Plant Based Diet Meal Plan for Beginners – Ideas and Recipes

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If you have recently begun a plant based or vegan diet, then congratulations. For you’re surely going to feel all the amazing benefits that go with it very soon.

Or maybe you have been flirting with the idea, dipping in and out, tasting foods and finding what you like and don’t like. This is the very reason we have compiled this plant based diet meal plan for beginners with ideas and recipes to help guide you into trying new things.

Plant Based Diet Benefits

plant foods

The plant based diet benefits are many if you eat mostly whole foods and very minimal refined oils, refined grains or sugars.

These benefits include:-

  • More energy in general
  • Able to workout harder and for longer periods
  • Quicker recovery after exercise
  • Less aches and pains after exercise
  • Better sleep
  • Clearer skin
  • Glowing complexion
  • Clearer thinking and less brain fog
  • Better memory power
  • Happier mood in general
  • Less PMT
  • Less hormonal problems
  • Detoxified body

Do I need to worry about protein on a plant based diet?

A lot of people worry when going plant based that they will not get enough protein. However, in a healthy person this really is a non issue when you eat a healthy plant based diet.

There are many sources of plant based proteins. These include soy, hemp, quinoa, buckwheat, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and pulses. Even many vegetables (in fact all, in varying degrees) contain protein.

If you make sure you eat at least 90% whole foods plant based, then plant based Nutritionists agree that you should be getting your amino acid quota by default, simply because of all the nutritious, whole foods.

What Are Complete Proteins?

There are only a handful of ‘complete’ plant proteins that contain good amounts of all the amino acids, but if you’re savvy you can incorporate them into most of your meals. All whole plant foods contain protein, they just may be lower in some of the essential amino acids and higher in others, unlike animal based products that are high in all amino acids.

You don’t need to use all the complete plant protein sources on this list as your body does recycle protein. But, you can also combine other sources together to make more complete amino acids (such as pulses with brown rice). But, this is a non issue on a whole foods plant based diet.

Complete Plant Based Protein Foods List:-

SOYA BEANS

dried soy beans

 

You will find that the most popular protein among plant based eaters are soya bean products. This is for the simple reason that soy is in so many pre-prepared meals and meat and dairy alternatives (although many of these are considered vegan junk foods).

It is used so much mainly because it is cheap, a complete protein, and also has the closest nutritional profile to animal sources such as dairy products.

You will find soya based mince, burgers, sausages, yogurts, cheeses and milks to name just a few.

BUCKWHEAT

Despite its name, buckwheat is actually a seed and not wheat. This means it is naturally gluten free, yet still contains a high protein and omega 3 content as most seeds do.

The best way to get buckwheat into your diet is through baking with the flour (especially delicious in homemade pancakes). Or, buy the whole grouts and use them as an alternative to rice or pasta.

A great way to eat them is toasted in this amazing homemade granola or these buckwheat pancakes.

HEMP

Hemp is a plant we’ve all heard of, but did you know it’s also edible in the form of its seeds? You can actually buy the seeds whole, then add them to smoothie breakfast bowls, breakfast sprinkles, homemade hemp milk, or just eat them alone as a snack.

Hemp seeds are high in fat, but it’s a brain healthy omega 3 fat that is supposed to have weight loss benefits too (obviously they need to be eaten in moderation for this effect though).

The more common way of consuming hemp is through a plant based protein powder, either alone or in a blend. This way you can receive all its amino acids and other nutrients in much higher amounts, without the big hit of fat.

QUINOA

Known as an ancient seed, quinoa was eaten by the Inca’s back in the day. It is VERY nutritious and a known superfood containing all the nutrients needed for life. It’s so nutritionally well-rounded that you can literally eat it on its own (although it’s pretty bland, so you may find it needs herbs and spices to liven it up).

Quinoa is best used as a rice alternative, but also great used cold in salads, or as a high protein, low GI porridge for breakfast. You really can’t get a better start to the day than a bowl of nutrient dense, high fibre quinoa.

