Free 7-Day Balanced Meal Plan: Nov 18-24

A free, flexible 7-day weight-loss meal plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and a complete shopping list. All recipes include macros and Weight Watchers points to help you stay on track with a healthy eating plan.

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Free 7-Day Healthy Meal Plan (November 18–24)

With Thanksgiving approaching, many of you may be planning a Friendsgiving or a holiday gathering. Whether you need an easy appetizer like Autumn Whipped Ricotta Dip, a simple side such as Roasted Sweet Potatoes, or a crowd-pleasing dessert like Pumpkin Pie Dip, these recipes are designed to be approachable, flavorful, and easier to fit into a calorie-controlled week.

If you’re new to these meal plans, this free 7-day plan is intended as a flexible guide. There’s plenty of room to add snacks, coffee, fruit, desserts or a glass of wine, and you can swap any recipe for something you prefer. Depending on your goals, aim for at least 1,500 calories per day as a starting point; individual needs vary by age, weight, activity level and goals.

A clear, organized grocery list is included to simplify shopping, save time and reduce food waste. Planning ahead helps you eat more home-cooked meals, avoid impulse purchases, and stay on track with healthier choices.

Join the Skinnytaste Facebook Community to see photos, tips and meal ideas shared by other members. If you’d like to receive these weekly meal plans by email, you can subscribe to the mailing list to never miss an update.

Ultimate Skinnytaste Meal Planner

Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner

The Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner is a 52-week spiral-bound planner with weekly meal grids, a 12-week meal plan, 30 recipes (including 15 new ones), and tear-out grocery lists. It includes space for gratitude, intentions and weekly planning to help you build a consistent, healthy routine.

Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner

Where to buy the Skinnytaste meal planner

  • Amazon
  • Barnes & Noble
  • IndieBound

With grocery prices rising, meal planning is one of the best strategies to save money while keeping meals healthy. Meal plans reduce waste, help you cook at home more often, and simplify weekly grocery shopping. For more budget-friendly options, consider shorter 5-day plans or guided resources that focus on economical recipes.

My Favorite Sales Right Now

Here are a few items I recommend checking out for early holiday deals: a stainless steel cutting board, a large-capacity air fryer, cozy loungewear, a roomy Dutch oven for soups and braises, and a versatile all-in-one skillet. These kitchen items make meal prep easier and often pay for themselves in time saved.

  • Stainless steel cutting board — a durable alternative to plastic
  • Large 9-in-1 air fryer — great for family-sized meals
  • Cozy loungewear and throws — comfortable and practical gifts
  • 7-quart Dutch oven — perfect for soups and large batches
  • Multi-use skillet — an all-purpose pan for everyday cooking

Meal Plan

Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday are planned for one serving; dinners and weekend meals are scaled for a family of four. Many recipes yield leftovers suitable for a second night or for lunch the following day. The shopping list covers all ingredients needed for the full plan.

MONDAY (11/18)
B: Mini Quiche with an orange
L: Chicken Waldorf Salad on one slice of whole grain bread
D: Instant Pot Baked Ziti with Massaged Raw Kale Salad

Total Calories: 1,208*

TUESDAY (11/19)
B: Mini Quiche with a pear
L: Chicken Waldorf Salad on one slice of whole grain bread
D: Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

Total Calories: 1,212*

WEDNESDAY (11/20)
B: Mini Quiche with an orange
L: Chicken Waldorf Salad on one slice of whole grain bread
D: Slow Cooker Ramen with Beef and Shrimp Egg Rolls

Total Calories: 1,129*

THURSDAY (11/21)
B: Mini Quiche with a pear
L: Leftover Slow Cooker Ramen with one cup steamed edamame
D: Instant Pot Garlicky Cuban Pork with Arroz Congri and 1 ounce avocado

Total Calories: 1,080*

FRIDAY (11/22)
B: Pumpkin Overnight Oats
L: Leftover Slow Cooker Ramen with one cup steamed edamame
D: Blackened Shrimp and Grits with Sautéed Collard Greens and Bacon

Total Calories: 1,007*

SATURDAY (11/23)
B: Peanut Butter Breakfast Oatmeal Bowl (recipe multiplied for four)
L: Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla (use leftover Cuban pork; recipe scaled for four)
D: Dinner out

Total Calories (estimated): 600*

SUNDAY (11/24)
B: Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Pumpkin Butter
L: Sausage Tortellini Soup
D: Apple Cider Baked Chicken and Cabbage with Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Total Calories: 1,207*

*These calorie totals are a guide; many women may aim for about 1,500 calories per day depending on individual needs. I’ve left room to add snacks, beverages, fruit, dessert or wine. If a recipe makes extra noodles or protein, set aside portions for lunches on Thursday and Friday as noted.

