keep them ready, so hunger doesn't send you to the biscuit tin.
Questions
How fast should I lose weight?
NHS dietitians recommend losing no more than 0.5โ1 kg (1โ2 lb) a week.
Do I need to stop eating rice and roti to lose weight?
No. This plan keeps them in smaller portions. NHS dietitians count about 3 tablespoons of rice or one slice of bread as one starch portion.
Should I skip breakfast to lose weight?
No. NHS advice is to eat breakfast and regular meals, as skipping meals can lead to more snacking later.
Do I need to exercise too?
Being more active helps, and NHS dietitians say combining less food with more activity works best. If exercise isn't possible right now, see my Weight Loss Meal Plan Without Exercise.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A weight loss meal plan for when the gym isn't happening
Some weeks, exercise just isn't possible, because of an injury, long workdays or a new baby. This plan only changes what's on your plate and when you eat it. I'm being honest: NHS dietitians say less food plus more activity works best, so add a walk whenever you can.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmWeekend prep + leftovers
Best forWeeks without workouts
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Aim to lose no more than 0.5โ1 kg (1โ2 lb) a week, and weigh yourself no more than once a week.[1]
Eat regular meals and don't skip breakfast. Skipping meals tends to lead to more snacking later.[1][2]
A typical starch portion is one slice of toast or about 3 tablespoons of rice. A smaller plate helps.[1]
Fill up on vegetables and high-fiber foods, drink water when you're thirsty, and don't ban foods outright.[2]
Combining less food with more activity gives the best results, so add movement when you can.[1]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Eat at the same times each day, so you're not grazing between meals.
2
Drink a glass of water when you feel snacky, since thirst can feel like hunger.
3
Fill half your plate with vegetables before adding roti or rice.
Questions
Can I lose weight without exercise?
Weight loss comes from eating fewer calories than you burn, so changing your food alone can work. NHS dietitians say combining it with more activity gives the best results.
How fast will I lose weight with this plan?
Results vary from person to person. NHS dietitians recommend aiming for no more than 0.5โ1 kg (1โ2 lb) a week.
Do I have to give up rice and roti?
No. Keep them in smaller portions, about 3 tablespoons of rice or one roti per meal, with protein and vegetables.
What if I get hungry between meals?
Have a planned snack like cucumber sticks, roasted chana or a fruit, and drink water. Eating regular meals also helps.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A weight gain meal plan that's gentle on your gut
If you need to gain weight, eating three huge meals can feel impossible, especially with a sensitive stomach. This plan uses six smaller eating times a day, with protein, nuts and seeds added wherever they fit. It follows NHS guidance on healthy ways to gain weight.
Plan length7 days ยท 6 eating times
Cooking rhythmBatch snacks on Sunday
Best forGaining weight gradually
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Eat smaller meals more often, with healthy snacks in between, and add about 300โ500 extra calories a day, gradually.[1]
Add calories with nuts, seeds and cheese, and protein with beans, pulses, fish, eggs or lean meat.[1]
Don't rely on chocolate, cakes or sugary drinks, and don't fill up on drinks before meals.[1]
See a doctor if you've lost weight suddenly or without changing how you eat or move.[1]
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
Regular, balanced meals alongside your treatment
No meal plan can fix a hormone condition, and I won't pretend this one does. What I can give you is a week of regular, balanced Indian meals with protein and fiber at each one, and less processed food. Use it alongside your doctor's treatment.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmWeekend prep + leftovers
Best forAlongside medical treatment
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
For PCOS, the NHS advises a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise, and losing weight if you're overweight. It doesn't recommend one special diet.[1]
ICMR-NIN recommends keeping high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt and ultra-processed foods to a minimum.[2]
Hormone conditions need a diagnosis and treatment from your doctor. Food supports that treatment, it doesn't replace it.
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fruit & seeds
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Eat at roughly the same times every day.
2
Cook at home as much as you can, to keep packaged and ultra-processed foods low.
3
Keep a simple food and symptom diary to show your doctor.
Questions
Can a meal plan fix hormonal imbalance?
No. Hormone conditions need a diagnosis and treatment from your doctor. Balanced meals can support that treatment.
Is there a special diet for PCOS?
The NHS doesn't recommend one specific diet. It advises a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise, and losing weight if you're overweight.
What does this meal plan focus on?
Regular meal times, protein and fiber at each meal, and keeping high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt and ultra-processed foods to a minimum, as ICMR-NIN recommends.
Should I take supplements for hormones?
Only if your doctor prescribes them. Don't start supplements without medical advice.
Is this plan free?
Yes. Save it and take it to your next appointment.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
A week of plant-based Indian home food
Seven days of vegan Indian meals from everyday pantry staples: dal, tofu, besan, peanuts and seeds. I've only linked recipes that are already vegan as written, so you don't have to guess which swaps to make.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmTwo dal batches a week
Best forVegan and dairy-free homes
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Vitamin B12: the only reliable sources are fortified foods and supplements. Have fortified foods twice a day, or take 10 micrograms a day or 200 micrograms a week.[1]
Protein: at least two servings a day from lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds. ICMR-NIN notes that combining cereals and pulses gives good-quality protein.[1][2]
Calcium: about 700 mg a day, from calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milk, sesame seeds and leafy greens.[1]
Iron: pair lentils, beans and greens with vitamin C foods like lemon, tomatoes or peppers.[1]
Omega-3 and iodine: about 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or 6 walnut halves a day, and iodized salt or a non-seaweed iodine supplement.[1]
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Vegetables
Fortified & extras
Pantry
Make the week easier
1
Cook two dal batches a week, on Sunday and Wednesday, to cover lunches.
2
Pair dal with rice or roti at most meals, since combining cereals and pulses gives better-quality protein.
