Vegetarian Paleo Meal Plan
Here's What It Looks Like to Eat Vegetarian-Paleo For 1 Day
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As if eating like a cavewoman when sticking to a strict Paleo diet isn't challenging enough, is it really even possible to eat like a vegetarian cavewoman? We're not going to lie: adding any restrictions on top of an already uber-restrictive diet is no easy feat. This is especially true when overlapping the vegetarian diet and the Paleo diet, since so many good sources of vegetarian protein are off limits when going Paleo, including wheat, beans, legumes (bye, tofu!), quinoa, cheese, and peanuts. Unless you eat about a dozen eggs a day to meet your protein needs, going vegetarian and Paleo is probably not sustainable long term. However, it's certainly easy enough for Paleo eaters to take a one-day break from their beloved bacon and fill up on — you guessed it — veggies! If you take us up on the challenge, we guarantee you'll feel lighter and more energized in just 24 hours. Read on for a look at how delicious — and satisfying — a one-day stint as vegetarian Paleo can be.
Power Breakfast: Avocado and Eggs
This omega-3 and protein-packed hard-boiled egg and avocado duo is pretty much the Paleo version of trendsetting avocado toast, since the Paleo diet shuns all grains. By loading up on protein in the morning instead of carbs, you’ll find yourself feeling surprisingly even and sustained energy-wise.
Prep tip: On the go? Boil the eggs in advance and douse the avocado cubes in lemon or lime juice to prevent browning so this recipe can be prepped the night before and stored in a grab-and-go container.
Midmorning Smoothie Boost
Supercharge your body and your brain midmorning with this energizing, antioxidant-rich chia berry smoothie. Because it’s laced with chia, it packs in over 10 grams of fiber and over four grams of protein.
Prep tip: Since berries top the charts for being pesticide-laden on on the Environmental Working Group's dirty dozen list, splurge on organic berries. To save money, load up on fresh, organic berries when they are in peak season at a u-pick, farmers market, or grocery store near you (when prices are lowest), and freeze them in individual portions.
Satisfying Make-N-Take Lunch
Forget running out to Chipotle on your lunch break. Instead, pack along this go-to sweet potato salad: it's a tuber-based dish that's super tasty and will fill you up without sabotaging your diet.
Prep tip: To add even more healthy fiber, consider prepping the sweet potatoes with the skins left on rather than peeling them. Potato skins are a phenomenal source of soluble fiber, which promotes weight loss.
Afternoon Snack Attack
Stash this addictive Paleo snack mix in your desk drawer to satisfy your afternoon cravings for something salty and savory without resorting to chips. Nuts are a fabulous source of vegetarian- and Paleo-friendly protein, but remember to keep your portion size to about a handful, since they are a calorie-dense food. When choosing which nuts to use, don't forget peanuts are off limits according to Paleo rules because they are deemed proinflammatory. But all other nuts are fair game!
Prep tip: When shopping for nuts, hit up the bulk foods isle for the best price and variety.
Dinner Winner
Who doesn’t love a comforting pasta dish for dinner? But when grains are off limits, these zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles) will not disappoint, especially when done up Italian style with garlic, olive oil, and almond meal “breadcrumbs.”
Prep tip: While you can use a peeler or mandolin to create your zoodles, we love this inexpensive Handheld Spiralizer by OXO ($15).
Sweet Treat
At the end of the day, treat yourself to these ridiculously delicious Paleo and vegan frozen bonbons with just four ingredients: bananas, applesauce, almond butter, and dark chocolate chips. Good news: dairy-free dark chocolate is allowed on the Paleo diet, in moderation of course, since it usually contains some sugar!
Prep tip: Make a batch on Sunday and keep them on hand all week long.
