Creating a 1200 calorie vegan meal plan requires careful selection of ingredients to ensure a balanced intake of macronutrients while adhering to vegan dietary restrictions.
We’ve prepared several vegan meal plan options for your to try out, with 2, 3, 4 or 5 meals per day.
Want a custom meal plan? Try out Meal Plan Generator.
1200 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan Options
Option 1: 2 Meals Per Day
Meal 1: Nutrient-Dense Vegan Breakfast
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Vegan Smoothie Bowl
- Frozen Mixed Berries
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 77
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Banana
- Amount: 1 medium
- Calories: 105
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 1.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Spinach
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Vegan Protein Powder
- Amount: 1 scoop (approximately 30g)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 2g
- Almond Milk
- Amount: 200ml
- Calories: 26
- Carbohydrates: 0.8g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 2.4g
- Chia Seeds
- Amount: 15g
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Frozen Mixed Berries
- Whole Grain Toast with Avocado
- Whole Grain Bread
- Amount: 2 slices
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 2g
- Avocado
- Amount: 50g (about 1/3 of a medium avocado)
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7.5g
- Whole Grain Bread
Meal Total:
- Calories: 660
- Carbohydrates: 89.8g
- Protein: 34.3g
- Fat: 19.4g
Meal 2: Nutritious Vegan Dinner
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
- Quinoa (cooked)
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 21.3g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 1.9g
- Black Beans (canned, rinsed)
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 91
- Carbohydrates: 16.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Bell Peppers (used as bowls, 2 medium)
- Amount: 240g
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Chopped Onions (sautéed)
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 4.7g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Amount: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 119
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 13.5g
- Spices (cumin, garlic powder, salt)
- Calories: Minimal
- Quinoa (cooked)
- Steamed Green Beans
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 51
- Carbohydrates: 11.7g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Amount: 150g
- Dessert – Baked Apple
- Apples (sliced and baked with cinnamon)
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 78
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Apples (sliced and baked with cinnamon)
Meal Total:
- Calories: 539
- Carbohydrates: 92.2g
- Protein: 16.1g
- Fat: 17.1g
Total Daily Intake for the 1200 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan:
- Total Calories: 1200 calories
- Total Carbohydrates: 181.6g
- Total Protein: 50.4g
- Total Fat: 36.5g
Option 2: 3 Meals Per Day
Meal 1: Vegan Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts
- Rolled Oats
- Amount: 50g (dry)
- Calories: 185
- Carbohydrates: 33.5g
- Protein: 6.5g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- Amount: 150ml
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Protein: 0.75g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Chia Seeds
- Amount: 10g
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Sliced Banana
- Amount: 1 small (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 20.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Blueberries
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 29
- Carbohydrates: 7.4g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Rolled Oats
Meal Total:
- Calories: 364
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Protein: 10.65g
- Fat: 8.5g
Meal 2: Vegan Mediterranean Wrap
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Whole Wheat Tortilla
- Amount: 1 large (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Hummus
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Cucumber
- Amount: 50g, sliced
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Amount: 50g, halved
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Baby Spinach
- Amount: 30g
- Calories: 7
- Carbohydrates: 1.1g
- Protein: 0.9g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Red Onion
- Amount: 20g, thinly sliced
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Olives
- Amount: 10g, sliced
- Calories: 18
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 2g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 390
- Carbohydrates: 45.4g
- Protein: 11.9g
- Fat: 18.5g
Meal 3: Vegan Thai Curry with Tofu
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Tofu (firm)
- Amount: 100g, cubed and lightly pan-fried
- Calories: 124
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Coconut Milk
- Amount: 100ml
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 24g
- Mixed Vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Thai Curry Paste
- Amount: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Fresh Basil
- Amount: a few leaves for garnish
- Calories: negligible
Meal Total:
- Calories: 434
- Carbohydrates: 24.9g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 32.5g
Option 3: 4 Meals Per Day
Meal 1: Breakfast – Vegan Berry Parfait
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Non-dairy Yogurt
- Type: Coconut-based yogurt
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Mixed Berries
- Types: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 57
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Granola
- Type: Low-sugar vegan granola
- Amount: 30g
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 347
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15.5g
Meal 2: Vegan Hummus and Veggie Wrap
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Whole Wheat Wrap
- Amount: 1 medium (approximately 40g)
- Calories: 130
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Hummus
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Raw Vegetables
- Types: Spinach, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices
- Amount: 100g combined
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.2g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 305
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14.2g
Meal 3: Vegan Stir-Fry
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Tofu (firm)
- Amount: 100g, cubed
- Calories: 124
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 7g
- Mixed Vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas)
- Amount: 200g
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 11.4g
- Protein: 3.8g
- Fat: 0.6g
- Soy Sauce
- Amount: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sesame Oil
- Amount: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Garlic (minced)
