Vegan meal plan for muscle gain
Achieve muscle gain on a vegan diet with our meal plan designed for muscle growth. Packed with plant-based and muscle-building recipes, this plan provides the nutrients needed to support your strength training journey. Explore a variety of delicious options that cater to your muscle gain goals on a vegan diet.
Meal plan grocery list
Lentils
Chickpeas
Quinoa
Tofu
Tempeh
Edamame
Seitan
Almonds
Peanuts
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Avocado
Brown rice
Whole-grain bread
Nutritional yeast
Fortified plant-based yogurt
Water
Meal plan overview
Achieve your muscle gain goals with our vegan meal plan tailored for muscle growth. Packed with a variety of muscle-building and nutrient-dense recipes, this plan provides the nutrition needed to support your strength training journey. Explore a diverse range of delicious options that align with your muscle gain goals while maintaining a vegan lifestyle.
Foods to eat
- Non-Starchy Vegetables: Prioritize leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers for low-carbohydrate options.
- Lean Plant-Based Proteins: Include tofu, tempeh, and legumes for protein without excessive carbohydrates.
- Whole Grains in Moderation: Choose quinoa, brown rice, and oats in controlled portions for additional fiber and nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, and olive oil for essential fats without spiking blood sugar levels.
- Berries: Enjoy berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in moderation for lower-carb fruit options.
- Chia Seeds and Flaxseeds: Include chia seeds and flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids and added nutritional benefits.
- Hydration: Drink water and herbal teas to stay hydrated and support overall well-being.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to manage carbohydrate intake effectively.
- Individualized Nutrition: Adjust meal plans based on individual dietary needs, blood sugar levels, and gestational diabetes management.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Highly Processed Foods: Limit heavily processed vegan alternatives and choose whole, minimally processed foods.
- Added Sugars: Minimize added sugars from snacks and desserts, choosing whole fruits for sweetness.
- Refined Grains: Reduce intake of refined grains and focus on whole grains for added nutritional benefits.
Main benefits
The Vegan meal plan for gestational diabetes aims to control blood sugar levels with plant-based foods. It includes fiber-rich, low-glycemic-index foods suitable for pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
For a vegan diet plan for gaining weight, incorporating calorie-dense food alternatives can be beneficial. Here are some substitutions:
- Replace quinoa with freekeh for a higher calorie and fiber content.
- Instead of chickpeas, use white beans for a different texture and flavor.
- Swap almond milk with coconut milk for added calories and richness.
- Use macadamia nuts instead of walnuts for a higher calorie count.
- For a different taste, replace sweet potatoes with purple yams.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Support your muscle-building goals with these vegan protein-rich snacks:
- Vegan protein shake with banana
- Almond butter on whole grain toast
- Baked tofu cubes
- Quinoa and black bean salad
- Hemp seed and oat energy balls
- Spicy roasted pumpkin seeds
- Stuffed bell peppers with lentils
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For muscle gain on a vegan diet, consider protein shakes with vegan protein powder, soy milk as a high-protein drink, smoothies with nut butter for extra protein and calories, water to keep the body hydrated during workouts, and green tea for its metabolism-boosting properties.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
Vegan Meal Plan for Muscle Gain
Day 1
- Breakfast: Seitan and spinach scramble with whole-grain bread and avocado
- Mid-Morning Snack: A smoothie with fortified plant-based yogurt, peanut butter, and chia seeds
- Lunch: Quinoa and lentil bowl with kale, broccoli, and almonds, topped with nutritional yeast
- Afternoon Snack: Edamame pods and a handful of peanuts
- Dinner: Tempeh stir-fry with mixed vegetables, served with brown rice
Calories: 2000 Fat: 75g Carbs: 190g Protein: 134g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
- Effect of a hypocaloric, nutritionally complete, higher-protein meal plan on bone density and quality in older adults with obesity: a randomized trial
- A high-protein breakfast induces greater insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide responses to a subsequent lunch meal in individuals with type 2 diabetes
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb 3, 2024
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024