Quinoa comes in lots of varieties, but the kind you will mostly find in the supermarket are of the white, red and black variety which you’ll find is more than ample for your needs.

You can also buy tri-coloured quinoa. This is a blend of all three and great for getting the best of them all with different tastes and textures to make it more interesting.

You’ll find most supermarkets and health food stores will stock this awesome seed in their grains sections.

Protein Powders

We’re not saying you would definitely need a protein powder, but they are so handy to have in the cupboard for those days when you just know you haven’t been able to fulfil your protein needs.

And, if you’re in training of any kind, then you will more than likely need one, especially if you don’t want to lose muscle mass.

Protein powders also double up as a quick, easy and filling snack on the go. Just whizz them up into a shake first, then take it out with you in a bottle. Or, put the powder in the bottle first and add water when you need it.

Doing this can be a life saver because when you begin this lifestyle. You’ll find there are times when you’re out and about and there is a severe lack of vegan options or snacks available. If you don’t want to cave, then you’re going to need to make provisions for this. Although this isn’t usually a problem these days with all the options available, you can still get caught short on occasion.

You may also find it a good idea to make your own protein bars. This will save you loads of cash and you can have complete control of ingredients and added sugars, unlike shop bough versions.

You can also grab and go with a protein bar, as most are easily transportable for the gym, school or office.

Plant Based Diet Meal Examples

Before you follow these meal ideas, it would be a good idea to check out this ultimate plant based shopping list so you can stock up on everything you need before you begin. Or, try this Aldi shopping list if that is your local store. The foods on these lists are wholesome, low glycemic index and filling.

The meals below have been put together so you can obtain a complete nutritional profile. They are Nutritionist approved, so if you deviate from them too much then you may miss out on certain nutrients.

The list below are simply just meal examples, but there are of course lots of other plant based foods available. These basic examples will be good practice to help you in your understanding of putting a complete meal together going forward.

You should also be sure to frequently pick meals that contain one or more of the complete proteins of hemp, soy, buckwheat, quinoa, chia or a protein powder blend.

PLANT BASED BREAKFAST IDEAS

avocado on sourdough

  1. HIGH PROTEIN GRANOLA – This is something that is so versatile that you can eat it for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack on its own. It’s high in protein, but also has high amounts of fibre, low GI carbohydrates, healthy fats from nuts and seeds, and antioxidants and nutrients from the low sugar dried fruits. It’s easy to make and after you have made the base you can incorporate different types of nuts, seeds and fruits every time to keep it interesting. Best served with nut milk or coconut yogurt. You can check out my full granola recipe here. For a delicious, RAW version of our famous granola then try this power granola.
  2. SOURDOUGH AVOCADO SMASH – Simple and filling! Smash 1/2 a large avocado onto a slice of wholegrain sourdough toast that has been wiped over with a raw garlic clove. Then spread with a dessert spoon of calcium rich tahini. Add salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon, then top with grated carrot (optional).
  3. BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES – Mix 1 cup buckwheat flour, a chia or flax egg, a half and half split of water and soya milk with a pinch of salt to desired consistency (a basic pancake consistency is good, you want it to fully cover the back of a spoon). Fry in a dash of coconut oil, then top with either vegan yogurt and fresh fruits, maple syrup. Or, go for the classic lemon and sugar.
  4. TOFU SCRAMBLE – This is a really high protein, low carb, low calorie breakfast for the weight conscious. Add a little oil to a frying pan then flash fry some bell peppers, thinly sliced onion, salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice for a couple of minutes. Add half a block of crumbled or chopped tofu and a handful of spinach (make sure the spinach is very dry), then cook for a further couple of minutes smashing it up with a wooden spoon as you go. You can amend this recipe with other vegetables of your choice. If you would like it more filling you can serve it on a slice of sourdough toast or with potatoes.
  5. PROTEIN POWDER CHOCOLATE PUDDING – One of our favourites and also great for those in training and muscle building! This pudding is SO filling with NO carbs, therefore great for fat burning too. Use 25-30g plant based protein powder (or whatever amount you need to make it up to 25-30 grams of total protein. See instructions on packaging). Add to a blender with around 100ml of nut milk, low carb sweetener like xylitol or stevia to taste, 1/2 an avocado, and 1 dessertspoon of cacao or carob powder. Whizz up into a pudding consistency (a thick consistency seems to fill you up for longer, rather than making a thinner shake out of it). This will be a matter of trial and error to get the right consistency. Start of with less milk and build up until you achieve what you desire rather than adding too much first.
  6. QUINOA PORRIDGE – For quinoa porridge you should cook your quinoa in a creamy oat or rice milk, then add nuts, seeds and fruits of your choice. Please check out our favourite quinoa breakfast combinations that are already tried and tested and taste totally delicious.

