20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (2024)

Plant Based Diet Recipes | Vegan Lunch Recipes

Posted onUpdated on

This healthy plant-based recipes can help you reach your weight goals by being both tasty and satisfying. Keep in mind, many of these recipes are very versatile. If your dietary restrictions or personal tastes are different, you can swap ingredients out. I have included substitutions to help you make these tasty recipes all while following your own diet.

If you like these recipes, you’ll also like these healthy vegan buddha bowl recipes, as well as these lazy vegan recipes for quick weeknight meals.

1. Vegan black bean chili from scratch

1

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (1)

Vegan Black Bean Chili From Scratch (Smoky & Tasty)

This vegan black bean chili is vegan, tasty, and easy to make. Sauté the vegetables with a splash of water instead of olive oil to make it whole food plant-based. Experiment with your favorite veggies and spices and make a batch for the week ahead!

Check out this recipe

2. Quinoa Veggie Power Bowls

2

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (2)

Quinoa And Veggie Power Bowl

These quinoa and veggie power bowls are full of flavor and hearty ingredients to keep you full for a long time.

Check out this recipe

3. 10-Minute Vegan Mango Salsa

3

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (3)

10-Minute Vegan Mango Summer Salsa

Salsa is a great way to dress up other plant-based dishes. I use this summery salsa to dress up vegan tacos or lettuce wraps. It's fruity and full of flavor!

Check out this recipe

4. Vegan Cabbage Soup

4

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (4)

Cabbage Soup Recipe (Vegan)

This vegan cabbage soup has always been one of my go-to recipes. I've made in the crockpot, as well as the stovetop. If you're avoiding oil, sauté the veggies with a splash of water and watch them closely. This recipe is so tasty and satisfying, and it's perfect for a chilly winter night!

Check out this recipe

5. Vegan Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Coconut Milk

5

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (5)

Vegan Pumpkin Soup With Coconut Milk

This vegan pumpkin soup is perfect for a night in the fall when pumpkins are in season. If you're avoiding oil, sauté the onion in a splash of water. You can use store-bought coconut milk, or make your own from scratch (it's easy!)

Check out this recipe

6. Healthy Carrot Cake Protein Bars

Healthy Carrot Cake Protein Bars

When the sweet tooth strikes, these carrot cake bars come to the rescue. Naturally sweetened with dates, there is no added sugar to these satisfying bars. It is recommended to add a small amount of oil to help the ingredients process, but I have made these many times without oil and they were just as good.

Check out this recipe

7. Air Fryer Lentil Burgers

7

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (7)

Vegan Air Fryer Lentil Sliders Recipe

Throw these lentil burgers on a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, and you have a satisfying weeknight meal. I've also used the "lentil meat" in this recipe to make tacos and they were delicious.

Check out this recipe

8. Healthy Black Bean Soup

8

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (8)

Healthy Black Bean and Tortilla Soup (Vegan)

This recipe is delicious and easy to make WFPB. Simply skip the homemade tortilla chips (as they require oil to crisp up). You can dress this soup up with any toppings you like.

Check out this recipe

9. Easiest Ever Black Bean Soup

9

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (9)

Easiest Ever Black Bean Soup (Vegan & Healthy)

This easy vegan black bean soup is simple while also being versatile. Enjoy this smoky and comforting soup as is, or mix up the flavors as you wish.

Check out this recipe

10. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

10

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (10)

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy, tasty butternut squash soup is made in the slow-cooker for an easy weeknight meal.

Check out this recipe

11. Vegan Roasted Beet Salad

11

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (11)

Vegan Roasted Beet Salad (With Fruity Dressing)

This vegan beet salad is fruity and "rooty". It's a healthy option as a side salad or it can be dressed up with protein for a complete meal.

Check out this recipe

12. Baked Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Baked Portobello Mushroom Burger (Easy & Vegan)

I love these mushroom burgers and make them anytime grilling season comes around. You can also bake them in the oven for a perfect texture. If you don't want to marinate them in oil & vinegar, try using hot sauce instead. You can also use rice vinegar and a variety of spices to mix up the flavor.

