Trying to gain weight but stuck at “What should I actually eat?” This guide will give you a done-for-you 3-day plan built to help you bulk up with clean, nourishing meals.
💡 Why a Meal Plan Matters for Weight Gain
If you’re eating here and there, relying on snacks or skipping meals, it’s no surprise the scale won’t budge.
To gain weight safely, you need:
- A consistent caloric surplus (usually +300 to +500 calories/day)
- The right mix of macros: protein to build muscle, carbs for energy, fats for hormonal health
- Easy-to-digest meals that don’t make you feel bloated or overwhelmed
This guide offers you a 3-day structured meal plan you can repeat, adjust, or expand.
📅 3-Day Weight Gain Meal Plan (Approx. 2800–3000 kcal/day)
Each day includes:
✅ ~3000 calories
✅ ~150–170g protein
✅ Balanced fats and clean carbs
✅ 5–6 meals/day
🥗 Day 1
Meal | Food | Notes |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | 3 scrambled eggs, 2 slices whole grain toast, 1 banana, 1 tbsp peanut butter | High-protein + healthy fat |
Snack | Greek yogurt (200g) + granola + honey | ~350 kcal boost |
Lunch | Grilled chicken breast (150g), brown rice (1 cup), sautéed veggies in olive oil | Balanced macros |
Afternoon Smoothie | 1 banana, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 scoop whey protein, 300ml whole milk | ~600 kcal shake |
Dinner | Salmon (150g), mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, olive oil drizzle | Omega-3s + carbs |
Evening Snack | Cottage cheese (150g) + almonds (10 pieces) | Slow-digesting protein |
📊 Macros: 3000 kcal | 160g protein | 100g fat | 340g carbs
🥗 Day 2
Meal | Food | Notes |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | Oatmeal with whole milk, 1 scoop protein, blueberries, almond butter | Fiber + calories |
Snack | Hard-boiled eggs (2) + trail mix | Protein + healthy fats |
Lunch | Turkey sandwich on whole grain bread + avocado + side salad | Easy to prep |
Smoothie | Mango + Greek yogurt + flaxseed + protein powder | Creamy + nutrient-dense |
Dinner | Ground beef stir-fry with jasmine rice and green beans | High protein dinner |
Evening Snack | Protein bar or handful of walnuts + a boiled egg | Quick & easy |
📊 Macros: 2950 kcal | 170g protein | 95g fat | 330g carbs
🥗 Day 3
Meal | Food | Notes |
---|---|---|
Breakfast | Pancakes (made with oats and banana) + eggs + maple syrup | Comfort food + protein |
Snack | Smoothie with spinach, avocado, whey, banana, milk | Green + calorie-dense |
Lunch | Chicken thigh (grilled) + couscous + mixed roasted vegetables | Rich in flavor |
Snack | Tuna on whole grain crackers + cheese slices | Savory mini-meal |
Dinner | Pasta with lean beef and tomato sauce + parmesan | Carbs for gains |
Evening Snack | Casein shake or full-fat yogurt + berries | Overnight recovery |
📊 Macros: 3100 kcal | 165g protein | 105g fat | 350g carbs
🧠 Tips to Maximize Results
- Cook in bulk: Prep grilled meats, rice, and veggies ahead of time.
- Use calorie-dense add-ons: Olive oil, nut butters, cheese, avocado.
- Track your intake: Use MyFitnessPal or Cronometer to stay consistent.
- Hydrate smart: Drink milk, smoothies, or high-calorie shakes in addition to water.
- Don’t fear fat: Healthy fats are your best friend in adding calories efficiently.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Only eating carbs (you need protein & fat too!)
- ❌ Skipping meals because you’re “not hungry”
- ❌ Relying on junk food—leads to fat gain, not lean mass
- ❌ No strength training to match calorie surplus