LUNCH IDEAS

lentil soup

 

  1. SOURDOUGH AVOCADO SMASH As above.
  2. TOFU SCRAMBLE – As above.
  3. BEANS ON TOAST – Sourdough toast spread with vegan butter (optional) and 1/2-1 can of sugar free baked beans, plus a dessertspoon of nutritional yeast mixed in to give it a cheesy taste and to up the protein and vitamin B12 (make sure you use yeast flakes with B12 added). Check out our delicious BBQ beans recipe.
  4. LENTIL SOUP – You can buy either canned or fresh lentil soups. Or, ideally make your own which you can freeze in batches.
  5. PEANUT BUTTER ON TOAST – Another really filling, cheap and easy high protein lunch. Sugar-free peanut butter (or any nut butter for that matter) on wholegrain toast is so quick, easy, and also low GI. I spread mine with marmite too for added B vitamins and taste. Try it before you judge!
  6. ONIONY CHEESE ON TOAST – Grill granary or sourdough bread on one side. Turn over and top the other side with thinly sliced onion, grated vegan cheese, salt, pepper, and a dash of mushroom or tamari sauce. Grill until lightly browned.
  7. QUINOA SALAD – Mixed salad leaves, chopped bell peppers, cooked quinoa, olives, tomatoes, avocado, grated carrot, and any other salad vegetables you like. Finish with a dressing of apple cider vinegar with the Mother, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
  8. HUMMUS AND ROCKET SANDWICH – Granary bread or roll, generous helping of hummus, rocket, grated carrot, salt and pepper. Check out the World’s best hummus recipe!

Check out our other top EASY lunch ideas for more inspiration.

