Complete meal plan for vegans
Dive into our complete meal plan for vegans, designed to provide all the nutrients you need while staying plant-based. This plan features a diverse array of mouth-watering recipes that prove vegan food is anything but boring. Embrace a healthier, compassionate way of eating with ease.
Meal plan grocery list
- Kale
- Quinoa
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Almond milk
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Lentils
- Brown rice
- Tempeh
- Nutritional yeast
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Walnuts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Edamame
- Oats
- Peanut butter
- Almonds
- Tahini
- Maple syrup
- Garlic
- Onions
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on July 2, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
The complete meal plan for vegans takes plant-based eating to the next level. With a focus on avoiding all animal products, it ensures you enjoy meals rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Common dishes include creamy nut-based soups, flavorful tofu stir-fries, and satisfying grain salads.
Ideal for those committed to a vegan lifestyle, this plan makes it simple to enjoy nutritious and delicious meals every day. It's designed to ensure you're getting a wide range of nutrients from purely plant-based sources.
Foods to eat
- Fruits and Vegetables: Embrace all kinds of fruits and vegetables for diverse nutrients and flavors.
- Whole Grains: Include options like barley, bulgur, and spelt for fiber and energy.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, and peas are perfect protein-rich options.
- Plant-based Milks: Almond, oat, and coconut milk are great dairy alternatives.
- Nuts and Seeds: Stock up on almonds, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds for healthy fats and protein.
✅ Tip
Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor to dishes while boosting your B12 intake.
Foods not to eat
- Meat and Poultry: No beef, pork, chicken, or other meats.
- Fish and Seafood: Avoid all types of fish and seafood.
- Dairy Products: No milk, cheese, butter, or other dairy-based items.
- Eggs: Skip eggs and foods containing eggs.
- Honey: Avoid honey and any products made with honey.
Main benefits
A complete meal plan for vegans covers all essential nutrients with plant-based foods. It includes protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, and quinoa to support muscle maintenance. This plan features a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide necessary vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it emphasizes healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and seeds, ensuring a well-rounded diet.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
To keep a vegan diet exciting and nutritionally balanced, try incorporating these alternatives:
- For a protein swap, jackfruit can replace tofu, offering a fibrous and meat-like texture perfect for savory dishes.
- To switch up your grains, teff can replace quinoa, providing a slightly sweet flavor and a high iron content.
- For a different vegetable choice, artichokes can replace cauliflower, offering a unique texture and rich nutrient profile.
- To add variety to your fruit intake, figs can replace bananas, offering a naturally sweet and fiber-rich option.
- For a nut alternative, hazelnuts can replace almonds, providing a distinctive flavor and healthy fats.
How to budget on this meal plan
On a vegan diet, focus on whole foods like beans, lentils, and vegetables, which are affordable and nutritious. Purchase grains in bulk to save money. Seasonal fruits and veggies cost less and taste better. Utilize local farmer’s markets or co-ops for fresh produce deals. Cooking from scratch reduces costs and helps control ingredients.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are some healthy snack ideas for a complete meal plan for vegans:
- Avocado toast on whole grain bread
- Mixed nuts and seeds
- Sliced bell peppers with guacamole
- Rice cakes with almond butter and banana slices
- Homemade trail mix with dried fruits and nuts
- Baked kale chips
- Fruit smoothie with plant-based protein
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a complete meal plan for vegans, water should be your primary drink. You can also enjoy herbal teas, coconut water, and freshly squeezed juices. Smoothies made with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, blended with fruits and vegetables, are excellent choices. Avoid drinks with added sugars or animal-derived ingredients. Green tea and black coffee are suitable in moderation.
How to get even more nutrients?
For a vegan diet, focus on diverse sources of plant-based proteins like legumes, soy products, and seitan. Increase fiber intake through a mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Ensure adequate healthy fats with avocados, nuts, seeds, and oils like flaxseed and olive oil. Pay attention to vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids by using fortified foods and supplements.
Meal plan suggestions
Complete Meal Plan for Vegans
Day 1
- Breakfast: Oats with almond milk, banana, and blueberries, topped with chia seeds and walnuts
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with kale, chickpeas, bell peppers, cucumbers, and a tahini dressing
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
- Snack: Edamame and a handful of almonds
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 230g Protein: 85g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with almond milk, spinach, banana, and hemp seeds
- Lunch: Lentil soup with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spinach
- Dinner: Baked tempeh with sweet potatoes and roasted cauliflower
- Snack: Peanut butter and carrot sticks
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 220g Protein: 80g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Quinoa porridge with almond milk, blueberries, and hemp seeds
- Lunch: Chickpea and avocado salad with kale, cucumbers, and a lemon-tahini dressing
- Dinner: Zucchini noodles with mushrooms, bell peppers, and a garlic-tomato sauce
- Snack: Maple syrup glazed walnuts
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 225g Protein: 82g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Chia pudding with almond milk, bananas, and walnuts
- Lunch: Brown rice bowl with tofu, broccoli, edamame, and a tahini-miso dressing
- Dinner: Lentil and sweet potato stew with spinach
- Snack: Sliced cucumbers with hummus
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 230g Protein: 85g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with almond milk, kale, blueberries, chia seeds, and almonds
- Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with bell peppers, avocado, and a lime dressing
- Dinner: Tempeh stir-fry with carrots, zucchini, and brown rice
- Snack: Sliced apples with peanut butter
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 225g Protein: 82g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Oats with almond milk, bananas, and hemp seeds
- Lunch: Spinach and lentil salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tahini dressing
- Dinner: Chickpea and vegetable curry with brown rice
- Snack: Roasted cauliflower with nutritional yeast
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 220g Protein: 80g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Smoothie with almond milk, spinach, banana, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with kale, avocado, chickpeas, and a lemon-tahini dressing
- Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice
- Snack: Almonds and blueberries
Calories: 1850 Fat: 68g Carbs: 225g Protein: 82g
These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ 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.