Publix Low-Carb Meal Plan

BUDGET RATIONALE

Why these meals: The clear anchors for this week are the Publix Pork Picnic Half at just $2.49/lb and the Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) at a flat $7.99 package, both of which keep the everyday nights very affordable. Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties at $4.99 and Publix Lean Pork Loin Boneless Chops at $5.99/lb round out the economical nights with great variety in flavor and cooking method. For the one premium night, White Shrimp at $8.99/lb was chosen over the pricier steaks and salmon options - it delivers a genuinely special weeknight dinner at a far more reasonable per-serving cost than ribeye or sirloin. The ribeye at $19.99/lb, the bottom sirloin flap at $16.99/lb, and the Bluehouse Atlantic Salmon at $14.99/lb were all deliberately skipped because even on sale they would push the week's total well above the target. The Publix Savory Umami Seasoned Broccoli and Zucchini and Publix White Mushrooms add low-carb vegetable variety without adding much to the total.

5-DAY MEAL PLAN

Monday
Meal: Pan-Seared Publix Lean Pork Loin Boneless Chops with Sauteed Zucchini and Mushrooms
Description: Boneless pork chops are seasoned with pantry spices and seared in a hot skillet until golden and cooked through, developing a flavorful crust without any breading. Sliced zucchini and white mushrooms are sauteed alongside in the same pan, absorbing the pork drippings for a savory, satisfying low-carb plate.
Sale items used: Publix Lean Pork Loin Boneless Chops, Zucchini or Yellow Squash, Publix White Mushrooms
Prep time: 30 minutes
Serving note: Use 2 lbs of Publix Lean Pork Loin Boneless Chops (approximately 4 chops), 1 package Zucchini or Yellow Squash, and 1 package Publix White Mushrooms (from the 2 for $6.00 deal, buy 2 packages and use 1 tonight, 1 later in the week).
Recipes:
- Pork Chops with Super Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe
- Pork Loin Medallions in Mushroom Gravy

Tuesday
Meal: Skillet-Browned Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties with Chimichurri Broccoli
Description: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties are cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, giving each patty a crisp exterior and juicy center. A head of broccoli is steamed and tossed with olive oil and garlic from the pantry, with the chimichurri-style seasoning keeping net carbs well under the daily target.
Sale items used: Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties, Broccoli or Cauliflower
Prep time: 25 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties and 1 head of broccoli from the 2 for $6.00 Broccoli or Cauliflower deal (buy 2, use 1 head tonight and save the second for later in the week).

Wednesday
Meal: Garlic-Butter Sauteed White Shrimp with Cauliflower and Sargento Cheese
Description: Extra large White Shrimp are peeled and sauteed quickly in garlic butter until pink and just cooked through, then finished with a squeeze of lemon from the pantry. Cauliflower florets are roasted in the oven until tender and lightly caramelized, then topped with Sargento Cheese Slices melted over the top for a rich, low-carb side.
Sale items used: White Shrimp (Extra Large, 21-25 per pound), Broccoli or Cauliflower, Sargento Cheese Slices
Prep time: 35 minutes
Serving note: Use 1.5 lbs White Shrimp, 1 head of cauliflower from the second unit of the 2 for $6.00 Broccoli or Cauliflower deal, and 1 package Sargento Cheese Slices from the 2 for $8.00 deal (buy 2 packages, use 1 tonight).
Recipes:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe – Healthy Shrimp Recipe
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp With Parmesan

Thursday
Meal: Oven-Roasted Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) with Savory Umami Broccoli and Zucchini
Description: Chimichurri-marinated chicken thighs are arranged in a baking dish and roasted at 425 degrees until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, letting the herb marinade infuse the meat throughout cooking. The Publix Savory Umami Seasoned Broccoli and Zucchini is prepared according to package directions and served alongside for a complete, flavor-packed low-carb dinner.
Sale items used: Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated), Publix Savory Umami Seasoned Broccoli and Zucchini
Prep time: 45 minutes
Serving note: Use 1 package Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) and 1 package Publix Savory Umami Seasoned Broccoli and Zucchini. This package is listed in the Bakery & Bread section of the flyer at $7.99 per package.
Recipes:
- Keto Chimichurri Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Skillet
- Keto Chimichurri Chicken
- Chicken and Zucchini Skillet

Friday
Meal: Herb-Seasoned Publix Pork Picnic Half Braised with Swanson Broth and Mushrooms
Description: A portion of the Publix Pork Picnic Half is cut into large chunks and braised low and slow in Swanson Broth with pantry herbs and the remaining Publix White Mushrooms until the meat is fork-tender and the broth reduces into a savory pan sauce. This is a hands-off braise that delivers deep, rich flavor with minimal active cooking time and keeps net carbs very low.
Sale items used: Publix Pork Picnic Half, Swanson Broth, Publix White Mushrooms
Prep time: 20 minutes active, 90 minutes total braising time - start by 5:30 PM for a 7:00 PM dinner; the braise is largely hands-off after the first 20 minutes.
Serving note: Use approximately 2 lbs of Publix Pork Picnic Half, 1 package Swanson Broth from the 2 for $4.00 deal (buy 2, use 1 tonight), and the second package of Publix White Mushrooms reserved from Monday.

SHOPPING LIST

Buy on sale:
- Publix Lean Pork Loin Boneless Chops (2 lbs): $11.98
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash (1 package): $3.49
- Publix White Mushrooms (x2 packages, 2 for $6.00 deal): $6.00
- Smithfield Pork Sausage Patties (x1 package): $4.99
- Broccoli or Cauliflower (x2 heads, 2 for $6.00 deal): $6.00
- White Shrimp (Extra Large, 21-25 per pound) (1.5 lbs): $13.49
- Sargento Cheese Slices (x2 packages, 2 for $8.00 deal): $8.00
- Publix Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (Chimichurri-Marinated) (x1 package): $7.99
- Publix Savory Umami Seasoned Broccoli and Zucchini (x1 package): $5.99
- Publix Pork Picnic Half (2 lbs): $4.98
- Swanson Broth (x2 packages, 2 for $4.00 deal): $4.00

Pantry staples needed:
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic (fresh or minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon (for finishing shrimp)