Intermittent Fasting meal plan for vegans
The Intermittent Fasting meal plan for vegans aligns with vegan dietary restrictions, focusing on plant-based foods during eating periods. It includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds, providing balanced nutrition while adhering to both vegan and intermittent fasting principles.
Meal plan grocery list
- Quinoa
- Black beans
- Avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
- Corn
- Limes
- Tofu
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Brown rice
- Whole grain wraps
- Hummus
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Mixed greens
- Tahini
- Lentils
- Basmati rice
- Chickpeas
- Curry spices
- Vegan Caesar dressing
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Feb. 29, 2024.
- Updated on Sept. 10, 2024.
Meal plan overview
The Intermittent Fasting meal plan for vegans is a unique blend of the vegan diet and intermittent fasting schedules. This eating pattern is a thoughtful approach to health and ethics, providing numerous health benefits.
Featuring plant-based proteins, whole grains, and nutrient-dense foods, this plan ensures a balanced plant-based diet within the fasting regimen. Thanks to delicious recipes, incorporating healthier eating habits with a vegan intermittent fasting plan is both enjoyable and beneficial.
Foods to eat
- Plant-Based Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, lentils, and chickpeas.
- Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, and whole grain bread for energy and fiber.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for healthy fats and omega-3s.
- Vegetables: A variety of colors and types for a range of nutrients.
- Fruits: Berries, apples, and citrus fruits for vitamins and antioxidants.
- Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Such as almond milk and soy milk, fortified with calcium and vitamins.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado and olive oil for essential fatty acids.
- Ample Water and Herbal Teas: To stay hydrated and lose weight healthily.
✅ Tip
Focus on plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts to support heart health during your eating window.
Foods not to eat
- Processed Vegan Foods: Often high in additives and low in nutrients.
- Refined Carbohydrates: White bread and pasta, which offer less nutritional value.
- Sugary Vegan Snacks: Like vegan cookies and candies, high in sugar.
- Fried Plant-Based Foods: High in unhealthy fats.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Found in many processed foods and beverages minimize blood sugar control.
- Excessive Use of Vegan Cheese: Often high in oils and processed ingredients.
- Alcohol: Can interfere with the benefits of intermittent fasting.
- High-Sodium Processed Foods: Such as some meat substitutes and canned goods.
Main benefits
Well-balanced meals of vegan intermittent fasting combine plant-based eating with fasting periods. Vegan meal plan focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, providing comprehensive nutrition that adheres to the vegan lifestyle, while intermittent fasting focuses on structured eating patterns, thanks to which meal planning becomes much easier.
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
An intermittent fasting meal plan for vegans can be delicious and nutritious with these substitutions:
- For a different protein source, use hemp seeds instead of chia seeds in smoothies.
- Replace brown rice with red quinoa for a different texture and flavor.
- Try cashew cream instead of tahini for a creamy addition to dishes.
- Enhance your salads with watercress instead of mixed greens for a peppery flavor.
- Consider using sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch.
How to budget on this meal plan
To save on costs, buy quinoa, lentils, and brown rice in bulk. Avocados can be bought in bulk when in season and frozen for later use. For a variety of meals, consider making large batches of vegan chili and Buddha bowls, using affordable ingredients like canned beans and seasonal vegetables. Homemade hummus and guacamole are cost-effective and can be used in multiple dishes. Utilize versatile ingredients like tofu and tempeh in different recipes to maximize their use.
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Here are vegan snacks perfect for your fasting schedule:
- Raw vegetables with guacamole
- Fruit smoothie with plant-based milk
- Roasted chickpeas with spices
- Nuts and seeds mix
- Whole grain toast with nut butter
- Edamame with sea salt
- Oven-baked kale chips
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For vegans undertaking intermittent fasting, hydration is key with water and herbal teas, which can also manage healthy weight loss. Black coffee is acceptable, provided it’s without dairy. Fresh vegetable juices are great for nutrients. Almond or soy milk, unsweetened, can also be incorporated during eating windows.
How to get even more nutrients?
For vegans engaging in intermittent fasting, it’s crucial to plan meals that include all necessary nutrients to sustain health and energy levels. Plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes are key, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits for essential vitamins and minerals. Whole grains offer sustained energy, while nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and additional protein, ensuring that nutritional needs are met even with the eating window restrictions.
Meal plan suggestions
Intermittent Fasting 16/8 Meal Plan for Vegans
Day 1
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Quinoa salad with black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and lime dressing
- Snack (3:00 PM): A handful of almonds and a medium apple
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, bell peppers, and brown rice
Day 2
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Whole grain wrap with hummus, cucumber, carrots, and mixed greens
- Snack (3:00 PM): Carrot sticks with tahini
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Lentil soup with a side of whole grain bread and a mixed greens salad
Day 3
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Chickpea and vegetable curry with basmati rice
- Snack (3:00 PM): A small banana and a handful of walnuts
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Grilled vegetable kebabs with a side of quinoa
Day 4
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Vegan Caesar salad with chickpea croutons
- Snack (3:00 PM): A handful of mixed berries and a few pieces of dark chocolate
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Baked sweet potato with black bean salsa and guacamole
Day 5
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Buddha bowl with brown rice, roasted chickpeas, avocado, spinach, and tahini dressing
- Snack (3:00 PM): Sliced bell peppers with hummus
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Vegan chili with a side of cornbread
Day 6
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, carrot, and tofu
- Snack (3:00 PM): Edamame with sea salt
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Vegetable stir-fry with tempeh and cauliflower rice
Day 7
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Spinach and avocado salad with pumpkin seeds and balsamic vinaigrette
- Snack (3:00 PM): A handful of dried fruit and nuts
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Eggplant and chickpea tagine with couscous
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.