December 5, 2025
Use visual portion guides to add calories methodically for lean mass. These templates show how to scale protein, carbs, and fats per plate and per day, without weighing or tracking every gram.
Keep protein steady each plate; scale calories mostly with carbs and fats.
Move up one template when weekly gain stalls; move down if appetite or fat gain rises.
Use add-ons (extra carb scoop or fat thumb) for 100–200 kcal nudges.
Match plate choice to training: higher-carb plates around workouts, balanced plates elsewhere.
These plate templates use the hand-portion method to estimate calories: 1 palm lean protein ≈ 150 kcal, 1 cupped-hand cooked carbs ≈ 160 kcal, 1 thumb fats ≈ 100 kcal, 1 fist non-starchy veg ≈ 25 kcal. Each level increases energy density by adding carbs and/or fats while keeping protein consistent (2 palms for most). Estimates assume mostly lean proteins and cooked grains.
For muscle gain, you need a consistent caloric surplus without relying on a scale. Visual plates let you increase intake predictably, reduce decision fatigue, and keep digestion steady while focusing on training.
Lowest energy density; ideal starting point for a small surplus or smaller appetite.
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Adds slightly more protein and carbs while keeping fats moderate.
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Add-ons provide 100–300 kcal increments without changing the full plate structure. Calorie ranges reflect common foods: 1 cupped-hand cooked carbs ≈ 160 kcal, 1 thumb fats ≈ 100 kcal, 1 cup milk ≈ 100–150 kcal, dense snacks vary by ingredients.
Small, consistent increases are easier to stick with than big jumps. Use one add-on per day for a week, assess weight change (aim 0.25–0.5% bodyweight/week), then adjust.
Extra rice, pasta, quinoa, or potatoes. Use around workouts or when plates feel light.
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Olive oil drizzle, nut butter, cheese, or nuts. Minimal volume, easy on appetite.
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Choose a plate level, then set meal frequency based on schedule and appetite. Daily calories approximate to plates × per-plate energy plus any shakes. Adjust weekly by scale trend and gym performance.
Planning by plates simplifies hitting a surplus. It’s flexible for different routines and supports gradual, sustainable gain.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner as Level 4 plates + 1 recovery shake (250–350 kcal). Works for busy schedules; higher energy per plate.
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Three Level 3 plates + one Level 2 plate. Distributes calories more evenly to ease digestion.
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Protein is the anchor: keep 30–50 g per plate and raise calories mainly with carbs and fats.
Carbs fuel training and scale easily; time higher-carb plates around workouts for performance and recovery.
Fats add energy with minimal volume; use extra thumbs of fats when appetite is low or plate count is limited.
A weekly adjustment cadence works: if weight gain is <0.25% bodyweight/week, add one carb scoop or fat thumb daily; if fat gain climbs, remove one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most lifters gain well on 3–4 plates daily plus a recovery shake. Start with three Level 3 plates and one Level 2 plate; assess weekly. If weight isn’t up 0.25–0.5% of bodyweight, add one carb scoop or fat thumb to a plate, or add a shake.
Aim for 30–50 g protein per plate, totaling ~0.7–1.0 g per pound of bodyweight per day (1.6–2.2 g/kg). Keep protein steady while adjusting carbs and fats to meet calorie needs.
Use Level 2–3 plates 1.5–3 hours preworkout (moderate fats) and Level 3–4 plates postworkout (higher carbs). If appetite is low, use a liquid recovery shake immediately after training.
Build protein with tofu, tempeh, seitan, legumes, soy or pea protein powders, and dairy or fortified plant milks if used. Keep plate proportions the same: 2 palms worth of protein foods, then scale carbs and fats.
Target a small surplus: gain 0.25–0.5% of bodyweight per week. If you outpace that, remove one fat thumb or carb scoop per day, or swap a higher-fat protein back to lean.
Pick a plate level that fits your appetite and schedule, keep protein consistent, and scale carbs and fats to move calories up. Reassess weekly by weight trend and training performance, adding or removing small portions to stay in the sweet spot for lean gains.
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Increases carbs to support training volume and recovery.
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Further carb bump plus a bit more fat for energy density.
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Maximizes carbs and adds fats to push a robust surplus.
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Highest energy density; for hard-gainers or very high calorie targets.
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Chicken breast → thighs; white fish → salmon; 1% → whole dairy. Keeps protein steady while adding energy.
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Milk, kefir, smoothie, or 100% juice with whey. Faster to consume and gentler on fullness.
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Banana or apple with 1–2 tbsp peanut/almond butter. Balanced carbs and fats.
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Pesto on pasta, olive oil on rice, feta on salads. Adds flavor and calories.
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Sourdough or whole-grain plus 1 tbsp butter/honey for a simple side.
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Whey, milk or oat milk, banana, oats, and peanut butter. Easy calories with quality protein.
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Two Level 2 plates, two Level 1 plates, plus one recovery shake. Great when large meals are uncomfortable.
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Three Level 3 plates built with tofu/tempeh/eggs, grains/legumes, avocado/olive oil + one liquid shake (milk + whey or soy). Ensure 30–50 g protein per plate.
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