Vegan meal plan for beginners
Embark on your vegan journey with our 14-day meal plan for beginners. Featuring simple and tasty recipes, this plan is perfect for those starting their vegan adventures. Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to easy-to-follow recipes that make vegan cooking enjoyable for beginners.
Meal plan grocery list
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Whole-grain bread
- Vegan protein powder
- Unsweetened vegan yogurt
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Olive oil
- Cucumber
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Broccoli
- Water
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb. 3, 2024.
- Updated on Oct. 1, 2024.
Meal plan overview
Embark on your vegan journey with our 14-day vegan meal plan for beginners. Featuring simple and tasty vegan recipes, this plan is tailored for those starting their vegan adventures. Say goodbye to kitchen stress and hello to easy-to-follow vegan recipes that make vegan cooking enjoyable for beginners.
Foods to eat
- Smoothie Bowl: Start your day with a refreshing smoothie bowl topped with fruits, nuts, seeds, and granola for added texture.
- Veggie Wrap: Create a simple veggie wrap with whole-grain tortillas, hummus, assorted vegetables, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Chickpea Salad: Make a chickpea salad with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a quick lunch.
- Stir-Fried Tofu and Veggies: Experiment with tofu in a stir-fry by combining it with colorful vegetables and a flavorful soy-ginger sauce.
- Quinoa Salad: Try a quinoa salad with mixed greens, avocado, black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette for a nutritious dinner.
- Vegan Pasta: Enjoy a comforting bowl of vegan pasta with tomato sauce, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and nutritional yeast.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes and top them with black beans, salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
- Vegan Curry: Prepare a simple vegan curry with chickpeas, coconut milk, vegetables, and aromatic spices served over brown rice.
- Fruit Salad with Mint: Create a refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits and a touch of fresh mint for dessert or snacks.
- Nut Butter Toast: Enjoy whole-grain toast topped with your favorite nut butter and sliced banana or berries for a quick breakfast.
✅ Tip
Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your diet gradually, and don't be afraid to try new plant-based ingredients and recipes.
Foods not to eat
- Highly Processed Vegan Junk Food: Minimize the consumption of heavily processed vegan alternatives and focus on whole, plant-based foods.
- Excessive Added Sugars: Be cautious of vegan products with high levels of added sugars, and choose natural sweetness from fruits.
- Overly Complicated Recipes: Start with simple recipes to build confidence and gradually explore more complex dishes as you become comfortable.
- Overly Restrictive Diets: Avoid overly strict diets and focus on a well-balanced, varied, and enjoyable plant-based eating plan.
- Skipping Meals: Ensure regular meals to meet nutritional needs and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
- Unrealistic Portion Sizes: Serve appropriate portion sizes to prevent overeating and support a healthy lifestyle.
- Unfamiliar Ingredients: Begin with familiar ingredients and gradually introduce new ones to broaden your culinary repertoire.
- Excessive Snacking: Choose nutrient-dense snacks and be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
- Unbalanced Meals: Strive for balanced meals with a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of vegetables.
- Lack of Hydration: Stay adequately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day to support overall well-being.
Main benefits
The Vegan meal plan for beginners introduces newcomers to veganism with simple, straightforward recipes that cover the basics of plant-based nutrition.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
Beginners on a vegan meal plan can benefit from these simple yet nutritious alternatives:
- Hemp seeds offer a different nutrient profile compared to flaxseeds in smoothies.
- For an exotic flavor, dragon fruit can replace strawberries in fruit bowls.
- Macadamia nuts provide a rich texture instead of almonds in granola.
- Consider oat milk for a creamier base instead of unsweetened almond milk in smoothies.
- Sunflower seed butter offers a unique taste compared to peanut butter.
How to budget on this meal plan
Invest in staples like quinoa, brown rice, and lentils, which are nutritious and can be bought in bulk. Tofu is an excellent protein source and can be more cost-effective when bought in larger quantities. Berries, purchased frozen, can be a budget-friendly option. Whole-grain bread can often be found on sale; consider freezing extra loaves. Unsweetened almond milk can be made at home or bought in larger containers for savings.
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Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Simple and satisfying vegan snacks for those new to veganism:
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Veggie sticks with guacamole
- Oatmeal energy balls
- Trail mix with seeds and dried fruits
- Banana smoothie with almond milk
- Baked sweet potato wedges
- Whole grain toast with avocado
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For beginners adopting a vegan diet, start your journey with simple yet enjoyable drinks like lemon water for detoxifying, a classic soy latte for comfort, a smoothie with oat milk and bananas for energy, coconut water for hydration, or a relaxing chamomile tea in the evening.
How to get even more nutrients?
For beginners transitioning to a vegan diet, start with simple, familiar dishes that you can veganize. Use beans and legumes as protein sources, incorporate a wide range of vegetables for vitamins and minerals, and include whole grains like barley and oats for sustained energy. Nut butters and seeds can add a tasty source of healthy fats and additional protein.
Meal plan suggestions
Vegan Meal Plan for Beginners
This beginner-friendly vegan meal plan offers simple and nutritious plant-based meals to help you get started on your vegan journey.
Day 1
- Breakfast: Quinoa porridge topped with sliced strawberries and almonds
- Lunch: Chickpea salad with spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil
- Dinner: Tofu stir-fry with broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice
Calories: 2000 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 80g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Whole-grain toast with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread
- Dinner: Spinach and tofu curry served with brown rice
Calories: 2100 Fat: 75g Carbs: 270g Protein: 85g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Vegan yogurt topped with mixed berries, flaxseeds, and a drizzle of almond milk
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon juice
- Dinner: Baked tofu with roasted broccoli and sweet potato wedges
Calories: 2050 Fat: 72g Carbs: 265g Protein: 82g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Smoothie bowl made with spinach, banana, berries, chia seeds, and almond milk
- Lunch: Hummus and vegetable wrap with spinach, cucumber, and tomatoes
- Dinner: Lentil and vegetable stir-fry with a side of quinoa
Calories: 2000 Fat: 70g Carbs: 260g Protein: 80g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, and sliced strawberries
- Lunch: Chickpea and avocado sandwich on whole-grain bread
- Dinner: Brown rice bowl with tofu, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado
Calories: 2100 Fat: 75g Carbs: 270g Protein: 85g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ 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.