21 Low-Carb Vegan Dinner Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is it possible to be vegan and low-carb? ›

A typical low carb lifestyle often involves meat, fish or dairy. Although, vegans avoid foods derived from animals such as dairy and eggs, it is still possible as a vegan (someone who only eats vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) to follow a low carb lifestyle.

This includes almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Soy: Foods like tofu and tempeh are high in protein and fat, but low in carbs. This makes them acceptable on a low-carb vegetarian/vegan diet. Legumes: Some legumes, including green beans, chick peas and others.

Nuts. Low-carb vegans should definitely be going nuts about nuts. They're small in stature but rich in protein that will get you well on your way to hitting your daily requirements. Just 22 of our top-rated nuts, the almighty almonds, will provide you with 6.2g of protein with only 2.5g of net carbs.

Both keto and plant-based have been shown to help with weight loss and in the short-term, keto wins for overall pounds lost. However, when it comes to fat loss, sustainable weight loss and compliance, nutrient-density, and overall health benefits, a plant-based diet comes out on top.

A traditional vegan diet completely excludes all animal products and relies heavily on whole grains, bread, noodles, and starchy veggies…all of which are to be avoided on a keto diet. However, with some careful keto meal planning, vegans can also reap the benefits of the keto lifestyle.

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

Lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans and edamame

These foods are great carbohydrate sources rich in protein, fiber, and nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate.

Focus on Whole Foods: Encourage individuals to prioritize whole, unprocessed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These nutrient-dense options are lower calorie density and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting weight loss and overall health.

What is a common vegan diet deficiency? ›

Deficiencies in minerals such as iodine, calcium, and zinc may also occur. Iodine deficiency is very common among vegans, often leading to acquired hypothyroidism [58]. Vegan sources of iodine include iodized salt and sea vegetables containing various amounts of the mineral [45].

Canned tuna, edamame, Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, pumpkin seeds, and pea protein powder are just some examples of high-protein, low-carb foods that can help you meet your daily protein needs.

Highest and Lowest Carb Beans

Among these, black soybeans and green beans have the lowest carbs, potentially making them better for a keto diet. On the other hand, chickpeas, pinto beans, and navy beans have high carbs. You might want to avoid these if you're strictly following a keto diet.

The number of calories you eat per day will vary based on your age, your overall size and your nutrition goals. But to give a rough estimate, someone eating between 1,600 to 1,800 calories per day should consume around: 180- 290 grams of carbs. 60- 90 grams of fat.

Often, vegetarian and certainly vegan diets are higher in carbohydrates than those that include more animal protein. However, studies have found that after adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet, glycemic control often improves, and in many cases, patients can decrease or discontinue their diabetes medication.

While a vegan keto diet may have some potential health benefits, such as weight loss and improved blood lipids, it also has many associated risks. It is extremely low in carbohydrates and high in fats, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

The complex carbohydrates found in whole plant foods like fruits, vegetables, tubers, seeds, nuts and wholegrains are highly beneficial. Not only are they an essential part of any healthy diet, they should actually make up the great majority of it.