What is a vegan diet?

The vegan diet is an eating plan that eliminates all animal products, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, and honey.

People decide to adopt veganism for different reasons, such as ethical concerns or religious principles.

A vegan diet is a plant-based plan that excludes all animal products, like meat, fish, dairy and even honey. Its cousin, the vegetarian diet, is a bit broader and excludes meat and fish but includes dairy and eggs. Though the vegan diet has many health benefits, just because something is labeled “vegan” doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a great choice. For example, 2021 research published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that avoidance of animal-based foods was associated with a higher intake of ultra-processed foods—meat and dairy substitutes made from vegan and vegetarian sources. To reap the benefits of this eating lifestyle, focus on nutrient-dense whole foods—think beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and of course, plenty of fruits and vegetables.

While some may worry about getting enough protein when not eating meat or other animal products, it is possible to get plenty of protein on a vegan diet. Try to incorporate protein foods, like peanut butter, beans, lentils, tofu, seitan and nuts, into most of your meals to stay satisfied in-between meals. If trying the vegan diet seems intimidating, consider the flexitarian diet by including a few meatless days a week to start and go from there.

Why Nutrition is Important for a Vegan Weight Loss Diet

The vegan diet itself is not a weight loss diet. Cutting out meat, eggs, seafood, and dairy is not the answer to losing body fat. However, if you have a weight loss goal but also ethically prefer to follow a plant-based vegan lifestyle, you can lose weight with some planning and preparation.

Research published in the journal Nutrition found that compared to other eating patterns, vegan diets can be very effective for weight loss and also for improving other aspects of your health.¹

The key is to create a calorie deficit while meeting your nutrient needs. To lose weight, it is generally thought that you need to create a calorie deficit of between 250 and 500 calories per day. This can be accomplished using exercise, diet, or a combination of both.²

The vegan weight loss diet can be challenging because high-protein foods like those from animal proteins tend to be more satisfying and satiating than carbohydrates. Cutting out those foods, or swapping in some highly processed alternatives, could mean a less satisfying diet. If you feel hungry, restricted, or deprived, you’re more likely to sway from the plan which may delay you from reaching your goal.³

One way to improve your chances of enjoying your food and preventing hunger pangs shortly after eating is to find the right balance of fats, fiber, protein, and nutrients for you. Following a vegan weight loss meal plan like the one provided can help you do just that

Tips for making your vegan meal plan for weight loss
If you’re considering a vegan diet for weight loss, below are some helpful tips for forming a vegan meal plan that works for you.

Focus on whole foods. Not all vegan diets are equal. A person can go vegan while still consuming high amounts of processed foods, negatively impacting weight loss. Prioritize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, and whole grains.
Incorporate protein into each meal. A big challenge of vegan diets is consuming adequate protein, which is a required nutrient for satiety. Make sure you have a good source of protein at each meal such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, or edamame.
Limit processed foods. Avoid processed and packaged items, even if vegan-friendly. These foods can hinder weight loss progress and negate some of the health benefits associated with a vegan diet. Instead, choose more vegan-friendly whole foods.
Watch out for hidden calories. Calories can be hiding in high amounts in both processed and healthy, whole foods. For example, nuts, seeds, and oils contain high amounts of calories per serving and can easily be overconsumed when added to meals.
Meal prep before each week. Having a plan can help you stick with your goals. Plan and prep out meals or ingredients to make healthy choices easier. Consider “veganizing” your favorite meals to help you enjoy the process more.
Stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential, especially when consuming a high-fiber diet. Maintaining adequate hydration also helps keep our appetite in check and avoid frequent, unnecessary snacking that can lead to weight gain.
Reduce/eliminate alcohol. Alcohol can add extra calories and added sugar to your diet, which can negatively impact weight loss results. Consider reducing or eliminating alcohol in your diet and swapping for a healthier alternative such as seltzer water.
Avoid caloric beverages. Many beverages contain hidden calories that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. Pay attention to what you choose to drink and limit or avoid caloric beverages such as soda, energy drinks, sugary coffees, and juices.
Be mindful of oils. Cooking oils can add a lot of extra calories. While many oils, like olive oil, have health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of how much and how frequently you are using them when trying to lose weight.
Practice portion control. Even the healthiest foods can be over-eaten. Be mindful of your portions for all foods to ensure you aren’t overextending your calorie intake and diminishing your weight loss efforts.
Prioritize fiber. The best vegan diet is rich in fiber which is associated with weight loss benefits. Be sure to choose more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains.

Vegan shopping list:

Best vegan foods to eat for weight loss: shopping list
When putting your new diet into action, you may be wondering what foods are best to include to get the most out of your weight loss efforts.

Here are some examples of the best foods to include in a vegan diet for weight loss:

Unprocessed soy (tofu, edamame, soymilk)
Tempeh
Seitan
Nuts (almonds cashews, walnuts)
Seeds (sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
Fruits (berries, apples, banana, avocado)
Vegetables (leafy greens, zucchini, carrots)
Nutritional yeast
Beans and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans)
Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole-grain bread)
Vegan foods to avoid for weight loss
Now that we have an idea of what we want to include more of in a vegan diet for weight loss, let’s go over foods to limit or avoid. Here are some specific foods to be mindful of if choosing a vegan diet for weight loss:

Processed foods (packaged meat alternatives, vegan snack foods, vegan baked goods)
Alcohol
Sugary beverages (soda, energy drinks, juice, sugary coffees)
Vegan desserts
Plant-based yogurts with high added sugars

7-DAY VEGAN DIET PLAN FOR WEIGHT LOSS

7-day vegan meal plan for weight loss

Below is a sample 7-day vegan meal plan for weight loss that comes in at around 1,600 calories per day. Remember to talk to your doctor and/or dietitian before making any drastic changes to your diet to learn what is best for your situation. 

