When some people think of a “plant-based” meal, they think of a plate full of grass and leaves. But plant-based meals can be super filling, satisfying, and tasty if you do them right.

Breakfast

Let’s start with breakfast- the most important meal of the day! A great option is overnight oats with plant milk such as almond or oat milk. It’s so filling and can be made in so many different ways. Avocado toast on whole grain bread is also another great option. There are so many variations of this delicious breakfast. In order to make this plant-based, opt for no egg, but there are so many other yummy toppings such as onion, tomatoes, a drizzle of lemon juice, and sunflower seeds that will leave you feeling satisfied. Another perfect breakfast is a smoothie. Here are 5 easy smoothie recipes. Try adding a Recoup in your smoothie for a gingery kick!

Lunch and Dinner

If you want to keep it simple, go for a grain bowl. These are so versatile and can really be customized for whatever mood you're in. Start with a base. Some great options are brown rice, quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice if you want to go lighter. You can meal prep these and make larger portions at the beginning of the week to make this dish even more time-savvy. Next, come the vegetables (the plants!). Roasting, steaming, or grilling them ads a nice flavor and texture. Some of my favorites are broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, beets, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and edamame, but the options are truly endless. Try to add a wide variety of veggies to keep it interesting.

Next for the protein. Some good options are beans, lentils, or tofu. My favorite is tofu because you have the ability to flavor it however you want. Here is a really great recipe to make crispy tofu. Then, if you wish, add some dressing. Personally I don’t use any because I enjoy the natural flavors of the vegetables, but occasionally I’ll drizzle some soy sauce or Sriracha on top of my bowl. Finally for the best part: toppings! Recipes normally recommend a sprinkle of these, but in my opinion, you can never have enough. Raisins, nuts, seeds, croutons, and cheese are some great options. These will take your bowl from just average to restaurant quality. They add crunch, sweetness, and overall joy. I’m very passionate about this if you can’t already tell. 

Take it to the Next Level: Zoodles

Now let’s step it up a notch. If you’ve perfected the grain bowl and want to play around more in the kitchen, I’ve got you covered. Here’s another versatile, but a touch more complicated dish: ZOODLES! Some of you might read that and think I just had a typo, but I assure you not (I’m no amateur). Zoodles are essentially zucchini noodles (basically spiraled zucchinis). Not only do Zoodles taste great, but they also make you feel like a Gen Z, LA, influencer-drinking an iced matcha latte with oat milk. Basically, they’re very trendy. Click here and here for two great recipes. 

Dessert

I can’t finish this article without mentioning dessert. I always need something sweet to end my night. Here’s a great recipe for chickpea-based brownies! My friend who isn’t even plant-based recommended these to me! So I can promise you they really are great, even compared to regular brownies.

Plant-Based Is all About Balance

When you eat a plant-based diet it’s important to incorporate enough protein and fats into your diet in order to fill you up. This can be through beans, tofu, hummus, avocado, and olive oil to just name a few. Carbs, fats, and proteins at every meal, and of course veggies (aka the plants). 

Curious to try more recipes, but not 100% committed to plant-based? Check out our blog with 4 easy, healthy recipes to try at home.

Written By: Sara Tesser