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.
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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
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb. 3, 2024.
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024.
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
- High-Protein Foods: Prioritize lentils, black beans, quinoa, tofu, and tempeh for plant-based protein to support muscle growth.
- Calorie-Dense Foods: Include avocados, nuts, and seeds for healthy fats and additional calories to support muscle gain.
- Whole Grains: Choose brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pasta for complex carbohydrates to fuel workouts.
- Plant-Based Protein Powders: Consider incorporating vegan protein powders into smoothies or post-workout meals for an extra protein boost.
- Colorful Vegetables: Include a variety of vegetables for essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health.
- Fortified Foods: Choose fortified plant-based milk and cereals for added nutrients, including protein.
- Regular Meals and Snacks: Eat regular, balanced meals and snacks to ensure a consistent intake of nutrients throughout the day.
- Hydration: Drink water and electrolyte-rich beverages to stay hydrated, especially during workouts.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- Highly Processed Foods: Limit heavily processed vegan alternatives and prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Added Sugars: Minimize added sugars from snacks and desserts, choosing whole fruits for sweetness.
Main benefits
The Vegan meal plan for muscle gain combines high protein with adequate caloric intake. It focuses on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods to support muscle growth and recovery.
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
Invest in high-protein foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and tempeh, which are more economical in bulk. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and chia seeds, can be bought in larger quantities for savings. Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are nutritious and budget-friendly. Consider making your own vegan protein powder blends for cost savings.
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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?
Vegan diets for muscle gain should concentrate on both calorie and protein intake. High-calorie, nutrient-dense foods such as nut butters, seeds, and avocados help in increasing overall calorie intake, while rich protein sources like tempeh, seitan, and legumes are essential for muscle building. Combining these with regular strength training ensures effective muscle growth.
Meal plan suggestions
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.
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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
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.