Your ideal diet may have more or less calories and incorporate different foods based on intolerances, preferences, and other medical conditions.

Day 1

Breakfast

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 banana

400 calories, 60g carbs, 10g protein, and 15g fat.

Lunch

• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• 2 tbsp vinaigrette

350 calories, 40g carbs, 15g protein, and 15g fat.

Dinner

• 100g tofu
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• 1 cup brown rice

550 calories, 70g carbs, 25g protein, and 15g fat.

Snack

• 1 apple
• 2 tbsp peanut butter

300 calories, 30g carbs, 8g protein, and 16g fat.

Day 2

Breakfast

• Whole-grain toast (2 slices)
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

350 calories, 45g carbs, 10g protein, and 15g fat.

Lunch

• Quinoa salad with 1 cup cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup black beans, and lemon juice dressing
• A handful of almonds

400 calories, 60g carbs, 15g protein, and 15g fat.

Dinner

• Grilled portobello mushrooms (2 large)
• Steamed asparagus
• 1 cup quinoa

500 calories, 70g carbs, 20g protein, and 10g fat.

Snack

• Carrot sticks
• 2 tbsp hummus

350 calories, 40g carbs, 10g protein, and 10g fat.

Day 3

Breakfast

• Smoothie with 1 cup spinach, 1 banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1 tbsp flax seeds, and 1 cup almond milk

300 calories, 50g carbs, 10g protein, and 5g fat.

Lunch

• Vegan wrap with 1 whole-grain tortilla, 1/2 cup black beans, lettuce, tomato, and avocado
• Side salad with vinaigrette

450 calories, 60g carbs, 15g protein, and 15g fat.

Dinner

• Lentil soup with carrots, onions, tomatoes, and spinach
• 1 slice of whole-grain bread

500 calories, 80g carbs, 20g protein, and 10g fat.

Snack

• 1/4 cup mixed nuts

350 calories, 10g carbs, 10g protein, and 30g fat.

Day 4

Breakfast

• Vegan yogurt with 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1 slice of whole-grain toast

350 calories, 60g carbs, 10g protein, and 5g fat.

Lunch

• Baked sweet potato with 1/2 cup black beans and steamed kale
• 1 tbsp tahini

400 calories, 65g carbs, 15g protein, and 10g fat.

Dinner

• Spaghetti with vegan tomato sauce and 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils

550 calories, 90g carbs, 25g protein, and 10g fat.

Snack

• Apple
• 10 almonds

300 calories, 35g carbs, 8g protein, and 16g fat.

Day 5

Breakfast

• Smoothie bowl with 1 banana, 1/2 cup mixed berries, 1 tbsp almond butter, and 1/2 cup spinach

350 calories, 60g carbs, 10g protein, and 10g fat.

Lunch

• Salad with 2 cups mixed greens, 1/4 cup chickpeas, 1/2 avocado, and lemon-tahini dressing
• 1 whole-grain pita bread

450 calories, 60g carbs, 15g protein, and 20g fat.

Dinner

• Vegan curry with 1/2 cup chickpeas, mixed vegetables (carrot, bell pepper, zucchini), and 1 cup brown rice

550 calories, 80g carbs, 20g protein, and 15g fat.

Snack

• 1/4 cup hummus
• Carrot and cucumber sticks

250 calories, 30g carbs, 10g protein, and 10g fat.

Day 6

Breakfast

• Overnight oats with 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, 1 tbsp peanut butter, and 1/2 banana

400 calories, 55g carbs, 15g protein, and 15g fat.

Lunch

• Vegan sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, carrot, and 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• Side of edamame

400 calories, 60g carbs, 20g protein, and 10g fat.

Dinner

• Grilled vegetable kebabs (bell peppers, zucchini, onion, mushroom)
• 1 cup couscous

500 calories, 75g carbs, 15g protein, and 10g fat.

Snack

• Banana
• 1 tbsp almond butter

300 calories, 40g carbs, 5g protein, and 15g fat.

Day 7

Breakfast

• Chia pudding made with 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup almond milk, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Topped with 1/2 cup blueberries

350 calories, 50g carbs, 15g protein, and 10g fat.

Lunch

• Veggie burger (homemade or store-bought) on a whole-grain bun
• Lettuce, tomato, and mustard
• Side of baked sweet potato fries

450 calories, 65g carbs, 20g protein, and 15g fat.

Dinner

• Lentil and vegetable stew with 1/2 cup lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes
• 1 slice of whole-grain bread

500 calories, 75g carbs, 25g protein, and 10g fat.

Snack

• 1/4 cup roasted chickpeas
• Cucumber slices

300 calories, 40g carbs, 15g protein, and 10g fat.