- Amount: 1 clove
- Calories: 4
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 238
- Carbohydrates: 15.3g
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 12.1g
Meal 4: Evening Snack – Vegan Chia Pudding
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Chia Seeds
- Amount: 30g
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- Amount: 200ml
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Protein: 0.8g
- Fat: 5.4g
- Maple Syrup (to sweeten)
- Amount: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 52
- Carbohydrates: 13.4g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fresh Berries (for topping)
- Types: Blueberries and raspberries
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 29
- Carbohydrates: 6.7g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.3g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 281
- Carbohydrates: 33.3g
- Protein: 7.2g
- Fat: 14.7g
Total Daily Intake:
- Calories: 1171
- Carbohydrates: 130.6g
- Protein: 41.2g
- Fat: 56.5g
Option 4: 5 Meals Per Day
Meal 1: Light Vegan Breakfast
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Avocado Toast
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Amount: 1 slice
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1g
- Avocado
- Amount: 30g (about 1/5 of a medium avocado)
- Calories: 48
- Carbohydrates: 2.5g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Almond Butter
- Amount: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 34
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Fat: 3g
- Sliced Strawberries
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 16
- Carbohydrates: 3.7g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Chia Seeds
- Amount: 5g (sprinkled over the toast)
- Calories: 24
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1.5g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 192
- Carbohydrates: 21.4g
- Protein: 6.1g
- Fat: 10.2g
Meal 2: Nutrient-Rich Vegan Snack
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Vegan Yogurt
- Type: Coconut-based yogurt
- Amount: 150g
- Calories: 150
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Mixed Nuts
- Types: Almonds, walnuts, and cashews
- Amount: 20g
- Calories: 128
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 278
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 19g
Meal 3: Simple Vegan Salad
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Mixed Greens
- Types: Spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 18
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Cucumber
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1.9g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carrots
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 21
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Chickpeas
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 82
- Carbohydrates: 13.5g
- Protein: 4.5g
- Fat: 1.4g
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Dressing
- Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 40
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 4
- Carbohydrates: 1.3g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Meal Total:
- Calories: 198
- Carbohydrates: 30.7g
- Protein: 8.3g
- Fat: 6.8g
Meal 4: Vegan Smoothie
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Spinach and Fruit Smoothie
- Frozen Mixed Berries
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Banana
- Amount: 1 small (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 80
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Fresh Spinach
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Almond Milk (unsweetened)
- Amount: 150ml
- Calories: 23
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Protein: 0.75g
- Fat: 2.25g
- Chia Seeds
- Amount: 10g
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Frozen Mixed Berries
Meal Total:
- Calories: 235
- Carbohydrates: 43.6g
- Protein: 6.25g
- Fat: 6.25g
Meal 5: Vegan Dinner Bowl
Ingredients and Macronutrients:
- Grilled Tempeh
- Tempeh
- Amount: 75g
- Calories: 165
- Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Tempeh
- Sautéed Kale
- Kale
- Amount: 100g
- Calories: 49
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3.3g
- Fat: 0.7g
- Kale
- Quinoa
- Quinoa (cooked)
- Amount: 50g
- Calories: 58
- Carbohydrates: 10.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.9g
- Quinoa (cooked)
Meal Total:
- Calories: 272
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 20.3g
- Fat: 10.6g
This vegan dinner bowl brings together the rich, nutty flavor of grilled tempeh, the earthiness of sautéed kale, and the subtle, nutty texture of quinoa. It provides a balanced meal with a good source of plant-based protein, essential fibers, and healthy fats, making it an ideal way to end the day.
Total Daily Calories:
- Calories: 1175
- Carbohydrates: 143.6g (approximately)
- Protein: 50g (approximately)
- Fat: 50g (approximately)
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Will I get enough protein on a 1200 calorie vegan diet?
A1: Yes, a 1200 calorie vegan diet can provide sufficient protein if planned carefully. Incorporate a variety of protein-rich plant foods like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, and tempeh. Nuts and seeds are also excellent sources of protein and other nutrients.
Q2: How can I ensure I’m getting all essential nutrients?
A2: Focus on consuming a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fortified foods. Supplements such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids (from algae sources) might be necessary to meet all nutritional needs.
Q3: Is a 1200 calorie diet safe for everyone?
A3: While effective for weight loss, a 1200 calorie diet is not suitable for everyone. Active individuals, teenagers, and those with higher caloric needs should adjust the calorie intake. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting.
Q4: How can I avoid feeling hungry on a low-calorie vegan diet?
A4: Opt for fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. These not only help you feel full longer but also stabilize blood sugar levels. Including healthy fats like avocados and nuts can also enhance satiety.
Q5: Can I still eat out while following a 1200 calorie vegan diet?
A5: Yes, but it requires careful planning. Opt for dishes that are rich in vegetables and whole grains. Be mindful of portion sizes and inquire about the ingredients used in dishes to ensure they fit within your calorie and dietary restrictions.
Who Could Benefit from a 1200 Calorie Vegan Diet
A 1200 calorie vegan diet is a specialized meal plan that combines the principles of calorie restriction with the ethical and health benefits of veganism.
This type of diet can be beneficial for various individuals, depending on their health goals, lifestyle, and dietary preferences, including weight loss seekers, health-conscious individuals, ethical vegans and those seeking structured dietary plans.