PLANT BASED DINNER IDEAS

chocolate chili

  1. CHOCOLATE CHILI – Ok, hear us out, we promise you it’s wonderful and totally works. Fry a large onion, chopped green bell pepper, and 4 cloves of crushed garlic in a little coconut oil. Add cumin, smoked hot paprika (if you like it spicy), 1 x teaspoon of vegetable bullion powder, chili flakes (optional), and a splash of mushroom ketchup. Cook for a minute, then add 2 cans of chopped tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans, and 20 grams of dark 70% chocolate (you can also throw in a couple of handfuls of soy mince for extra protein and texture). Add water to desired consistency and cook out for a further 15 minutes. The dark chocolate really gives it a depth of almost meaty like flavour that you’ll love. Serve with quinoa or wholegrain rice, plus a salad or green steamed vegetables for more nutrition. Check out Chocolate & Cinnamon Chili Here.
  2. ROASTED VEGETABLES – Use ANY veg for this, such as sweet potato, butternut squash, leeks, onions, carrots, baby corn, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, courgette and aubergine. Chop up into bite size pieces, then cook the root veg first for about 20 minutes in coconut oil with herbs and spices of your choice; plus a splash of balsamic vinegar. Then add your other veggies, along with a can of drained chickpeas (try to use a rainbow of colours for a complete array of antioxidants and anti aging phytonutrients). You will need a big pan for all this – maybe even a couple depending on how many people you are cooking for. Serve on a bed of boiled quinoa seasoned with vegetable bullion. Check out full Roasted Vegetable Recipe Here.
  3. SAUSAGE CASSEROLE – You can use vegan sausages bought from the supermarket for this simple dinner. In a casserole dish (or slow cooker) add pre-browned largely chopped sausages, chopped onions, carrots, a can of cannellini beans or lentils, herbs and spices of your choice, and vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, then thicken with arrowroot or gravy powder and cook out for a further hour until veg is tender. Serve with green steamed veggies, LOTS of!
  4. VEGETABLE RICE – Fry chopped onion in a little coconut oil, then add a splash of tamari or soy sauce, chopped red pepper, frozen green peas, canned or fresh sweetcorn kernels, frozen soy beans (optional), broccoli florets, and a pinch of cumin, black pepper, paprika, dried garlic, and stir-fry for a few minutes until cooked. Add pre-cooked brown rice, OR mixed pre-packaged and cooked mixed grains. Top with lots of sliced spring onion and more tamari.
  5. BUCKWHEAT AND CASHEW STIR-FRY- Pre-cook your buckwheat or soba noodles as per packet instructions. Leave blanched in cold water so they don’t clog together. Flash fry LOTS of different veggies in coconut or sesame oil with finely shopped garlic, chili, tamari or soy sauce, and ginger to taste (the most suitable vegetables for stir-frying are onions, peppers, courgette, thinly sliced carrot, mushrooms, broccoli and bean sprouts). Add buckwheat noodles towards the end. Cook in until warmed through, then top with chopped cashew nuts and sesame seeds before serving.
  6. NUT ROAST – YES, you can have a roast dinner on a Sunday just like before. You can buy pre-made nut roasts from almost any supermarket. Then just make your usual roast potatoes and veggies to go with it. Add a vegetarian gravy to finish, and voila – Sunday roast! If you’re making lunch for the whole family, then you may want to make your own nut roast from scratch. You can find a great recipe here.
  7. READY MEALS – You can also buy many vegan ready meals these days. They are fantastic if you are in a hurry, or you’re the only vegan in your household. Some of them are already pretty healthy but you got to check labels. I always add a big serving of side vegetables or salad to mine to cover nutritional bases.

HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS

  1. Protein powder shakes.
  2. Oatcakes with humus, nut butter or tahini.
  3. Baked tortilla crisps.
  4. Banana ice-cream. Made by freezing sliced bananas then blending with coconut cream/milk and a little agave/maple syrup into an ice-cream like consistency.
  5. Dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao (in moderation only). Try our two minute, homemade chocolate.
  6. Fresh fruits.
  7. Died fruits.
  8. Nuts and seeds.
  9. Vegetable crudites with dips, like flavoured humus and tahini.
  10. Powerful green superfood powders for an intense hit of nutrition and energy.
  11. Raw protein bars.
  12. No added sugar, peanut energy balls or bars.
  13. Sauerkraut for healthy gut bacteria.
  14. Homemade popcorn.
  15. Energising, chocolate covered, homemade greens protein bars.

meal plans

Plant Based Calcium Sources

Lastly, getting enough calcium when you’re not eating dairy products is crucial for keeping your bones and teeth strong and healthy. There are LOTS of high plant based calcium sources. Some of them are actually higher than dairy products, would you believe?

Make sure you’re eating a couple of servings of these every day; or at the very least as much as you can. To make things easier, always make sure to have some of the easier and more transportable items with you for snacks at work, or for on the go.

There is calcium in lots of plant foods so you’ll already be eating quite a lot and not even realising it. This is especially true if you take in lots of leafy greens and green superfood shots.