Check out this recipe

13. Easy Tofu Stir-Fry

13

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (13)

Crispy, Tasty Vegan Tofu Stir Fry

If tofu is in your diet, this is a great starting point for a tasty stir-fry. If you want to omit the sesame oil or soy sauce, try using date syrup and balsamic vinegar instead. You'll get that sweet and salty flavor for the sauce with all the satisfying crunch from the veggies. You can also use chickpeas instead of tofu if you're soy-free.

Check out this recipe

14. Healthy Vegan Chickpea Burgers

14

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (14)

Healthy Vegan Chickpea Veggie Burgers

These heathy vegan chickpea veggie burgers are packed with comforting flavors and filling ingredients.

Check out this recipe

15. Apple Cucumber Smoothie

15

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (15)

Apple Cucumber Smoothie – Through The Fibro Fog

This apple cucumber smoothie is light and hydrating, and perfect to make as a quick healthy breakfast or snack! Chia seeds will help you feel satisfied while apple and cucumber give a boost of flavor.

Check out this recipe

16. Smoky Chickpea Tacos

16

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (16)

Smoky Vegan Chickpea Tacos

Chickpeas are one of those magical, satisfying ingredients that work so well in a variety of recipes. I've even used them in baked goods several times! These smoky tacos are vegan and gluten-free. You can also leave out the oil or serve these on a bed of lettuce or a salad for an even leaner meal.

Check out this recipe

17. Peaches and “Cream” Dessert Popsicles

17

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (17)

Vegan Peaches and Cream Dessert Popsicles

There is nothing healthy about heavy cream, but these dessert popsicles use dairy-free milk to make a satisfying and creamy summer treat. Peaches are one of my favorite fruits, and these dessert popsicles are always a huge hit with vegans and non-vegans alike.

Check out this recipe

18. Air Fryer Mexican Potatoes

18

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (18)

Spicy Air Fryer Mexican Potatoes with Jalapeño, Tomato and Onion (oil-free) – Very Veganish

Spicy and flavorful, these Mexican-style potatoes with jalapeño, onion, garlic, tomato and cilantro are delicious and low in calories. Try this healthy, easy vegan, plant-based potato recipe by itself, as a side or as a taco filling.

Check out this recipe

19. Magic Cauliflower Cream Sauce

19

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (19)

Magic Cauliflower Cream Sauce

This magical cauliflower cream sauce puree is the perfect meal prep recipe for pasta, pizza, casserole, risotto, and soups all week long!

Check out this recipe

20. Easy Oat Milk Chia Pudding

20

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (20)

Easy Oat Milk Chia Pudding (With 3 Flavors)

You will love this oat milk chia pudding that is an easy breakfast that is great for on-the-go. Top with your favorite fresh fruit or try out one of the three fun flavors including Chocolate

Check out this recipe

21. Pound-O-Spinach Stir Fry

21

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (21)

One Pot “Pound-Of-Spinach” Stir Fry (Vegan)

This one pot meal uses an entire pound of spinach for a tasty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Check out this recipe

22. Healing Broth Soup

22

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (22)

20 min Healing Broth Soup [+VIDEO] | MasalaHerb.com

A quick clear broth soup with healing ginger, turmeric, garlic, lemon, health-boosting spices & herbs. Oil free + one pot + low calorie

Check out this recipe

23. Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie

23

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (23)

Strawberry Blackberry Banana Smoothie | Savor The Spoonful

This strawberry blackberry banana smoothie is perfect for breakfast or after a workout. It is super healthy and easy to make at home! Yum!

Check out this recipe

24. Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal

24

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (24)

Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Oatmeal With Turmeric | MomsWhoSave.com

What I love about this Pumpkin Oatmeal with Turmeric recipe is how easy it is to make and how good it is for you at the same time.

Check out this recipe

Honorable mentions

These recipes are worth including on this round-up because they’re tasty, healthy and satisfying. I’ll keep this list updated as I go to include my favorites.

I hope you enjoyed this round up of healthy, plant-based recipes! Be sure to leave a comment with your favorite recipes below. I’m always looking to mix it up in the kitchen and experiment with new ideas.

20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss (2024)

FAQs

Can you lose weight eating only plant-based foods? ›

In a study comparing plant-based diets to non-plant-based diets, people who followed a plant-based diet lost roughly 3 pounds more than non-vegetarians.

