Paleo meal plan for vegetarian
Merging plant-based eating with ancestral habits, the Paleo meal plan for vegetarians focuses on vegetarian foods that align with Paleo principles. It includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, along with dairy and eggs.
This plan offers a unique approach to vegetarianism, rooted in natural, unprocessed foods. It’s about enjoying the benefits of Paleo while maintaining a vegetarian diet.
Meal plan grocery list
Berries
Apples
Pears
Avocado
Blueberries
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Spinach
Kale
Quinoa
Brown rice
Lentils
Chickpeas
Tofu
Almonds
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds
Olive oil
Herbal tea
Water
Meal plan overview
""Paleo Meal Plan for Vegetarian"" is a harmonious blend of plant-based nutrition and primal eating.
Discover a variety of delicious, nutrient-rich vegetarian meals that adhere to Paleo guidelines. This two-week plan is a testament to how a vegetarian diet can be naturally aligned with Paleo principles, offering healthful, diverse, and satisfying meals.
Foods to eat
- Lean Proteins: For growth and repair, like chicken, turkey, and lean beef.
- Iron-Rich Foods: Spinach, red meat, and pumpkin seeds to prevent anemia.
- Calcium Sources: Almond milk, leafy greens, and figs for bone health.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and nuts for baby's brain development.
- Folate-Rich Foods: Asparagus, broccoli, and citrus fruits for preventing birth defects.
- Fiber-Rich Vegetables: To aid digestion, like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Hydration: Ample water intake is crucial during pregnancy.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: From fish like salmon or fish oil supplements, important for fetal brain development.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Raw or Undercooked Meats: Due to the risk of bacterial infections.
- High-Mercury Fish: Like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
- Unpasteurized Foods: Risk of bacteria which could harm the fetus.
- Excessive Caffeine: Limited to 200 mg per day to prevent risks to the baby.
- Refined Sugars and Grains: For overall health and to avoid excessive weight gain.
- Processed Foods: Often high in unhealthy fats and additives.
- Alcohol: To avoid any risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
- Legumes and Dairy: Not typically included in a Paleo diet and can be difficult to digest.
Main benefits
The Paleo meal plan for a pregnant woman is tailored to provide essential nutrients needed during pregnancy. It includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, ensuring a balanced diet for maternal and fetal health.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A Paleo meal plan for vegetarians can be varied and nutritious with these alternatives:
- Use tempeh for a different protein source instead of tofu.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) can replace spaghetti squash for a unique twist.
- For a creamy spread, try tahini instead of almond butter.
- Consider red lentils for a different texture compared to green lentils in soups.
- Enhance your salads with watercress instead of mixed greens.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Enjoy these vegetarian Paleo snacks:
- Carrot and cucumber sticks with almond butter
- Homemade vegetable chips (beet, sweet potato, carrot)
- Guacamole with bell pepper slices
- Cashews or almonds
- Coconut yogurt
- Stuffed avocados (with veggies and nuts)
- Chia pudding made with almond milk
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For a Paleo vegetarian, beverage options need to complement a plant-based approach. Water, certainly, for hydration. Herbal teas, offering a range of health benefits. Unsweetened almond milk, for a dairy-free alternative. Coconut water, for its hydrating properties. Green tea, for its antioxidant benefits.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Paleo Meal Plan for Vegetarians
Day 1
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado (calories: 300, protein: 20g, carbs: 10g, fat: 22g)
- Lunch: Mixed greens salad with nuts, seeds, and olive oil dressing (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 15g, fat: 28g)
- Snack: Carrot and cucumber sticks with almond butter (calories: 150, protein: 5g, carbs: 10g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Grilled portobello mushrooms with a side of roasted sweet potatoes (calories: 400, protein: 8g, carbs: 40g, fat: 22g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Coconut yogurt with mixed berries and nuts (calories: 300, protein: 6g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Avocado and chickpea salad with lemon-tahini dressing (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 40g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Sliced apple with a handful of almonds (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
- Dinner: Zucchini noodles with cashew sauce and cherry tomatoes (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 30g, fat: 20g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk and topped with fresh fruit (calories: 280, protein: 6g, carbs: 25g, fat: 15g)
- Lunch: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa, black beans, and vegetables (calories: 380, protein: 12g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: Celery sticks with cashew butter (calories: 150, protein: 4g, carbs: 5g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Eggplant curry with a side of cauliflower rice (calories: 400, protein: 8g, carbs: 35g, fat: 25g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, almond milk, banana, and flaxseeds (calories: 250, protein: 5g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad (calories: 350, protein: 18g, carbs: 40g, fat: 10g)
- Snack: A handful of mixed nuts and dried fruits (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 20g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Roasted vegetable kebabs with tahini sauce (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 22g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Paleo pancakes made with almond flour, topped with fresh berries (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 35g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Mixed vegetable stir-fry with tofu (calories: 400, protein: 20g, carbs: 30g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: Guacamole with raw vegetable sticks (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 10g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Baked spaghetti squash with marinara sauce and nutritional yeast (calories: 300, protein: 8g, carbs: 40g, fat: 12g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Omelette with tomatoes, onions, and green peppers (calories: 300, protein: 18g, carbs: 10g, fat: 20g)
- Lunch: Spinach and mushroom quiche (no crust) (calories: 350, protein: 20g, carbs: 15g, fat: 22g)
- Snack: A small serving of berries and a few macadamia nuts (calories: 180, protein: 2g, carbs: 15g, fat: 12g)
- Dinner: Cauliflower steaks with a side of roasted asparagus (calories: 250, protein: 10g, carbs: 20g, fat: 15g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Berry and almond milk smoothie bowl with coconut flakes (calories: 320, protein: 6g, carbs: 30g, fat: 18g)
- Lunch: Kale and avocado salad with pumpkin seeds (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 20g, fat: 20g)
- Snack: Baked sweet potato fries with a small side of guacamole (calories: 200, protein: 3g, carbs: 35g, fat: 7g)
- Dinner: Grilled portobello steak with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 45g, 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