Generally, weight loss is achieved when the number of calories you burn is more than those you consume. Although calories can be burnt at rest or asleep, engaging in physical activity may help you burn more unwanted fat (7). However, this will only be possible if you also watch what you eat. The 1500 calorie vegan meal plan is one of the diets that may help you get rid of the extra pounds once and for all.
According to Eatwell, the 1500 calorie vegan weight loss meal plan may enable you to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week, which is the recommended healthy weight loss time frame (4). However, this is not a walk in the park. You have to be committed to eating the suggested groups of foods.
How Do Vegan Meal Plans Work For Weight Loss?
How do vegan meal plans contribute to weight loss? The plant-based fiber-rich foods eaten will help you feel full and satisfied throughout the day (4). This means that you will not eat more than necessary, and your daily calorie intake will be just enough to help you function optimally. They also make you energetic to engage in the needed physical activity.
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan
What are foods to avoid on a vegan diet? Veganism requires you to abstain from animal products, including meat, dairy, honey, and eggs; it also encourages the intake of plant-based foods for ethical, spiritual, health, environmental, or other personal reasons (11). Vegans also avoid animal-derived substances, for example, albumin, carmine, casein, whey, gelatin, pepsin, isinglass, and shellac, which can be found in some types of alcoholic drinks, marshmallows, gummy candies, breakfast cereals, and chewing gum (11).
Note that going vegan does not mean that what you eat is boring or tasteless. The 1500 calorie vegan diet meal plan involves various nutritious, balanced foods that are delicious and fulfilling. It is important to understand that factors such as your weight loss goals, physical activity level, and health conditions determine what you eat. A simple vegan meal plan that will give you 1500 calories a day, according to the Myfitnesspal blog is (10):
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Breakfast
Golden Tofu Scramble
- Calories- 228
- Protein- 20g
- Fat- 11g
- Carbs- 10g
- Fiber- 5g
- Sugar- 1g
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Lunch
Asparagus Almond Pesto Rice bowl
- Calories- 478
- Protein- 12g
- Fat- 23g
- Carbs- 57g
- Fiber- 9g
- Sugar- 5g
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Snack
PBJ Chia Pudding
- Calories- 177
- Protein- 9g
- Fat- 8g
- Carbs- 19g
- Fiber- 12g
- Sugar- 4g
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Dinner
Lentil Miso Kale Soup and Avocado Toast
- Calories- 465
- Protein- 21g
- Fat- 14g
- Carbs- 65g
- Fiber- 16g
- Sugar- 9g
1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Dessert
4 Oatmeal Thumbprint Cookies
- Calories- 158
- Protein- 5g
- Carbs- 23g
- Fiber- 3g
- Sugar- 8g
Total daily calories – 1506
The 7-Day 1500 Calorie Meal Plan Vegan
Now that you have an idea of the vegan meals you can eat when on a 1500 calorie vegan diet, here is a specific meal plan for 7 days. This detailed 1500 vegan calorie meal plan and grocery list are borrowed from Eating Well (4).
Grocery List
- Almond milk
- Berries
- Lentil pasta
- Vegetables- spinach, leafy greens, kale, cucumber, mushroom, eggplant
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Sweet potatoes
- Tofu
- Onion
- Garlic
- Peppers
- Rice
- Tahini
- Beans- black, white, and green beans
- Cauliflower
- Edamame
- Fruits- Bananas, avocados, oranges, apples, pears
- Peanut butter
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lemon juice
- Popcorn
- Oatmeal
- Olive oil
- Hummus
- Quinoa
- Spaghetti
Note that some of the grocery list items are not included in the meal plan below to allow you to substitute which you do not like with preferred alternatives.
The Meal Plan
What does a 1500 calorie vegan meal plan look like? Here is a comprehensive 1500 calorie vegan meal plan that you can follow for 7 days (4). This is just an example of a 1500 calorie vegan diet, so you can follow it as given or slightly modify it.
Day 1
Breakfast
Take healthy fats and plant-based proteins to kick-start your day. For example:
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 vegan pancakes
Calories- 386
Add 1 teaspoon of warm water or more to the peanut butter to thin it out, then drizzle the mixture over the banana and pancakes.
