Although a plant-based diet is all about encouraging eating an abundance of whole grains like oats, rice, and whole grain bread, when I eat too much of those foods — and not just processed carbs [1] — I get terribly bloated [2], feel sluggish, and just don't feel like myself. Does this happen to you?! While I can have a little each day, sitting down to a huge bowl of rice and beans or oatmeal would make me feel crappy, so these are the grain-free recipes I make when I'm craving grains.
Cauliflower Porridge
While I'm obsessed with overnight oats and steel-cut oatmeal, my belly can only handle them in small doses. So when I'm craving dipping my spoon into something warm and cinnamony, I make this using cauliflower rice instead. It has the same soft, comforting texture, but without making my belly feel like there's a rock in it.
Get the recipe: cauliflower porridge [4]
Paleo Carrot Pasta
Veggie noodles are a delicious, lighter alternative to pasta. I just grate big carrots to make this carrot fettuccine, and it always satisfies my cravings for spaghetti. I even prefer the sweeter flavor!
Get the recipe: Paleo carrot pasta [5]
Gingerbread Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a great alternative to oatmeal and there are so many different flavor combinations! I love chocolate protein chia pudding [6] but I also love this warmer, gingerbread flavor.
Get the recipe: gingerbread chia pudding [7]
Dry Roasted Edamame With Black Sesame Seeds
Instead of salty, crunchy chips or pretzels, I like to make a batch of roasted edamame or roasted chickpeas [8].
Get the recipe: roasted edamame [9]
3-Ingredient Brownies
This simple dessert offers that fudgy texture and chocolaty flavor I crave from a brownie, but without any grains or sugar added.
Get the recipe: 3-ingredient brownie [10]
Broccoli Slaw Stir-Fry
This recipe is perfect when I'm craving noodles; I just use gluten-free tamari.
Get the recipe: broccoli slaw stir-fry [11]
Vegan, Grain-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I feel like a magician when I make these cookies because they have that soft cookie texture I crave, but are made without flour.
Get the recipe: pumpkin chocolate chip cookies [12]
Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels
So many cookies and healthy bars are made with oats or other grains, but not these gems! They satisfy my chocolate cravings perfectly.
Get the recipe: dark chocolate salted caramels [13]
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Freezer Fudge
Cookie dough anyone? These bars are soft and delicious, and made with — gasp — lentils!
Get the recipe: cookie dough freezer fudge [14]
No-Bake Brownies
Made with medjool dates, pecans, cocoa powder, and a few mini dairy-free chocolate chips, these satisfy my brownie cravings without having to turn on the oven. Try these no-bake brownies [15]
Cauliflower Rice and Beans
Aside from avoiding belly bloat, cooking cauliflower rice instead of regular rice takes half the time!
Get the recipe: cauliflower rice and beans [16]
Maple Cumin Lentils Over Spaghetti Squash
This vegan recipe satisfies my cravings for spaghetti and meat sauce.
Get the recipe: maple cumin lentils over spaghetti squash [17]