Great Tips For Planning A Vegan Menu

When it comes to veganism, one of the most common questions is, “where do you get your protein?” While it’s true that animal products are a major source of protein in many diets, there are plenty of plant-based sources of this essential nutrient. With a little planning, it’s easy to create a week’s worth of vegan meals that are both healthy and delicious.

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Here Are Some Tips For Planning A Vegan Menu:

1. Incorporate a variety of plant-based proteins

There are many different types of plant-based proteins, so it’s important to include a variety in your diet. Some good sources of vegan protein include beans, lentils, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, and seitan.

2. Make sure you’re getting enough iron.

Iron is found in food in two forms, heme, and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which makes up 40 percent of the iron in meat, poultry, and fish, is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. 

Because vegan diets only contain non-heme iron, it’s important to include foods that are rich in this nutrient, such as dark leafy greens, legumes, nuts, and seeds. You can also boost your iron absorption by eating foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli.

3. Get your omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining heart health and preventing inflammation. While fish is the best source of omega-3s, there are also plant-based sources, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. You can also find omega-3s in certain types of algae, such as spirulina and chlorella.

4. Don’t forget about calcium.

Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Good vegan sources of calcium include dark leafy greens, tofu (made with calcium sulfate), almonds, Brazil nuts, and tahini.

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5. Consider taking a supplement.

Because vegan diets can sometimes be lacking in certain nutrients, it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. This is especially important if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to absorb nutrients, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

6. Plan your meals in advance.

One of the best ways to make sure you’re eating a varied and nutritious vegan diet is to plan your meals in advance. This way, you can make sure you include all of the essential nutrients in your diet, and you won’t get bored with your food choices.

7. Make use of leftovers.

Cooking once and eating twice is a great way to save time and money. When you make a big batch of soup, stew, chili, or another dish, freeze some for later. Leftover cooked grains and beans are also great to have on hand for quick and easy meals.

8. Invest in some good cookbooks.

If you’re new to veganism, or if you’re just looking for some new healthy vegetable stir fry recipe ideas, it’s worth investing in a few good cookbooks. There are many great vegan cookbooks on the market, so take your time and find ones that look appealing to you.

Final Thoughts

With a little planning, it’s easy to create a healthy and delicious vegan menu for the week. By incorporating a variety of plant-based proteins and making sure you’re getting enough iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium, you can make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.