The Marra Meal
This almost seems too simple to work, but that’s not the case.
I’ve lost 50 lb now twice in my life, and spent the last 8 years helping guys lose fat using a simplified approach…
I keep my lights on by helping guys get in shape.
They usually have packed calendars.
So, here’s what I use with them…
What is a Marra Meal?
It’s a meal that you repeat each day.
AND it ticks the following boxes.
- ~500 calories.
- ~50g of protein.
- ≤ 3 minutes to prepare.
AND you can have 1-3 of them per day if you’d like. Whether you’re tracking your calories or not, doesn’t matter. This will help you lose weight by setting up a daily win ON AUTOPILOT. Less mental effort, more winning.
Need more calories? Adjust up.
Need fewer? Adjust down.
Easy.
Feel free to make up your own – but here’s a list of 35 Meals and Snack recipes to
get you started!
The idea is to use convenience foods to make it easy to hit your goals.
Use microwaveable rice (Uncle Ben’s)
Use whey protein powder.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Pick the meals you’ll eat for this week, then shop for them, and repeat each day.
Example:
I decided I want a Marra Meal for breakfast.
I pick Greek Yogurt with Fruit and Whey.
I buy enough for at least 7 days.
I keep it all ready at home, then I come downstairs in the morning and whip it together in a few minutes.
Repeat the next day.
Takes 3 minutes.
You already know how many calories are in it.
You just repeat it daily!
(many of these can be made ahead of time in batches of 3,4,5 servings at a time – which makes them even more time efficient.)
—
Same thing could be done with breakfast AND lunch.
Or breakfast, lunch, AND dinner.
Do you mind if I over deliver here?
If you want unlimited meal ideas that meet your exact calorie and macro targets while fitting your ideal meal types.
Go to eatthismuch.com– it’s a free meal planning tool that makes this stupidly easy.
| If you want more structured meals, then try this:Find a combo of meals and snacks that fit your calorie goals. You can also double a recipe or add extra meals if that helps you. Shop for them, prep them, then take a picture and tag me on Instagram.Eat them and get lean. |
🍲 500 Calorie Meals 🍲
🍗 Quick Chicken Wrap
1 medium tortilla
100g deli meat of your choice
1 cup spring mix or other mixed greens
2 tbsp low fat salad dressing
📌Instructions:
Smash some spring mix, deli meat, and low fat dressing into a tortilla.
Roll and eat!
Total Calories: 393 calories
Macros: 37g protein, 34g carbs, 18g fat
🍳The Veggie Scramble
1 cup, (245g) egg whites
2 large (whole) eggs
1 cup chopped mixed veggies (spinach, peppers, onions, mushrooms)
2 whole apples or 2 slices of whole wheat bread
📌Instructions:
In a non-stick pan, sauté veggies until softened.
Pour in egg whites with eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
Serve with two apples, or two slices of whole wheat toast.
Total Calories: 509 calories
Macros: 43g protein, 67g carbs, 2g fat
🍓Greek Yogurt and Fruit
1 cup (230g) Plain 2% Greek yogurt
2 cups (280g) Frozen Mixed Berries
1 scoop Vanilla Whey Protein
📌Instructions:
Mix together Greek yogurt and whey protein.
Top with mixed berries and put in fridge overnight.
Or thaw berries slightly in microwave before adding.
Total Calories: 465 calories
Macros: 46g protein, 50g carbs, 9g fat
🥬Chicken Caesar Salad
5 oz (140g) cooked chicken breast, skinless
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
3 tbsp (45g) Low-fat Caesar dressing
1 cup (40g) croutons
2 tbsp (12g) shredded parmesan cheese 😉
📌Instructions:
Slice chicken breast into pieces. (cook at 350f for 25 minutes if you buy raw)
Toss together chopped lettuce, dressing, and croutons.
Top with sliced chicken breast, parmesan and black pepper.
Total Calories: 500 calories
Macros: 51g protein, 36g carbs, 17g fat
🍎Whey and Fruit
2 scoops vanilla whey protein powder
3 apples
📌Instructions:
Mix whey protein powder in a shaker cup or blender with water.
Eat them damn apples! Post #multiappleday @marra_strength on instagram for bonus points.
Total Calories: 498 calories
Macros: 47g protein, 73g carbs, 5g fat
🍞Cottage Cheese on Toast
1.25 cup (285g) low-fat cottage cheese
2 slices whole wheat toast, store-bought
1 cup (140g) sliced strawberries
📌Instructions:
Spread cottage cheese on slices of toast. (mix cheese with splenda/cinnamon optionally)
Top with sliced strawberries.
Total Calories: 496 calories
Macros: 42g protein, 62g carbs, 10g fat
🐟Tuna Wrap
1 can (120g drained) canned tuna
2 tbsp light mayo
1 stalk diced celery
1 flour tortilla (store bought, 200 cals)
1/2 cup baby spinach
📌Instructions:
Mix together canned tuna, light mayo, and diced celery. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread tuna mixture onto a whole wheat tortilla.
