Introduction:

Crafting a meal plan that supports both weight loss and muscle retention requires a strategic balance of caloric intake and nutrient distribution. For individuals aiming to maintain muscle mass while shedding excess weight, precision in their weekly meal planning becomes crucial. This guide offers a detailed weekly meal plan for a male weighing 80 kg at 182cm and a female weighing 70 kg at 167cm, with tailored calorie counts designed to stay below weekday maintenance levels and allow for slightly higher intake on weekends, ensuring overall caloric deficits.

Weekly Structure:

The meal plans are designed to create a caloric deficit from Monday to Friday, focusing on high protein intake, moderate fats, and controlled carbohydrates to support muscle maintenance and satiety. Over the weekend, the calorie intake will slightly increase, particularly through carbohydrates, to refuel and recover without exceeding the total weekly caloric allowance.

Male Meal Plan (80kg, 182cm, 2000 daily maintenance calories):

• Total Weekly Allowance: 14,000 calories
• Weekly Goal: ~13,500 calories to ensure a deficit

Monday to Friday (Daily intake around 1800 calories):

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with whey protein, mixed berries, and a spoon of almond butter.
• Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, quinoa, and a large serving of mixed vegetables.
• Snack: Greek yogurt with a handful of nuts.
• Dinner: Baked salmon, sweet potato, and steamed broccoli.
• Evening Snack: Cottage cheese with sliced cucumber.

Weekend (Daily intake around 2200 calories):

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach, whole grain toast, and avocado.
• Lunch: Turkey breast wraps with hummus, salad greens, and cherry tomatoes.
• Snack: Protein shake with a banana.
• Dinner: Lean steak with a baked potato and asparagus.
• Dessert: Dark chocolate square and fresh strawberries.

Female Meal Plan (70 kg, 165cm, 1500 daily maintenance calories):

• Total Weekly Allowance: 10,500 calories
• Weekly Goal: ~10,000 calories to ensure a deficit

Monday to Friday (Daily intake around 1300 calories):

• Breakfast: Smoothie with protein powder, spinach, banana, and flax seeds.
• Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens, avocado, and vinaigrette.
• Snack: A hard-boiled egg and carrot sticks.
• Dinner: Grilled tofu, bulgur wheat, and roasted mixed vegetables.
• Evening Snack: Air-popped popcorn.

Weekend (Daily intake around 1600 calories):

• Breakfast: Cottage cheese pancakes with fresh blueberries.
• Lunch: Chicken stir-fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and brown rice.
• Snack: Apple slices with almond butter.
• Dinner: Grilled shrimp over a large mixed green salad with olive oil dressing.
• Dessert: High protein greek yoghurt with frozen mixed berries.

Conclusion:

This meal plan ensures that both individuals can achieve a sustainable caloric deficit while providing ample nutrients to support muscle retention and overall health. By strategically increasing calorie intake over the weekend, it also incorporates flexibility and variety, making the diet more enjoyable and sustainable. 

It’s important to remember that this plan is just a starting point and should be adjusted based on individual needs. Everyone is different and will have their own unique nutrition requirements. Use this plan as a foundation to build upon and tailor to fit your specific needs and goals.