Here is a list of the highest sources so you can actively source them out and eat them as often as possible:-

  • TOFU
  • BLACK-EYED PEAS
  • SWISS CHARD
  • SESAME SEEDS (aka tahini)
  • KALE
  • ORANGES
  • ALMONDS
  • BUTTERNUT SQUASH
  • FIGS
  • SWEET POTATO
  • BROCCOLI
  • GREEN SUPERFOOD POWDERS (spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, wheat grass, moringa, blue-green algae’s)

FREE one week diet plan!

If you would like more structure whilst you are finding your plant based feet, then please check out my more in-depth diet plan.

It’s more specific, budget friendly, and everything has been worked out for you to get all the nutrients you need on a daily basis. It will not only help you to form new habits, and also to understand food combining moving forward into your plant based life.

Thank you for reading this article. I hope it helps you on your plant based journey and gives you the incentive to carry on this super healthy way of eating. Please share our post with your friends via your social media channels. Let’s spread the plant based word!

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18 thoughts on “Plant Based Diet Meal Plan for Beginners – Ideas and Recipes”

  1. Your recipes actually don’t sound half bad. I’m thinking I might be trying the sausage casserole for dinner tomorrow because it sounds yummy. I like that you have these recipes because I am always on the look out for new and exciting things to cook for my family. This was an awesome find and your website looks great. I’ll be sharing it with some of my friends. Thanks so much for posting.

    1. Hi Jen, glad you like the recipes, it’s always good to try new things, especially when you restrict your diet with plant based eating or veganism. well, I say restrict, but I think I eat a bigger array of foods than ever! I guess I am forced to make new recipes and source of different kinds of food now I am no longer a meat eater which keeps things fresh. It’s actually pretty amazing how exciting this diet can be when you know how to implement it properly.

      I hope you enjoy your sausage casserole!

  2. I came across this just as I was thinking of what I wanted to make for dinner this week. I am going to be all over that chocolate chili. I love the idea of unconventional ingredients, and I’m going to trust you on this one! (I’ll be sure to let you know how it turns out!) I think the buckwheat and cashew stir fry won’t be far behind.

    One parting thought: Is there any meal for which peanut butter toast is not a good choice?

    Thanks for the recipes!

    1. Hi Jon, well I am certainly glad to have given you some inspiration for you dinner this week. You know what, chocolate and chilli is actually a thing in a traditional dish called a ‘mole’; I didn’t make it up! Lol. Either way, I would love to know how you get on with it.

      And in answer to your question, peanut butter and toast in my opinion, has a place at any meal or snack as it’s just so filling and healthy (as long as you go for sugar free peanut butter).

  3. I started a plant based diet a couple years ago, so I am always on the look out for new recipes. Quinoa is one of my favorite foods, and I use it often. I have never tried it as a porridge, so I’ll definitely add it to my breakfast recipes. I can’t wait to try the Chocolate Chili for dinner later in the week. Considering that chocolate is in this recipe, is it high calorie per serving?

    1. Hi Carol, awesome you are a plant based eater as I know you must understand the benefits. I’m pretty sure if you are a quinoa fan then you will like the porridge; in fact, you can make so many different versions of it that I’m sure you will find one that you love.

      Somebody else commented that they were going to try the chocolate chilli too so I’m guessing that one will be a hit. And no, you don’t have to worry about calories as it’s such a small amount by the time you have portioned it out – probably amounts to one small square per serving and as it’s the very dark variety then it will be very high in antioxidants and low in sugar.

      Try it and see, and be sure to let me know your opinion. Thanks.

  4. Tofu and quinoa are my two favorite plant-based protein sources.
    I love having quinoa for breakfast with a splash of vanilla almond milk and a handful of fresh berries.
    And one of my favorite dinners is crispy baked teriyaki tofu. Probably not the healthiest option (but hey, at least it’s baked, not fried!) but it’s SO tasty!
    Looking forward to trying out some of your yummy sounding recipes!