Morning Snack
- 1 medium orange
- 3/4 cup edamame pods, seasoned with a pinch of salt
Calories- 212
Lunch
- 1 cup sliced cucumber tossed with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, lemon juice, and each slice seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 serving white bean and avocado toast
Calories- 331
Afternoon Snack
- 1 medium apple
Calories- 95
Dinner
- 1 serving falafel salad with lemon-tahini dressing
Calories- 499
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1522
- Protein- 52g
- Carbohydrates- 194g
- Fiber- 46g
- Fat- 68g
- Sodium- 1734mg
Day 2
Breakfast
- 1 medium orange
- 1 serving peanut butter and chia berry jam English muffin
Calories- 323
Morning Snack
- 1 cup edamame pods, seasoned with a pinch of salt
Calories- 200
Lunch
- 4 cups white bean and veggie Salad
Calories- 360
Afternoon Snack
- 1 medium pear
Calories- 101
Dinner
- 2 cups black-bean Quinoa Buddha Bowl
Calories- 500
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1485
- Protein- 58g
- Carbohydrates- 204g
- Fiber- 59g
- Fat- 57g
- Sodium- 1402mg
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Day 3
Breakfast
- 1 serving peanut butter-banana toast
Calories- 266
Morning Snack
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Calories- 228
Lunch
- 1 serving of green salad with edamame and beets
Calories- 325
Afternoon Snack
- 2 cups air-popped popcorn tossed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and nutritional yeast on each
Calories- 202
Dinner
- 1 1/2 cups roasted cauliflower and potato curry soup
- 1 small whole-wheat pita, toasted
- 1/3 cup hummus
Calories- 483
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1505
- Protein- 60g
- Carbohydrates- 143g
- Fiber- 36g
- Fat- 80g
- Sodium- 1841mg
Day 4
Breakfast
- 1/3 cup Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal Mix cooked with 1 1/4 cups unsweetened soymilk
- 1 medium banana
Calories- 401
Morning Snack
- 1 medium pear
Calories- 101
Lunch
- 1 1/2 cups roasted cauliflower and potato curry soup
- 1 small whole-wheat pita, toasted
Calories- 346
Afternoon Snack
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Calories- 171
Dinner
- 1 serving stuffed sweet potato with hummus dressing
Calories- 472
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1491
- Protein- 57g
- Carbohydrates- 232g
- Fiber- 49g
- Fat- 45g
- Sodium- 1404mg
Day 5
Breakfast
- 2 vegan pancakes
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 2 tbsp. peanut butter
Calories- 417
Morning Snack
- 1 medium orange
Calories- 62
Lunch
- 1 serving veggie and hummus sandwich
Calories- 325
Afternoon Snack
- 1 cup edamame pods, seasoned with a pinch of salt
Calories- 200
Dinner
- 1 cup chickpea curry
- 1 cup basic quinoa
Calories- 487
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1490
- Protein- 58g
- Carbohydrates- 179g
- Fiber- 43g
- Fat- 61g
- Sodium- 1335mg
Day 6
Breakfast
- 1 serving peanut butter and Chia Berry Jam English Muffin
Calories- 262
Morning Snack
- 1 medium pear
Calories- 101
Lunch
- 1 serving vegan bistro lunch box
- 1 medium apple
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Calories- 416 calories
Afternoon Snack
- 2 cups air-popped popcorn tossed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and nutritional yeast on each
Calories- 202
Dinner
- 1 serving Thai spaghetti squash with peanut sauce
- 1 cup vegan Thai Cucumber Salad
Calories-525
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1507
- Protein- 50g
- Carbohydrates- 173g
- Fiber- 41g
- Fat- 77g
- Sodium- 1828mg
Day 7
Breakfast
- 2 vegan Pancakes
- 3/4 cup blackberries
- 2 tbsp. peanut butter
Calories- 432
Afternoon Snack
- 1 medium banana
Calories- 105
Lunch
- 4 cups serving of green salad with edamame and beets
Calories- 325
Afternoon Snack
- 2 cups air-popped popcorn tossed with 1 tablespoon olive oil and nutritional yeast on each
Calories- 202
Dinner
- 1 serving rainbow veggie spring roll bowl
Calories- 434
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories -1498
- Protein- 50g
- Carbohydrates- 160g
- Fiber- 36 g
- Fat- 3g
- Sodium- 1792mg
Read More: Healthy Vegan Breakfast Options To Fuel Your Body For Your Day’s Activities
Recipes
Here is how to prepare some of the common dishes in the meal plan above.
Vegan Pancakes
To make classic light and fluffy vegan pancakes, get these ingredients and follow the steps provided by EatingWell (8).
