There’s no denying it: eating healthy can be difficult when you’re juggling a job, family time, and life in general. Making a meal from scratch takes time, and few of us have that luxury every day. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite quick, simple, and healthy vegan meal options for when you’re on the move. They’re quick, nutritious, and don’t require an hour spent standing over a stove! You’ll find something on this list that matches your life, whether you have a busy job schedule or children who keep you occupied.
Protein shakes
Protein is a hot topic among vegans, owing to the fact that relatives, acquaintances, and complete strangers frequently inquire about it. It’s not surprising, given that the meat industry has spent countless dollars and years attempting to persuade consumers that animal products are the sole good source of protein. That, however, is not the case.
While there are many whole-food protein sources, such as beans, legumes, grains, and nuts, there are also a number of delicious plant-based protein shakes that are ideal for people who have hectic schedules or who simply want to add protein to their diets.
Smoothies
Smoothies made with fruit and vegetables are high in vitamins and incredibly delicious! They provide a lot of nutritional value for very little effort. They’re a great convenience food that’s also nutritious for you, and there are so many different combinations to try!
It takes less than five minutes to blend together with your favorite fruit and veggie mixtures, and it ensures you receive the appropriate amount of nutrients. Do you find that smoothies don’t satisfy your hunger? That’s because they normally don’t have a lot of calories in them. You’ll notice a change if you add a scoop of your favorite natural vegan protein powder, nut butter, or even oats.
One-pot meals
We’re big supporters of tossing a bunch of stuff into a pot and walking away, only returning to stir the contents once in a while. When you have other things on your mind but yet need to create a large amount of food for supper or weekday lunches, this is a terrific alternative that will provide a lot of servings for the next couple of days. Soups, stews, chilies, and curries, all of which take less than 40 minutes to prepare, are among our favorite quick and simple vegan dishes.
Healthy sandwiches
Never underestimate the power of a simple sandwich. Sandwiches have been popular for years since they are simple to make and require only a few minutes to prepare. They aren’t typically regarded as the healthiest option, but there are a few tactics and substitutions you can use to ensure your sandwich is packed with nutrients and provides adequate nutrition.
Instead of pre-packaged white bread, choose good quality whole grain bread, which has far more nutrients and vitamins and has that much more flavor. In addition to a variety of vegetables, try to include a high-quality vegan protein source, such as hummus or homemade pate, in your sandwich to keep you satisfied until your next meal.
Prepare snacks ahead of time
Have you ever had one of those crazy hectic days where you don’t have much time to eat and are starving by the time you get home? Carry your own snacks instead of being overly hungry, to avoid raising your chances of eating unhealthy meals. What do healthy plant-based snacks look like while you’re on the go? To keep full until mealtime, try homemade oat bars, granola, mixed nuts, and fruit.
Overnight oats for breakfast
Mornings can be hectic, and you may not have time to prepare a healthy meal every day. But what if breakfast could be prepared the night before? Oats overnight can save you a lot of time. They’re a filling and nutritious breakfast that’s ideal if you’re short on time.
Mix rolled oats with your favorite plant milk in a small jar before going to bed the night before, then set it aside in the refrigerator. Add your favorite oatmeal ingredients the next morning and, if you’re in a hurry, take it to work with you. Start with this luscious overnight oats recipe, which also includes protein and fiber-rich chia seeds.
Final thoughts on vegan meal options
Sometimes, we just don’t have the time to prepare a highly nutritious meal that will keep us full until we get home. If that’s the case, consider making smoothies and over the night oats that are easy and quick to prepare and will save you a lot of time. Consider having a couple of healthy snacks throughout the day with you, to avoid overeating unhealthy meals when you get home and stay full until your next healthy meal.
