Vegan Starter Meals

The vegan diet is one of the most healthful ways of eating. But it can be intimidating, 
and many people wonder what foods to eat on a vegan diet for weight loss. Luckily 
there are plenty of delicious and easy vegan meals that can help you stay on track with 
your goals. 

Mediterranean-Style Potatoes
 
There are quite a few vegan recipes that make potatoes with Mediterranean flavors in a 
healthy and tasty dish. With complex carbohydrates and plenty of fiber to keep you 
satisfied, you'll love this comforting dish. It's super simple to assemble and can be an 
impressive dish to serve guests. You'll just need some sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and 
spices. Add toppings like tomatoes or parsley for an extra kick.  

Oatmeal with Nuts and Dried Fruit
 
Oatmeal is a quick and easy vegan breakfast. It's full of nutrition and will satisfy your 
hunger for hours at a time. You can pop it in the microwave or make it on the stovetop. 
You can also make overnight oatmeal in the fridge for a fast, cold breakfast. Nuts add 
extra protein and healthy fats to keep your cravings low. Just be sure to check that your 
dried fruit doesn't have added sugar, as sugar should be avoided for weight loss. 

Grilled Portobello Steaks
 
Coat a clean portobello mushroom in oil, garlic, salt and pepper, and then throw it on 
the grill. You can also sauté or roast a portobello steak, but grilling really brings out the 
portobello flavor. Pair it with your favorite veggie side or brown rice for a tasty, filling 
meal. Portobello mushrooms are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in essential 
nutrients like copper. 

Butternut Squash Soup
 
Hearty but still diet-friendly, butternut squash soup can be made with a roasted squash, 
almond milk, and a few spices for a quick and flavorful meal.  
 
Here are a couple of extra quick tips to improve your food choices:

Make veggies your focus
 
While this may seem like a no-brainer for the vegan diet, a lot of vegan eaters find 
themselves getting off track with things like potato chips, eggless pastas, and other 
quick snack items. By making vegetables the focus of your meals and snacks, you'll be 
able to manage hunger and keep your calories low. An easy vegan small meal may be 
something like raw veggies and hummus or baba ghanoush, or a plate of sautéed 
veggies. 

Swap broccoli or zucchini for pasta
 
Pasta is delicious, but it's not the most diet-friendly option. If you swap broccoli or 
zucchini for your pasta, you can enjoy all the delicious sauces and flavors from your 
favorite pasta dish with none of the guilt.