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups white whole-wheat flour
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or any other non-dairy milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Method:
- Whisk the dry ingredients, i.e., flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk the wet ingredients, i.e., milk, applesauce, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.
- Make a hole at the center of the ingredients in step 1, then add the ones in step 2. Whisk them until they combine well. Do not overmix the batter; it will make the pancakes tough.
- Allow the batter to rest without stirring for about 10-15 minutes. During this period, the baking powder forms bubbles that will make the pancakes fluffy.
- Apply cooking spray on a griddle or skillet, then heat over medium heat.
- Measure out the pancakes, without stirring the mixture, using 1/4 cup batter per pancake. Pour into the griddle or pan.
- Let the pancake cook for 2-4 minutes, until the edges are dry and bubbles form on the surface.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another 2-4 minutes, until golden brown on the other side.
- Repeat with the remaining batter. Remember to coat the pan with the cooking spray every time. Adjust the heat when necessary.
Nutritional Breakdown:
2 (4-inch) pancakes per serving contain:
- Added sugar- 2g
- Calories- 174
- Calcium-165.4mg
- Carbohydrates- 26.8g
- dietary fiber- 3.4g
- Fat- 5.6g
- Folate- 6.4mcg
- Iron- 4.5mg
- Magnesium- 10.5mg
- Potassium- 123.7mg
- Protein- 5.8g
- Saturated fat- 4.1g
- Sodium- 281mg
- Sugars- 3.4g
- Vitamin A- 128.1IU
- Vitamin C- 0.1m
White Bean And Avocado Toast
This is a fiber-rich creamy topping on a crispy slice of toast. Here are the ingredients and preparation methods according to EatingWell (12).
Ingredients:
- 1 slice of toasted whole-wheat bread
- ½ cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ avocado, mashed
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt to taste
- Ground pepper to taste
Method:
- Put the white beans and mashed avocado on top of the toast.
- Season with a pinch each of pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper.
Nutrition Breakdown:
1 Slice per serving contains:
- Calories- 230
- protein- 11.5g
- carbohydrates- 34.7g
- dietary fiber- 11.3g
- Sugars- 3g
- Fat- 8.8g
- Saturated fat- 1.3g
- Vitamin A- 74.2IU
- Vitamin C- 5.1mg
- Folate- 158.2mcg
- Calcium- 93.4mg
- Iron- 2.3mg
- Magnesium- 35.1mg
- Potassium- 655.4mg
- Sodium- 458.6mg
- Thiamin- 0.1mg
- Added sugar- 2g
Falafel Salad
Instead of deep-frying, you can pan-sear falafel and still enjoy the same results. Use dried instead of canned chickpeas (they have too much moisture).
Ingredients:
- 6 cups sliced romaine lettuce
- 2 cups packed flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers and/or radishes
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- ¼ cup chopped red onion plus 1/4 cup thinly sliced, divided
- 5 tablespoons warm water
- 1-pint grape tomatoes, quartered
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 5 tablespoons tahini
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
Method:
- Soak chickpeas in cold water for 12 to 24 hours.
- Drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor.
- Add 1 cup parsley, chopped onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; process until finely and evenly ground.
- Shape into 12 patties (1 1/2 inches wide) using a generous 2 tablespoons each.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium.
- Cook the falafel until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn, swirl in 1 tablespoon oil, and cook until golden on the other side for 3 to 5 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, whisk tahini, water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
- Transfer 1/4 cup to a small bowl. Add romaine and the remaining 1 cup parsley to the large bowl and toss to coat.
- Top with cucumbers and/or radishes, tomatoes, sliced onion, and falafel. Drizzle with the reserved 1/4 cup dressing.
Nutrition Breakdown:
3 Falafel & 2 Cups Salad Per Serving contains
- Calories- 499
- Protein- 15.7g
- Carbohydrates- 44.8g
- Dietary fiber- 13.2g
- Sugars- 9.9g
- Fat- 31.1g
- Saturated fat- 4.2g
- Vitamin and iu- 9390IU
- Vitamin C- 62.7mg
- Folate- 358.3mcg
- Calcium- 175.8mg
- Iron- 7.2mg
- Magnesium- 110.3mg
- Potassium- 1023.8mg
- Sodium- 626.4mg
- Thiamin- 0.6mg
To simplify your work and save on time, you may cook a batch of:
- Vegan pancakes for breakfast on days 1, 5, and 7. Store them in a single layer in the freezer for up to 3 months, and reheat in the microwave or oven when you want to eat them (8).
