Free 7-Day Balanced Meal Plan Aug 26 to Sep 1

A free, flexible 7-day weight-loss meal plan with breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas plus a complete shopping list. All recipes include macronutrient info and updated Weight Watchers points where applicable.

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Free 7-Day Healthy Meal Plan (August 26–September 1)

Labor Day weekend is here already—summer flies by. Whether you’re grilling burgers, steak or fish, take a moment to savor the season. Consider serving a simple appetizer, such as a charcuterie board or homemade hummus, and a refreshing mocktail or a light frozen granita to celebrate with friends and family.

If this is your first time using these meal plans, welcome—I’ve been sharing free, flexible 7-day healthy meal plans designed as practical guides with plenty of wiggle room. You can add snacks, fruit, dessert, coffee, wine or swap recipes to suit your tastes. Aim for at least 1,500 calories per day depending on your goals, age and activity level; individual needs vary.

This plan includes a detailed grocery list to make shopping simpler and reduce waste, help you save time and money, and keep you stocked with everything needed to stick to your plan.

Join the Skinnytaste community on Facebook to see what others are cooking and share your photos and tips. If you prefer email updates, subscribe to receive future meal plans directly in your inbox.

Ultimate Skinnytaste Meal Planner

Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner

Consider the Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner for year-round organization. This spiral-bound planner includes weekly tear-out grids, a 12-week meal plan, 30 recipes (15 new), tear-out grocery lists and space for gratitude, intentions and weekly goals—perfect for making meal planning a sustainable habit.

Skinnytaste Ultimate Meal Planner

Where to buy the Skinnytaste Meal Planner

  • Amazon
  • Barnes & Noble
  • IndieBound

A note about WW Points

All recipes on the site have been updated to reflect the current Weight Watchers program and display points beneath each recipe title. Use the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website to view how the points were calculated and add a recipe to your day (US account required). Cookbook recipes in the index have been updated as well.

With grocery prices rising, meal planning is one of the best strategies to eat well on a budget: it reduces waste, saves time and helps you buy only what you need. For additional budget-conscious plans, check out the 5-day Budget Friendly Meal Plans available through the Relish+ service (trial options may be available).

My 5 Favorite Sales Right Now

Here are a few standout deals happening this weekend—great for gifts, home upgrades or seasonal purchases.

  • Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ — discounted on Amazon; a favorite for quick, delicious coffee.
  • The Home Depot Labor Day Sale — offers on grills, appliances and outdoor patio items.
  • Blackstone 2-Burner 22″ Propane Griddle — a popular outdoor griddle at a reduced price.
  • Away Travel — luggage and travel accessories on sale for back-to-school and travel needs.
  • Crest 3D Whitestrips — often discounted and useful for at-home whitening treatments.

Meal Plan

Breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday are planned for one serving each; dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of four. Some recipes yield leftovers suitable for a second night or next-day lunch. The grocery list below is comprehensive and supports every meal on this plan.

MONDAY (8/26)
B: Avocado Toast Egg-in-a-Hole
L: Food Cart-Style Chicken Salad with White Sauce
D: Cheesy Eggplant Gnocchi Caprese with Arugula Salad
Total Calories: 1,106*

TUESDAY (8/27)
B: Omelet Tortilla Breakfast Wrap
L: Food Cart-Style Chicken Salad with White Sauce
D: Shrimp Tacos with Quick Cuban-Style Black Beans
Total Calories: 1,062*

WEDNESDAY (8/28)
B: Omelet Tortilla Breakfast Wrap
L: Food Cart-Style Chicken Salad with White Sauce
D: Grilled Rosemary Lamb Chops with Greek Orzo Salad (half recipe)
Total Calories: 1,065*

THURSDAY (8/29)
B: Air Fryer Breakfast Banana Split
L: Food Cart-Style Chicken Salad with White Sauce
D: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with 3/4 cup brown rice**
Total Calories: 1,122*

FRIDAY (8/30)
B: Air Fryer Breakfast Banana Split
L: Tuna Egg Salad over 2 cups mixed greens
D: Broiled Fish with Tomato Caper Sauce, 3/4 cup brown rice and String Beans with Garlic and Oil
Total Calories: 1,142*