How much weight can you lose in a month on a plant-based diet? ›

Vegan diet to lose weight

Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce your weight by an average of 5.6 pounds in 18 weeks, or less or more than a third of a pound per week! In theory, you can lose up to 63 pounds in a year. However, the amount you lose depends on several factors.

Can you lose belly fat on a plant-based diet? ›

While most plant-based foods will help with weight loss and eliminating belly fat, some are especially fat loss–promoting: berries, broccoli, quinoa, black beans, and dates.

Why did I stop losing weight on plant-based diet? ›

A whole food plant-based diet often leads to healthy weight loss, but if you're not seeing the scale move, these reasons could be why: You're still eating and cooking with oil. You need to eat more leafy greens (and fiber in general) You're going out to eat too much.

How can I lose the most weight on a plant-based diet? ›

How to Lose Weight with a Plant-Based Diet: 8 Tips From Experts
  1. Transition Slowly. ...
  2. Avoid the “All-or-Nothing” Mentality. ...
  3. Never Skip Meals. ...
  4. Eat Your Whole Grains. ...
  5. Cut Out Oils. ...
  6. Avoid Highly Processed Foods. ...
  7. Curb the Calorie Counting. ...
  8. Don't Give Up!
Jul 31, 2023

What is the average weight loss on a plant-based diet? ›

In the analysis, all three scores increased for participants following a vegan diet, which was significantly associated with an average weight loss of about 13 pounds, due primarily to the reduction in fat mass and visceral fat.

Can you lose 20 pounds in a month? ›

Though losing 20 pounds can seem like a challenge, you can do it safely by making changes to your eating pattern, exercise routine, and other eating practices. That said, losing 20 pounds in one month is unsafe and unsustainable. Instead, try losing between 4 and 8 pounds this month, and matching it the next month.

Why am I gaining weight on plant-based diet? ›

But while a steady diet of plant-based foods are thought to keep your body at a healthy weight, experts like registered dietitian Michelle Hyman, MS, RD, CDN, explained that replacing animal proteins with an excessive amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and vegan junk food, may actually result in unwanted weight gain if ...

What are the disadvantages of a plant-based diet? ›

Some studies have shown that those on a plant-based diet are found to have lower plasma vitamin B12 levels and higher levels of vitamin B12 deficiency than those who consume animal products. Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor in DNA synthesis, and deficiency can lead to anemia and severe neurological dysfunction.

Can you lose weight on a plant-based diet without exercise? ›

WASHINGTON (Jan. 22, 2015) — Adopting a vegetarian diet causes weight loss, even in the absence of exercise or calorie counting, according to a new meta-analysis published as an online advance in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on Thursday, Jan.

What is the best diet to lose belly fat? ›

Focusing on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choosing lean sources of protein, such as fish and low-fat dairy products. Limiting processed meats, as well as the saturated fat that's found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter.

How long does it take to see results from a plant-based diet? ›

Dec. 4, 2023 -- People who ate a vegan diet improved their health after just eight weeks compared to a control group that ate meat during that period, a study published in JAMA Network Open shows. Researchers from Stanford Medicine divided 22 sets of identical twins into two groups from May to June 2022.

Why am I pooping so much on plant-based diet? ›

Here are a few totally normal vegan poop changes

Vegan poop can be summed up in one word: fiber. Swapping out animal products for plant-based foods will immediately increase the amount of fiber you consume on an average day. The added fiber will change your bowel movements in several ways. You might go more often.

Why are some vegans chubby? ›

They are not eating enough.

You still have to eat, and you might have to eat more — depending on your diet — to ensure you get all the nutrition your body requires without animal sources. Surprisingly, not eating enough can lead to becoming overweight because your metabolism slows down.

Why am I so tired on a plant-based diet? ›

The second most common complaint I hear from all plant-based, vegetarian and vegan eaters is they often feel tired and fatigued. The reason this is happening is because when you cut out significant food groups out of your diets, you become at risk for certain nutrient deficiencies.

What happens if you only eat plant-based food? ›

A plant-based diet also has been shown to reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some mental health illnesses.

What happens to your body when you only eat plant-based food? ›

The major benefits for patients who decide to start a plant-based diet are the possibility of reducing the number of medications they take to treat a variety of chronic conditions, lower body weight, decreased risk of cancer, and a reduction in their risk of death from ischemic heart disease.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5420

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.