- Basic quinoa for lunch on day 2 and dinner on day 5.
- Quinoa and a chia oatmeal mix for day 4. Store the remaining dry mixture in an airtight container for up to a month.
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1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan Gluten Free
If you are into gluten-free meals, you can take (2):
Breakfast
- 1 serving of all greens smoothie bowl
- 1 slice whole-grain bread, toasted, then drizzled with 1/4 teaspoon olive oil and seasoned with a pinch of coarse salt.
Calories- 351
Morning Snack
- 1 cup edamame pods, steamed in the microwave or on the stovetop and sprinkled with coarse salt and ground pepper to taste.
Calories- 200
Lunch
White Beans and Veggie Salad
Calories- 385
Afternoon Snack
- 1 1/2 cups cantaloupe
Calories- 82
Dinner
- 1 serving roasted chicken thighs, potatoes & scallions with herb vinaigrette
- 2 cups spinach and mushroom salad
Calories- 526
Total Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories- 1507
- Protein- 60g
- Carbohydrates- 160g
- Fiber- 40g
- Fat- 77g
- Sodium- 1573mg
- Folate- 568mcg
- Potassium- 4016 mg
- Niacin- 21mg
Advantages Of Following A 1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan
- One of the advantages of consuming fewer animal products and more plant-based foodstuffs is that they contribute to healthy weight loss and minimize the risk of certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer (3)(9). A vegan diet may also improve cholesterol levels, and help keep g the levels of blood sugar stable.
- You will feel more full between meals because of the high fiber in plant-based foods.
- Eating more plant-based foods may subside fatigue, bloating, and sugar cravings.
- Vegans eat heart-healthy foods and avoid red and processed meats, which may cause cancer and heart disease that shorten lifespan. Therefore, veganism may help you live longer (3).
- According to a study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a vegan diet may have a lot of dietary fiber and less cholesterol and saturated fat (6).
Disadvantages Of Following A 1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan
- Since it may not meet most people’s nutritional requirements, you may need to watch your micronutrients (3). The lacking nutrients, for example, Vitamin B12, D, Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc can be found in specific vegan foods or supplements, so be aware and perhaps discuss with a dietitian.
How Long Can You Follow A 1500 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan?
It is best to consult an expert who will draft a customized meal plan and timetable based on your weight loss goal, level of fitness activity, and health condition. If 1500 calories meet your personal needs, you can follow it long-term and maintain your weight. If 1500 calories represent a modest calorie deficit for healthy-paced weight loss, you can stick with it until you hit a plateau, which means your needs may have changed and it’s time to re-evaluate.
Basically, the 1500 calorie vegan meal plan involves eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and protein, and some fibrous foodstuffs such as tofu, nuts, whole-grains, seeds, beans, and avocado. Add seasonings such as herbs and spices to make the meals tastier. Also, note that although almost all hard liquors are vegan-friendly, not all beverages are vegan. Some alcoholic drinks are processed with animal products.
Final Thought
Avoiding animal products and taking more of the recommended plant-based foodstuffs has numerous advantages, such as healthy weight loss and preventing certain diseases. The 1500 calorie vegan meal plan works for full-time vegans and those interested in healthy vegan recipe ideas to kick-start their weight loss journey. However, you should get a green light from your doctor and consult a qualified dietitian before trying this weight loss diet.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
SOURCES:
- 1-Day 1,500-Calorie Vegan Meal Plan (2016, eatingwell.com)
- 1-Day Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Meal Plan: 1,500 Calories (2017, eatingwell.com)
- 4 Health Benefits of a Vegan Diet (and a Few Potential Drawbacks) (2019, eatingwell.com)
- 7-Day Vegan Meal Plan: 1,500 Calories (2019, eatingwell.com)
- Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing (2016, eatingwell.com)
- Health effects of vegan diets (2009, academic.oup.com)
- How Many Calories Do You Burn While You’re Asleep? (2018, healthline.com)
- Vegan Pancakes (2017, eatingwell.com)
- Vegetarian, vegan diets and multiple health outcomes: A systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies (2017, tandfonline.com)
- What 1,500 Calories Looks Like on a Vegan Diet (2019, myfitnesspal.com)
- What Is Veganism, and What Do Vegans Eat? (2019, healthline.com)
- White Bean & Avocado Toast (2017, eatingwell.com)