3
Squeeze lemon over dal and greens for vitamin C, which helps your body absorb plant iron.
Questions
Where do vegans get protein in Indian food?
From lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, besan, nuts and seeds. NHS dietitians suggest at least two servings a day, and ICMR-NIN notes that combining cereals and pulses gives good-quality protein.
Do Indian vegans need a vitamin B12 supplement?
NHS dietitians say the only reliable vegan sources of B12 are fortified foods and supplements, such as 10 micrograms a day or 200 micrograms a week.
How do I get calcium without dairy?
Use calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milk, sesame seeds and leafy greens. Adults need about 700 mg a day.
Are all the linked recipes vegan?
Yes, as linked. For the peanut pumpkin seed butter, skip the optional honey. For the spinach masoor dal, cook in olive oil instead of ghee.
Is this plan free?
Yes. It's a free giveaway, so save it and share it.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
An Indian-inspired vegan week from any supermarket
You don't need an Indian grocery store for this one. This vegan meal plan uses ingredients from any US, UK or Australian supermarket, with cup and ounce measurements, and adds Indian spices for flavor.
Plan length7 days ยท 4 meals a day
Cooking rhythmSunday prep + leftovers
Best forVegans outside India
What the guidance says โ checked, not guessed
Vitamin B12: the only reliable sources are fortified foods and supplements. Have fortified foods twice a day, or take 10 micrograms a day or 200 micrograms a week.[1]
Protein: at least two servings a day from lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds. ICMR-NIN notes that combining cereals and pulses gives good-quality protein.[1][2]
Calcium: about 700 mg a day, from calcium-set tofu, fortified plant milk, sesame seeds and leafy greens.[1]
Iron: pair lentils, beans and greens with vitamin C foods like lemon, tomatoes or peppers.[1]
Omega-3 and iodine: about 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or 6 walnut halves a day, and iodized salt or a non-seaweed iodine supplement.[1]
Your meals, day by day
Day 1
Breakfast
Overnight oats with fortified soy milk, chia seeds and berries
Tick things off as you shop. Quantities depend on how many people you're cooking for, so check each recipe card.
Protein
Grains
Produce
Fortified & extras
Spices
Make the week easier
1
Cook a big pot of dal and a big pot of curry on Sunday. They cover most lunches.
2
Choose a soy milk fortified with B12 and calcium, and check the label.
3
Zucchini works in place of bottle gourd if you can't find lauki.
Questions
Can I follow this vegan meal plan in the USA?
Yes. Every ingredient is sold in regular US supermarkets, and the grocery list uses cups and ounces.
How do vegans get vitamin B12?
NHS dietitians say the only reliable sources are fortified foods and supplements. Fortified soy milk and nutritional yeast help, or take 10 micrograms a day or 200 micrograms a week.
Is this vegan plan high in protein?
Every day includes tofu, lentils, chickpeas or beans. NHS dietitians suggest at least two servings of protein foods a day.
Do I need Indian ingredients?
No. You only need a few common spices like cumin, turmeric and garam masala, which most supermarkets stock.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. This plan shares how I cook and eat, for general information only. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, older, take medicines or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Please read my medical disclaimer.
keep these ready
Quick backups for the nights the plan breaks.
Every plan has a gap somewhere. These are the snacks and sweets I keep on hand so a bad day doesn't turn into takeout.
Monash University, the team that developed the low-FODMAP diet, describes it as three steps, not a forever diet. My meal plans fit into the first step and help you keep eating well while you work out your own triggers.
1
Swap
For about 2โ6 weeks, swap high-FODMAP foods for low-FODMAP alternatives, while still eating from every food group.
2
Reintroduce
Bring FODMAP groups back one at a time, keeping the rest of your diet low-FODMAP, to see which ones trigger symptoms.
3
Personalize
Settle into a long-term diet that includes as many foods as you tolerate, avoiding only your own triggers.
Which Caloriematterss meal plan should I start with?
Start with the plan that fixes the hardest part of your week. The 7-Day High-Protein Gut-Kind Indian Meal Plan covers every meal from one grocery list. Weeknight Chicken is for busy dinners, Breakfast + Lunch is for rushed mornings, and the Dal & Veg Week and Vrat & Vegan plans are for vegetarian homes and fasting days.
Are these meal plans low-FODMAP?
The plans are built from my IBS-friendly recipes, which use low-FODMAP swaps like skipping the onion-garlic base. Whether a food is low-FODMAP often depends on the portion size, so check serving sizes in the Monash University FODMAP Diet App, which lists tested foods and their low-FODMAP serves.
How long should I follow a low-FODMAP diet?
Monash University describes the low-FODMAP diet as three steps: swapping high-FODMAP foods for about 2โ6 weeks, reintroducing FODMAP groups one at a time, then personalizing your diet for the long term. It isn't meant to be followed strictly forever, and Monash recommends working with a FODMAP-trained dietitian.
Do you have vegetarian and vrat meal plans?
Yes. The Dal & Veg Week is a vegetarian dinner plan cooked without onion or garlic, built around dal, paneer and vegetables. The Vrat & Vegan Meal Plan covers breakfast to dinner on fasting days like Monday vrat, Navratri and Ekadashi, and also works for vegans on regular days.
Are these meal plans medical advice?
No. These meal plans share how I cook and eat as someone living with IBS, for general information only. If you have IBS or another health condition, take medication, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet.
๐ฟ A quick note: I'm not a doctor or dietitian. Everything here comes from my own kitchen and my own gut, and every body is different. Please read my medical disclaimer before making changes to your diet.
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New low-FODMAP, high-protein, IBS-friendly recipes and meal plans, plus the odd honest note from my kitchen.