    1. Mmm yeah, I love a bit of quinoa for breakfast too; it really sets you up for the day and is filling.

      I also love the sound of your baked teriyaki tofu. Wow, sounds delicious and I’m going to google the recipe and try it for myself! Pleased you like the recipes; let me know how you get on if you try any of them. Thanks.

  5. DARREN MCKENNA

    Hi Stefanie, there are some great ideas in here. I’m really interested in the plant based protein powders. In my former life as a professional boxer I always used to take regular protein powders and they never agreed with me. Will have to try a plant based one next time I get back from the gym!

    1. Wow, a professional boxer! How cool; I love it! You sound like a fit kind of guy, and yes, I believe you will find a plant based protein powder much more agreeable, especially if you go for a nice blend. My guess is you were using whey protein before as that is what most of them are made of, and too much concentrated dairy in one hit like that is not really good for most people so I’m figuring that’s why you had issues with it.

  6. Rev. John Harrison

    You have written a very great article. You also have a lot of knowledge on the topic. I was able to relate to the beginning of your article. I have added more veggies to my diet, but do find it hard to stick to it at times.

    Your recipes with the 70 percent chocolate, sounds very delicious.

    I still do eat meat, but have noticed that by eating more veggies, I have been less tired and had more energy. I even have lost weight, while eating more veggies and gained it again when I started to eat more processed food again.

    Thanks for sharing

    1. Yes, this lifestyle can definitely be had to stick to, especially so when you are new to it or don’t yet have the skills to create nutritious plant based dishes.

      It’s funny, I have had quite a few comments about the chocolate chilli; it seems to have gained some attention and I think a few people are going to try it out. The thing is, I didn’t make it up; it’s actually a traditional dish called a ‘mole’, and the chocolate just adds a depth of flavour and really works!

      Yes, weight loss is always a wanted side effect of cutting out processed foods and eating more whole foods. That was the thing that astounded me the most when I cut out junk – the energy boost, it’s quite unbelievable the power that food has on our bodies and minds.

  7. Thanks for the great information on ways to change to healthier eating habits. The recipes were really nice. I agree, if you are a strict vegan, the protein is the hardest part. Me personally though, I would have to be a lacto ovo. I need my milk and eggs I guess. I always try to eat healthy and workout, but the hardest thing for me is being able to set aside the time needed to prepare meals. I like to do it a week at a time. It’s not easy to stick to a really strict eating habit, but it’s possible.

    1. I agree, it is really hard at first when you completely change your diet; I do get it. It took me a while to change to completely plant based as there was just so much to learn about making complete meals, but once you’re there and in a routine then trust me, you’l never want to go back.

      Being a lacto ovo is definitely a great start as it will force you to eat lots more plant based foods, which will in turn make you healthier. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you luck!

  8. Stanley Loper

    Okay, I liked what I saw. You are certainly informative and engaging. I wonder if not wanting to use too much space was why you didn’t include Aramanth among the protein grains. It’s another one once used by the Indians before corn gained in popularity. It still grows wild in the South here where I live, but a number of varieties are popular a ornamentals, such as the Love Lies Bleeding variety.

    I put you in my favorites on my browser and plan on recommending you to my sister-in-law, who is a vegetarian, and a nurse as well.

    1. Hi Stanley, thanks for reminding me of another great source of protein, and a complete one too! I shall add it to the list promptly. I guess I didn’t think about that one as it is not something that is eaten here in the UK, though I have seen it on occasion in certain health food shops. I am going to look more into it to see how versatile it is and what it can be used for, then I will add it to my website.

      I’m sure your sister will be interested in some of the articles on this website, so yes, please refer me to her. Thanks.

  9. Pingback: What are Vitamin E Benefits? Highest 16 Food Sources

  10. Pingback: WFPB, Peanut Butter Waffles with Homemade, Easy Ice-Cream

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