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
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
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
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!
