user: I need help creating a meal plan to build muscle while I start a new workout schedule. I am working out twice a week for about an hour Tuesday and Thursday. I am a 30yo man ~200lb and I am targeting strength exercises. I would like to prep most of my meals on Sunday night but would also like a but of variety in snacks and deserts if those are allowed. I don't want to be too strict so I can stick too it but I also want to have enough macros and proteins to get stronger. Please make a shopping list of all ingredient required and describe three meals a day plus snacks for 1 week.

assistant: Here's a meal plan for a week to help you build muscle:

**Shopping list:**

-   Brown rice
-   Quinoa
-   Sweet potatoes
-   Leafy greens (e.g. spinach, kale, arugula)
-   Berries (e.g. blueberries, strawberries)
-   Nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts)
-   Nut butter (e.g. almond butter)
-   Greek yogurt
-   Cottage cheese
-   Eggs
-   Chicken breast
-   Salmon
-   Beef (e.g. sirloin steak)
-   Lentils
-   Chickpeas
-   Canned tuna
-   Avocado
-   Olive oil
-   Balsamic vinegar

**Monday:**

-   Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes, 1/2 sweet potato
-   Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed vegetables
-   Dinner: Grilled salmon with brown rice and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, a handful of almonds

**Tuesday:**

-   Breakfast: Cottage cheese with a handful of berries and a tablespoon of almond butter
-   Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with sweet potato and steamed vegetables
-   Dinner: Beef sirloin steak with quinoa and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with a handful of berries, a handful of walnuts

**Wednesday:**

-   Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with spinach, 1/2 avocado
-   Lunch: Grilled salmon with brown rice and steamed vegetables
-   Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, a tablespoon of almond butter with a handful of almonds

**Thursday:**

-   Breakfast: Cottage cheese with a handful of berries and a tablespoon of almond butter
-   Lunch: Lentil and vegetable salad
-   Dinner: Grilled beef sirloin steak with sweet potato and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with a handful of berries, a handful of walnuts

**Friday:**

-   Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes, 1/2 sweet potato
-   Lunch: Grilled salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables
-   Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with brown rice and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, a handful of almonds

**Saturday:**

-   Breakfast: Cottage cheese with a handful of berries and a tablespoon of almond butter
-   Lunch: Chickpea salad with vegetables and a balsamic vinaigrette
-   Dinner: Grilled beef sirloin steak with quinoa and steamed greens
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, a handful of walnuts

**Sunday:**

-   Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with spinach, 1/2 avocado
-   Lunch: Grilled salmon with sweet potato and steamed greens
-   Dinner: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed vegetables
-   Snacks: Greek yogurt with berries, a tablespoon of almond butter with a handful of almonds

Incorporating protein-rich foods like chicken, salmon, beef, eggs, yogurt, and nuts will help you build muscle, while carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, and berries will provide the energy you need to power through your workouts. You can adjust portion sizes based on your calorie needs and fitness goals.