Low-carb meal plan for vegans
The Low-Carb meal plan for vegans is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of a vegan diet while restricting carbohydrate intake. It includes a variety of plant-based foods such as non-starchy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vegan protein sources, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced diet that adheres to both low-carb and vegan principles.
Meal plan grocery list
Tofu
Spinach
Mushrooms
Avocado
Black beans
Almonds
Apples
Cauliflower
Mixed vegetables
Berries
Chia seeds
Almond milk
Zucchini
Pesto
Cherry tomatoes
Hummus
Bell peppers
Quinoa
Tahini
Lentils
Edamame
Eggplant
Chickpeas
Coconut milk
Overnight oats
Vegan Caesar dressing
Pumpkin seeds
Meal plan overview
This balanced vegan diet with lower daily carb intake redefines plant-based eating within low carb diets. It offers a range of creative low carb vegan foods that are both nutritious and satisfying.
Centered on whole foods like nuts, seeds, and low-carb vegetables, this plan is perfect for maintaining low carb vegan diets and providing essential nutrients at the same time.
Foods to eat
- Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Lean Proteins: Chicken, fish, and eggs.
- Healthy Fats: Avocados, extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts.
- Low-Sugar Fruits: Berries and melons in moderation.
- Seafood: Salmon, mackerel, and shrimp for omega-3 fatty acids.
- Dairy: Greek yogurt and cheese in moderation.
- Herbs and Spices: To flavor dishes without adding carbs.
- Plenty of Water and Herbal Teas: For hydration.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Carb Vegetables: Potatoes, corn, and other starchy vegetables.
- Grains: Bread, pasta, rice, and cereal.
- High-Sugar Fruits: Such as bananas, grapes, and dates.
- Legumes: Beans and lentils, while healthy, are high in carbs.
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Avoid desserts and sweetened beverages.
- Processed Low-Carb Foods: Often contain hidden carbs and unhealthy additives.
- Alcohol: Especially beer and sweet cocktails.
- Full-Fat Dairy Products: In excess, especially if high in lactose.
Main benefits
The Low-Carb meal plan for the Mediterranean diet adapts the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle and its meal prep to a low-carb framework. It emphasizes healthy eating with foods like leafy greens, non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, reducing the intake of high-carb foods such as grains and certain fruits to maintain a low carbohydrate profile, prevent heart disease, and support healthy weight loss.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A low-carb meal plan for vegans can be delicious and nutritious with these alternatives:
- Include hemp seeds instead of chia seeds for added protein in smoothies.
- Swap brown rice with red quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
- For a creamy addition, use cashew cream instead of tahini in dishes.
- Enhance your salads with watercress instead of mixed greens for a peppery taste.
- Try using sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Satisfy your hunger with these vegan, low-carb snacks:
- Roasted chickpeas
- Almond butter on celery sticks
- Coconut yogurt with flaxseeds
- Guacamole with bell pepper strips
- Stuffed mushrooms with vegan cheese
- Marinated tofu cubes
- Kale chips with nutritional yeast
What should I drink on this meal plan?
On a low-carb vegan diet, hydration primarily comes from water. Herbal teas are excellent for variety and health benefits. Almond, soy, or coconut milk can serve as great non-dairy, low-carb options. Black coffee is a staple for an energy kick, and green tea offers additional health benefits, particularly in antioxidants.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Low-Carb Vegan Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Tofu scramble with spinach and mushrooms (calories: 250, protein: 20g, carbs: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Avocado and black bean salad with a lime vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 15g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Almonds and a small apple (calories: 200, protein: 6g, carbs: 18g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Cauliflower rice stir-fry with mixed vegetables and tofu (calories: 400, protein: 18g, carbs: 20g, fat: 22g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding with almond milk and berries (calories: 280, protein: 6g, carbs: 15g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Zucchini noodles with avocado pesto and cherry tomatoes (calories: 320, protein: 8g, carbs: 18g, fat: 25g)
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus (calories: 150, protein: 4g, carbs: 10g, fat: 8g)
- Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and black beans (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 30g, fat: 15g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, almond milk, peanut butter, and a small banana (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 25g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Lentil salad with roasted vegetables and tahini dressing (calories: 400, protein: 18g, carbs: 35g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Edamame with sea salt (calories: 120, protein: 12g, carbs: 8g, fat: 5g)
- Dinner: Eggplant and chickpea curry with coconut milk (calories: 450, protein: 15g, carbs: 30g, fat: 25g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, and a few raspberries (calories: 250, protein: 8g, carbs: 25g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Vegan Caesar salad with chickpea croutons and avocado (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 20g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: A handful of pumpkin seeds (calories: 180, protein: 9g, carbs: 3g, fat: 15g)
- Dinner: Vegan chili with a variety of beans and vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 20g, carbs: 40g, fat: 15g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Vegan yogurt with flaxseeds and a sprinkle of nuts (calories: 200, protein: 6g, carbs: 10g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables and tahini (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: Sliced bell peppers with guacamole (calories: 150, protein: 2g, carbs: 10g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Baked tofu with a side of steamed broccoli and cauliflower (calories: 350, protein: 25g, carbs: 15g, fat: 20g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Protein shake with almond milk, spinach, and a tablespoon of almond butter (calories: 250, protein: 20g, carbs: 6g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Vegan sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and tofu (calories: 300, protein: 12g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A small serving of berries with coconut cream (calories: 150, protein: 2g, carbs: 15g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Stuffed acorn squash with wild rice and mushroom mixture (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 30g, fat: 25g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Savory avocado toast on low-carb bread (calories: 250, protein: 8g, carbs: 20g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Spinach and walnut salad with a balsamic vinaigrette (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 15g, fat: 28g)
- Snack: Air-popped popcorn with nutritional yeast (calories: 100, protein: 4g, carbs: 15g, fat: 3g)
- Dinner: Vegan shepherd's pie with a lentil base and mashed cauliflower topping (calories: 400, protein: 18g, carbs: 30g, fat: 20g)
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 29, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024