# Use leftover Cuban pork for the quesadilla.

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Printable shopping list available for easy reference.

Shopping list

Produce

  • 2 medium oranges
  • 2 medium pears
  • 5 medium bananas
  • 1 (6-ounce) container fresh raspberries
  • 1 (6-ounce) container fresh blueberries
  • 1 medium plus 1 large Granny Smith apple
  • ½ pound seedless red grapes
  • 1 medium lemon
  • 3 medium limes
  • 1 medium grapefruit
  • 1 small (5-ounce) avocado (plus one optional for topping)
  • 2 large heads garlic
  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger
  • 1 small jalapeño
  • 1 small red bell pepper
  • 1 small green bell pepper
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  • 1 small bunch celery
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 4 baby bok choy
  • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
  • 1 medium bunch Lacinato kale
  • 1 large bunch collard greens
  • ½ medium head red cabbage
  • ½ medium head green cabbage
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby spinach
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag baby greens
  • 1 small bunch scallions
  • 1 small bunch cilantro
  • 1 small bunch fresh oregano
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme (or dried as a substitute)
  • 1 small bunch fresh rosemary
  • 1 small vine-ripened tomato
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 2 small plus 1 medium yellow onion

Meat, Poultry and Fish

  • ½ pound thick-sliced lean deli ham
  • ½ pound sweet Italian chicken sausage
  • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 9 ounces)
  • 4 bone-in chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks)
  • 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 (1-pound) chuck roast
  • 1 (3-pound) boneless pork shoulder blade roast
  • ½ pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
  • 1 pound peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp
  • 1 small package bacon

Condiments and Spices

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Canola oil
  • Cooking spray
  • Olive oil spray or mister
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • Cinnamon
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Yellow mustard and Dijon mustard
  • Light mayonnaise
  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika and paprika
  • Cumin and cayenne
  • Soy sauce (regular or reduced sodium)
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
  • Bay leaves
  • Hot sauce
  • Dried oregano and garlic powder
  • Thyme and apple cider vinegar
  • Italian seasoning
  • Optional dipping sauces: sweet chili, duck sauce or spicy mustard

Dairy & Refrigerated

  • 1 18-pack large eggs
  • 1 (9-ounce) package three-cheese tortellini
  • 1 package egg roll wrappers
  • 1 (6-ounce) container whole milk yogurt
  • 1 (6-ounce) container nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 small container sour cream (optional)
  • 1 (15-ounce) carton part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 (8-ounce) container low-fat milk
  • 1 pint nonfat milk
  • 1 (8-ounce) block sharp cheddar
  • 1 (8-ounce) bag shredded part-skim mozzarella
  • 1 (8-ounce) bag shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced reduced-fat Swiss
  • 1 medium wedge fresh Parmesan
  • 1 small wedge Pecorino Romano (or extra Parmesan)
  • 1 small box butter
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Grains

  • 1 small package quick oats
  • 1 small package quick-cooking grits (not instant)
  • 1 small package dry long-grain rice
  • 1 (16-ounce) package whole wheat ziti or cavatappi pasta
  • 1 (8-ounce) package ramen noodles
  • 1 medium bag tortilla chips
  • 1 small package whole wheat flour
  • 1 package 6–8″ whole wheat low-carb tortillas
  • 1 small loaf sliced whole grain bread

Canned and Jarred

  • 1 jar pumpkin butter (or ingredients to make your own)
  • 1 small jar creamy peanut butter
  • 1 (32-ounce) carton unsalted chicken bone broth
  • 2 (32-ounce) cartons low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 (32-ounce) cartons low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 small jar concentrated roasted chicken base
  • 1 jar marinara (or ingredients to make your own)
  • 1 large jar salsa
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans
  • 1 small jar sliced dill pickles

Frozen

  • 1 small package frozen corn kernels
  • 1 medium package frozen in-pod edamame (about 2 cups)
  • 1 box phyllo dough

Misc. Dry Goods

  • Chia seeds (about 2 tablespoons if buying from bulk bin)
  • Almonds (about ¼ cup if buying from bulk bin)
  • Pecans or walnuts (about ¼ cup if buying from bulk bin)
  • Baking powder
  • 1 small package brown sugar
  • 1 small package granulated sugar
  • 1 small bottle apple cider (you need about 1¼ cups)

*You may substitute gluten-free options where indicated.