Macro-Friendly Foods for Cutting & Bulking: High-Protein Meals for the 9-5

People following a structured fitness meal plan often rotate foods depending on goals. During cutting phases, low-calorie, high-protein meals support fat loss, while bulking phases prioritise energy-dense foods.

Mycoprotein works in both contexts, acting as one of the most versatile plant based protein options for those seeking consistent protein for plant based diets.

Smart Swaps for Cutting 

When you are cutting, hunger is the enemy. The goal is “volume eating”—consuming food that physically fills your stomach without blowing your calorie limit. This is where high-fibre, high-protein sources are essential.

Prioritize Satiety

Swap calorie-dense supermarket meal deals for fibrous plant proteins or “air-dried” noodle pots. Options rich in mycoprotein (like POTAMOIS) are a cheat code here; the high fibre content keeps you fuller for longer on fewer calories.

Protect Your Gains

When you are in a calorie deficit, your body might try to burn muscle for fuel. Consuming a high-protein lunch (aiming for 20g per serving) signals your body to hold onto lean mass.

Hydration Station

Office air conditioning is notorious for dehydrating you. Keep a water bottle on your desk, as thirst often masquerades as hunger terrors at 3 PM.

Efficient Fuel for Muscle Gain 

Bulking requires a caloric surplus, but “dirty bulking” on pastries from the breakroom will just lead to fat gain and an afternoon energy crash. You need “clean” density, foods that provide quality fuel without making you feel sluggish.

Clean Density

Focus on complete protein sources that are easily digestible. You want to feel light enough to smash a 5PM workout, not weighed down by heavy grease.

The Mycoprotein Advantage

Fungi-based proteins offer a complete amino acid profile necessary for muscle repair. Because they are naturally low in saturated fat, you can eat a larger portion to hit your surplus goals without worrying about your cholesterol or heart health.

Smart Carbs

Don’t fear carbohydrates. Pair your protein with complex carbs like oats or noodles to fuel your training sessions.

The Office Lunch Hack

The hardest part of any fitness regime is sticking to it when work gets chaotic. If your meeting overruns, you are more likely to grab a chocolate bar than a chicken breast. This is why shelf-stable, high-protein instant meals are vital. Keeping a stash of mycoprotein-based pots in your drawer ensures that whether you are cutting or bulking, you have a 20g protein hit ready in 3 minutes. It bridges the gap between convenience and your physique goals.

Don’t sweat it, there are options

You don’t need to eat plain chicken and broccoli out of a Tupperware container to get in shape. By choosing versatile, macro-friendly ingredients like mycoprotein, you can adapt your lunch to fit any goal. Keep your nutrition simple, sustainable, and accessible, and the results will follow. If you have a busy lifestyle, incorporate meals from POTAMOIS to ensure that you can gain the right nutrition without the hassle.