Top with baby spinach.
Roll up the tortilla and enjoy.
Total Calories: 390 calories
Macros: 32g protein, 34g carbs, 13g fat
🥗Chickpea Salad
1.5 cup (230g) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small (170g) cucumber, diced
1 small (125g) tomato, diced
1/4 medium (40g) red onion, diced
1 tbsp (13g) olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 sprig chopped fresh parsley
📌Instructions:
In a bowl, mix together canned chickpeas, diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and diced red onion. Season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve.
Total Calories: 500 calories
Macros: 19g protein, 65g carbs, 20g fat
🍽️Bodybuilder Fuel (Chicken/Rice/Broccoli Meal Prep)
5 oz (140g) cooked chicken breast
2/3 cup (130g) cooked rice
1 cup (100g) steamed broccoli
1 tbsp (13g) olive oil
📌Instructions:
Grill or bake chicken breast until fully cooked. (350f for 25 mins)
Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
Steam broccoli until tender.
Portion everything out and season with salt and pepper to taste!
Total Calories: 500 calories
Macros: 49g protein, 36g carbs, 19g fat
🥩Simple Steak, Potatoes, and Broccoli
5 oz (140g) grilled lean steak, no visible chunks of fat eaten
1 medium (215g) potato, raw
1 cup (100g) steamed broccoli
📌Instructions:
Grill steak until desired doneness is reached.
Pierce the potato deeply with a fork and microwave for 6 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Steam broccoli until tender.
Serve steak with baked potato and steamed broccoli, seasoning everything with salt and pepper.
Total Calories: 470 calories
Macros: 48g protein, 40g carbs, 13g fat
🥘Chicken Stir Fry
6 oz (170g) chicken breast, skinless, raw
1 cup (185g) chopped mixed veggies (carrots, peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
1 cup (200g) cooked brown rice
1 tbsp soy sauce
📌Instructions:.
In a non-stick pan coated with nonstick spray, cook sliced chicken breast until cooked through.
Season with salt, remove and set aside. Add vegetables, and cook, stirring until tender.
Add cooked brown rice to the pan and stir to combine.
Add low-sodium soy sauce to the pan and stir to coat veggies and rice.
Serve chicken breast with stir-fried veggies and brown rice.
Total Calories: 520 calories
Macros: 46g protein, 73g carbs, 7g fat
🥣Chicken Noodle Soup
6 oz (170g) chicken breast, skinless, raw
50g any shape pasta, dry
2 cups chicken broth or 2 tbsp powdered stock
1 cup (185g) frozen mixed veggies (carrots, celery, onions)
📌Instructions:
In a pot, boil chicken broth.
Add chicken breast cubes to the pot and heat through until cooked.
Add dry pasta and boil until barely tender (about 7-8 minutes)
Add frozen vegetables, bring back to a boil, season with salt and pepper then serve.
Total Calories: 500 calories
Macros: 48g protein, 63g carbs, 7g fat
🥔Salsa and Potato Scramble
2 medium (425g) potato, raw
1/2 cup (130g) salsa, store bought
1 large egg, whole
0.75 cups (180g) egg whites
📌Instructions:
Pierce potatoes deeply with a fork and microwave for 7 minutes, or until fully cooked.
In a non-stick pan, scramble egg with whites until fully cooked.
Serve scrambled egg whites with baked potato and salsa on top. Season with salt and pepper.
Total Calories: 500 calories
Macros: 35g protein, 77g carbs, 6g fat
🍗Turkey Swiss Sandwich
5 slices (140g) sliced turkey breast deli meat
2 slices (40g) Low Fat Swiss cheese
2 slices whole wheat bread, storebought
1 tbsp (15g) light mayo
1/2 cup baby spinach
📌Instructions:
Spread light mayo onto one slice of whole wheat bread.
Top with sliced turkey breast, Swiss cheese, and baby spinach.
Place another slice of whole wheat bread on top to complete the sandwich.
Total Calories: 505 calories
Macros: 49g protein, 47g carbs, 14g fat
🥤Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
1 scoop whey protein powder
1.5 tbsp (25g) natural peanut butter
2 tbsp (10g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 medium banana
1 cup (250g) 2% milk
📌Instructions:
Blend whey protein powder, peanut butter, banana, and milk together until smooth.
Add a pinch of salt for bonus points.
Total Calories: 515 calories
Macros: 41g protein, 55g carbs, 21g fat
🍰Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie
1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
1 cup (250g) frozen raspberries
1/2 cup (115g) low-fat cottage cheese
1 cup (250g) 2% milk
📌Instructions:
Blend whey protein powder, frozen raspberries (or strawberries), low-fat cottage cheese, and milk, until smooth.
