Home > Diet plans

Vegetarian Low-Carb Diet Plan: Lose Weight with Ease

A low-carb vegetarian diet creatively bypasses traditional carb-heavy vegetarian staples, focusing instead on nuts, seeds, eggs, and cheese for sustenance. It’s loaded with high-fiber vegetables and healthy fats to keep you full and energized. This diet plan is perfect for vegetarians who want to cut carbs without sacrificing variety and flavor.

Get grocery list
Low-carb diet plan for vegetarians photo cover

Diet plan grocery list

  • Tofu
  • Tempeh
  • Seitan
  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Avocado
  • Spinach
  • Kale

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery

  • Olives
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Pecans
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Cheese

Save this list
Share this list
Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on April 29, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

The low-carb diet plan for vegetarians is tailored to combine the benefits of low carbohydrate intake with a plant-based diet. It focuses on high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and seeds to replace traditional carb-heavy foods like bread and pasta. Protein sources include dairy and eggs, ensuring that you meet your nutritional needs without meat.

This diet helps in managing weight and enhancing metabolic health, while still being rich in nutrients necessary for overall wellness. It's perfect for vegetarians who want to try a low-carb approach without compromising their dietary preferences.

Low-carb diet plan for vegetarians exemplary product

Foods to eat

  • Eggs and Dairy: Whole eggs, Greek yogurt, and cheeses for high-quality protein and fats.
  • Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens like spinach and kale, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, providing healthy fats and proteins.
  • Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, and seitan as primary protein sources.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocados, coconut oil, and olive oil to maintain adequate fat intake.
quote icon

Fruits and vegetables are the one point of consensus—an oasis—in arguments about what to eat. Everyone agrees that eating more of them is a good idea.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Grains: Wheat, rice, and oats, including products made from these like bread and pasta.
  • Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other high-carb root vegetables.
  • Sugary Foods: Sodas, sweets, and any form of added sugars.
  • Legumes: Beans and lentils, except in very small amounts as they are high in carbohydrates.
  • Fruit: High-carb fruits like bananas and grapes; limit to berries in moderation.

Main benefits

The low-carb diet plan for vegetarians balances plant-based proteins with healthy fats, reducing carb intake while ensuring nutritional needs are met. It’s ideal for weight management and maintaining steady energy levels without relying on meat products. This diet enhances heart health by focusing on high-fiber foods like vegetables and nuts.

Low-carb diet plan for vegetarians graph

📊 Nutrient breakdown of the low-carb diet (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

To make a low-carb vegetarian diet more budget-friendly, prioritize high-fiber, low-carb vegetables like broccoli and zucchini, which are often cheaper in bulk. Incorporate tofu and tempeh as protein sources; they are less expensive than specialty low-carb products and can be flavored in a variety of ways. Consider growing your own herbs and some vegetables to cut costs and ensure fresh, organic produce.

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list

7-Day Meal Plan for Low-Carb Diet Plan for Vegetarians

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Scrambled tofu with spinach, mushrooms, and nutritional yeast
  • Lunch: Zucchini noodle salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and olives, dressed in olive oil
  • Dinner: Grilled eggplant and bell pepper stack with herbed cheese spread
  • Snack: A handful of almonds and a few slices of cheese

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with flaxseeds, chia seeds, and crushed walnuts
  • Lunch: Stir-fried tempeh with broccoli, kale, and coconut oil
  • Dinner: Cauliflower steaks roasted in olive oil with a side of asparagus
  • Snack: Celery sticks with almond butter

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Omelette with mushrooms, spinach, and pecans
  • Lunch: Avocado and cucumber salad with hemp seeds and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Seitan stir-fry with brussels sprouts and bell peppers
  • Snack: Coconut yogurt topped with macadamia nuts

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Chia pudding made with almond milk and topped with coconut flakes
  • Lunch: Grilled zucchini and eggplant slices with herbed olive oil and crumbled feta cheese
  • Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with a mix of quinoa, tempeh, and spinach
  • Snack: A handful of pecans and a few olives

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Eggs scrambled with kale, onions, and bell peppers
  • Lunch: Cauliflower rice with sautéed mushrooms, avocado, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast
  • Dinner: Baked tempeh with a side salad of arugula, cucumber, and walnuts
  • Snack: Sliced cucumbers and guacamole

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Greek yogurt with sliced strawberries and almonds
  • Lunch: Broccoli and cheese soup made with almond milk
  • Dinner: Pan-seared tofu with a creamy coconut and spinach sauce
  • Snack: A handful of macadamia nuts

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Coconut milk smoothie with avocado, cocoa powder, and flaxseeds
  • Lunch: Salad of mixed greens (kale, spinach), olives, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds, dressed with olive oil
  • Dinner: Eggplant lasagna with layers of sliced eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese
  • Snack: Sliced bell peppers with a yogurt dip

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
picture showing a phone with a shopping list
⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.