Although beginning a vegan diet can appear difficult, it can be a fun and fulfilling way of life if just somewhat planned and creatively inspired. Expert in plant-based nutrition Isla Carter offers her simple, beginner-friendly vegan meal plan loaded with all the nutrients your body requires.
“Vegan eating is not difficult,” Isla says. “It’s all about adopting complete plant foods; the possibilities are infinite!”
Here’s a basic, tasty vegan dinner schedule to get you going:
Day 1:
Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Tomato and Hemp Seeds. For a creamy avocado spread on whole-grain toast first thing in the morning, top with fresh tomatoes and hemp seeds for added omega-3s and protein.
Lunch: Chickpea Salad Wrap. Mash chickpeas then mix olive oil, lemon juice, your preferred herbs and spices. For a cool and substantial lunch, wrap it in a whole-wheat tortilla with sliced cucumbers and lush greens.
Dinner: Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry. Cook some lentils alongside a rainbow of vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. For a savoury and filling dinner toss everything in soy sauce and garlic.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Berries and Almond Butter. Breakfast calls for a filling bowl of oats. Top with fresh berries, almond butter, and a sloshful of chia seeds for extra nutrients.
Lunch: Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl. With quinoa, black beans, corn and avocado, this dinner loads on plant protein. Drizzle for a great meal lime juice and a bit of cumin.
Dinner: Vegan Tacos with Jackfruit. As a meat alternative, try jackfruit; it has pulled pork’s texture. For a great taco night, toss it in soft corn tortillas topped with shredded lettuce, salsa and guacamole.
To simplify and speed meal preparation, Isla advises mass ingredient preparation—that is, cooking extra quinoa or lentils. “Making vegan eating stress-free depends on ahead planning,” she says.