Total Calories: 478 calories
Macros: 48g protein, 52g carbs, 10g fat
🍚Tuna, Rice, and Broccoli
1 can (120g drained) canned tuna
1 cup (195g) cooked brown rice
1 cup (100g) steamed or boiled broccoli
1 tbsp (13g) olive oil
📌Instructions:
Drain canned tuna.
Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
Steam broccoli until tender.
Mix cooked brown rice and steamed broccoli together and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Serve tuna on top of rice and broccoli mixture. Add hot sauce or chilli flakes if desired!
Total Calories: 480 calories
Macros: 32g protein, 52g carbs, 17g fat
🌾 Oatmeal and Whey
1 cup (80g) quick oats
1.5 scoop (50g) vanilla whey protein powder
📌Instructions:
Add 1.5 cups of water to the oats, microwave for 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
Season with a pinch of salt, and stir through whey protein powder until creamy.
Total Calories: 492 calories
Macros: 45g protein, 62g carbs, 8g fat
🥛 Fairlife Milk and Banana
3 cup (750g) Fairlife 2% Milk
1 Banana, or fruit of your choice
📌Instructions:
Pour yourself two tall glasses of milk, then eat a piece of fruit.
Done. Lol.
Total Calories: 480 calories
Macros: 42g protein, 46g carbs, 14g fat
🍎 150 Calorie Snacks 🍎
2 Apples – #multiappleday
Ingredients: 2 medium apples (320g total)
Calories: 152
Macros: 1g protein, 42g carbs, 0g fat
Hard-boiled Eggs
Ingredients: 2 large hard-boiled egg (50g)
Calories: 140
Macros: 12g protein, 1g carbs, 9g fat
Apple and Peanut Butter
Ingredients: 1 medium apple (182g), 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (16g)
Calories: 152
Macros: 4g protein, 20g carbs, 9g fat
Greek Yogurt and Berries
Ingredients: 1 cup of non-fat Greek yogurt (230g), 1/2 cup of mixed berries (80g)
Calories: 140
Macros: 18g protein, 20g carbs, 1g fat
Banana and Almond Butter
Ingredients: 1 small banana (80g), 1 tablespoon of almond butter (16g)
Calories: 145
Macros: 3g protein, 16g carbs, 9g fat
Carrot and Hummus
Ingredients: 1 medium-sized carrot (120g), 4 tablespoons of hummus (60g)
Calories: 150
Macros: 6g protein, 6g carbs, 9g fat
Cukes and Tzatziki
Ingredients: 1 cup of sliced cucumbers (100g), 4 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce (60g)
Calories: 100
Macros: 4g protein, 10g carbs, 5g fat
Orange and Pistachios
Ingredients: 1 small orange (70g), 1/4 cup of pistachios (14g)
Calories: 150
Macros: 4g protein, 14g carbs, 10g fat
Toast and Cottage Cheese
Ingredients: 1 small whole-grain pita (43g), 2 tbsp of low-fat cottage cheese (30g)
Calories: 133
Macros: 7g protein, 22g carbs, 1g fat
Bell Peppers and Guac
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers (62g), 2 tablespoons of guacamole (28g)
Calories: 148
Macros: 2g protein, 10g carbs, 12g fat
Edamame
Ingredients: 1/2 cup shelled edamame (70g), sea salt to taste
Calories: 126
Macros: 11g protein, 8g carbs, 5g fat
Apple with Cheddar Cheese
Ingredients: 1 small apple (80g), 1 slice of cheddar cheese (21g)
Calories: 148
Macros: 4g protein, 13g carbs, 9g fat
Rice Cakes with Almond Butter
Ingredients: 2 brown rice cakes (22g), 1 tablespoon of almond butter (16g)
Calories: 142
Macros: 4g protein, 17g carbs, 7g fat
Strawberries with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients: 1 cup of sliced strawberries (140g), 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese (110g)
Calories: 120
Macros: 14g protein, 16g carbs, 2g fat
Pear and Deli Meat
Ingredients: 2 small pear (140g), 2 oz of turkey breast deli meat (60g)
Calories: 140
Macros: 14g protein, 18g carbs, 1g fat
Ham and Peppers
Ingredients: 4 slices of deli ham (60g) ), 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers (60g)
Calories: 140
Macros: 16g protein, 4g carbs, 5g fat
Egg and Toast
Ingredients: 1 large hard-boiled egg (50g), 1 slice of whole-grain toast (28g)
Calories: 147
Macros: 8g protein, 14g carbs, 6g fat
Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes (75g), 1 oz of mozzarella cheese (28g)
Calories: 126
Macros: 9g protein, 4g carbs, 9g fat
Banana and Roasted Almonds
Ingredients: 1 small banana (80g), 1/4 cup of roasted almonds (28g)
Calories: 152
Macros: 4g protein, 15g carbs, 10g fat
Hope this helps.
– Matteo
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