SATURDAY (8/31)
B: Bacon Spinach Breakfast Casserole with Gruyere and 1 cup watermelon
L: Rainbow Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing
D: Dinner out
Total Calories: 716*

SUNDAY (9/1)
B: Leftover Bacon Spinach Breakfast Casserole with 1 cup mixed berries
L: Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Caprese Salad
D: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with 2 ounces multigrain baguette
Total Calories: 1,186*

*Guideline only: many women aim for around 1,500 calories per day. Use a calorie calculator to estimate your needs based on activity, age and goals. This plan leaves room to add beverages, snacks, fruit, dessert or wine.
**Prepare an extra 3 cups of cooked brown rice for Friday’s dinner.

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A printable version of this plan and shopping list is also available in a linked Google Doc for convenience.

Shopping list

Produce

  • 2 medium bananas
  • 3 (6-ounce) containers berries (any variety)
  • 1 mini watermelon
  • 6 medium lemons plus 1 large lemon
  • 2 medium limes
  • 1 small avocado (about 4 ounces)
  • 2 large heads garlic
  • 3 medium shallots
  • 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger
  • 1 small jalapeño
  • Red, orange and yellow bell peppers (one of each)
  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 1 large head broccoli
  • 1 lb eggplant
  • 1 lb string beans
  • 6½ ounces whole white mushrooms
  • 5 medium carrots
  • 1 small bunch celery
  • ¼ lb Brussels sprouts or a small bag pre-shredded
  • ¼ lb Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 medium bunch scallions
  • ½ small head red or green cabbage or a small bag pre-shredded
  • 1 large head Romaine or Iceberg lettuce
  • 1 (1-lb) bag baby spinach
  • 1 (5-oz) bag mixed greens
  • 1 (5-oz) bag baby arugula
  • Fresh cilantro, rosemary, basil, thyme (small bunches)
  • Optional: fresh oregano
  • 1 dry pint cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 4 medium plus 1 large vine-ripened tomato
  • 2 small red onions and 1 small plus 2 medium yellow onions

Meat, Poultry & Fish

  • 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4 large)
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders (about 8)
  • 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
  • 1¾ lb bone-in lamb loin chops (about 8)
  • 3 lb boneless beef chuck roast
  • 1 lb jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1½ lb tilapia, flounder or grouper fillets
  • 1 package center-cut bacon

Condiments & Spices

  • Extra virgin olive oil and canola oil
  • Cooking spray or oil mister
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon
  • Sriracha or Louisiana-style hot sauce
  • Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, pure maple syrup
  • Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce*, sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, oregano
  • Tajin or Old Bay seasoning
  • Tajin or Old Bay seasoning
  • Tomato paste

Dairy & Refrigerated

  • 2 dozen large eggs
  • 16 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 16 oz whole milk yogurt (e.g., Stonyfield)
  • 8 oz nonfat milk
  • 8 oz mozzarella balls and an 8 oz fresh mozzarella chunk
  • 8 oz block Gruyere
  • Package block feta and a small wedge Parmesan

Grains

  • Small loaf whole grain sliced bread
  • 8-ounce multigrain baguette
  • Small package corn tortillas (you need 8)
  • Package low-carb whole wheat tortillas (8–9 inch)
  • 16 oz gnocchi (store brand or Delallo)
  • 16 oz orzo pasta
  • Small package dry quinoa or 4 cups pre-cooked
  • Small package dry brown rice or 6 cups pre-cooked
  • Small package pretzels
  • Plain breadcrumbs
  • Small package unbleached all-purpose flour

Canned & Jarred

  • Optional: jar mild harissa
  • 28 oz can San Marzano crushed tomatoes
  • 4 oz can tomato paste
  • 15 oz can black beans
  • Small jar pitted kalamata olives and a small jar capers
  • 2.6 oz packet light tuna in water
  • 32 oz carton low-sodium beef broth

Frozen

  • Small package frozen peas

Misc. Dry Goods

  • Small package granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • 1 bottle white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
  • Small package pecan halves (you need ¼ cup)
  • Colored sprinkles (optional for the breakfast banana split)

*Many items can be substituted with gluten-free versions if desired.