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A plant-based diet is one of the more reliable diet trends. It’s truly healthy eating, with a focus on real, whole foods that come from plants.
Like veganism, it’s a diet that’s intended to sustain you for a lifetime — no quick fixes or short term cleanses — but additionally omits all negative carbs and bad sugars.
Unlike veganism, you are allowed to eat meat and seafood.
Just do so sparingly!
What can I eat on a plant-based diet?
Basically, if it came from a plant, you’re good. If not, reconsider. The following are encouraged on a plant-based diet.
- Vegetables (tons and tons and tons)!
- Whole grains: quinoa, barley, brown rice, oats, etc.
- Legumes: peas, chickpeas, beans, and more.
- Plant-based protein: tofu, tempeh, etc.
- Nuts and nut butters
- Seeds
- Fruits and healthy, natural sugars
- Plant-based oils like avocado oil
- Unsweetened beverages
- Healthy meats and seafood — sparingly
The following are not allowed on a plant-based diet.
- Fast food
- Processed meats: bacon, sausage, etc.
- Refined sugars and desserts
- Refined carbs: white pasta, bread, etc.
- Packaged foods: chips, pretzels, and more.
Here are 3 plant-based diet recipes — one for each meal of the day!
Sweet Potato Toast for Breakfast
![Sweet Potato Toast](https://i0.wp.com/blog.gardenuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sweet-Potato-Toast.png?resize=500%2C400&ssl=1)
If you’re like us, the hardest part of any diet is living life without bread. No sandwiches, no morning toast, no french bread alongside soup? This creative bread-less solution is the perfect way to start off your day.
Introducing: sweet potato toast. It’s wildly easy to make, filling, and still fulfills your plant-based diet needs.
Simply slice large sweet potatoes, brush avocado oil on both sides, and bake at 425°F for about 5 minutes each side. Use these slices as bread substitute and finish off with the toppings of your choice.
Nut butters and fruit are a great option, as well as hummus, tomato, cucumber, and dill. Basically, whatever you’d put on bread!
For more details, see the article below.
Quinoa Kale Salad for Lunch
![Plant Based Diet Recipes: Quinoa Kale Salad](https://i0.wp.com/blog.gardenuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Macro-Bowl.jpg?resize=342%2C512&ssl=1)
This quinoa and kale salad recipe is a beautiful way to eat plant-based on the go. Kale, beets, cherry tomatoes, avocados, and more veggies make it up. Simply choose your favorite (sugar-free) dressing recipe and throw it on top! We love a tahini dressing — it adds a bit of seed protein.
The best part? You can prep all ingredients ahead of time easily, making it a perfect way to eat on-the-go and maintain your diet plan.
Lentil Soup for Dinner
![Plant Based Diet Recipes: Lentil Soup](https://i0.wp.com/blog.gardenuity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Lentil-Soup.png?resize=500%2C400&ssl=1)
This is one of our favorite plant-based diet recipes. There’s nothing better than ending the day with a warm bowl of soup — especially in the winter. This lentil soup recipe is packed with legume protein and vegetable fiber.
Let it simmer in a crockpot all day or cook in under 30 minutes. It doesn’t take long to have a warm, filling dinner that will satisfy your appetite. Eat alongside a rice salad if you need more carbs!