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What Is High Protein Vegan Meal Prep?
Meal prep is simply preparing foods ahead of time. More specifically, high protein vegan meal prep is prepping meals ahead of time that contain no animal products but have plenty of plant-based protein.
Benefits of High Protein Vegan Meal Prep
High protein vegan meal prep is useful for a number of reasons.
- Meet Protein Needs: Protein foods usually take the most planning and effort to prepare (in any diet). Therefore, prepped protein-rich food makes sure you meet your protein needs every day.
- Eat Healthy: It keeps you from ordering unhealthy take out after a busy day (we've all been there!). You can include lots of veggies and healthy plant foods that are often not included in convenience food. Meal prepped food is also less processed and lower in sodium and preservatives.
- Save Money: Homemade meals are cheaper than frozen dinners and take out.
- Save Time: When prepped food is ready at all times in your fridge and freezer, meal times are quicker and easier -- all you have to do is heat up the food!
- Less Food Waste: Planning out meals ahead of time gives you an exact list of what groceries to buy so you never find those unused rotting veggies in the back of your fridge again. Goodbye food waste!
In a nutshell, high protein vegan meal prep can help you to be healthier, save money, save time, reduce food waste, and save A LOT of mental energy (which we all need these days).
The Different Ways to Meal Prep
There are several different ways to meal prep depending on personal preference and unique situation.
Types of approaches:
- Family Meals: In this approach, full meals are prepped (often multiple meals at a time with batch cooking) and put in the fridge or freezer to be pulled out and cooked for the whole family. The quintessential example of this is prepped lasagna that just has to be thrown in the oven at dinner time.
- Individual Meals: This approach is similar to family meals, except the meals are fully cooked and separated out into individual portions. You know the multiple aisles of frozen dinners at the grocery store that are typically heavily processed and high in sodium? Forget those. Now you can make your own healthier versions at home for a fraction of the cost. Bodybuilding meal prep usually takes this approach as well.
- Ingredients Prep: In this approach, individual ingredients are prepped (i.e. rice, beans, veggies, sauces, pasta, etc.) and stored in individual containers so that you can mix and match foods to make different meals throughout the week.
My Personal Favorite Way to Meal Prep
My personal favorite of these approaches is individual meals. I make family meals and ingredient prep sometimes too, but I like the flexibility and ease of having different individual meals in the freezer at all times.
It's useful when each family member wants something different or when you have to quickly grab just one portion to bring to work for lunch. All you have to do is put the frozen meal in the fridge at work or let it thaw until lunch and then nuke it in the microwave.
I also took this approach when I was preparing postpartum meals and loved it. Most people don't want to bake an entire sheet of lasagna when they're hungry between breastfeeding sessions.
I highly recommend using glass containers for storing meal prepped foods instead of plastic as chemicals from plastic can leach into our food. And I definitely would not use plastic containers to heat food in the microwave.
How Long Can Prepped Food Last in the Fridge and Freezer?
Use your best judgement or read the instructions on each of these recipes to know whether it will work well frozen or if you should keep it in the fridge.
Foods differ on the amount of time they will last. But as a general rule, I keep foods in the fridge for up to 3-5 days and foods in the freezer for up to 1-3 months.
I also like to wait to add in ingredients like avocado and leafy greens until I'm about to eat so they stay fresh. You can also keep breads, fresh veggies, and dressings separate until serving to avoid soggy veggies.
High Protein Vegan Meal Prep Ideas
Without further ado, let's get into the meal prep ideas!
Note: Keep in mind that I don't recommend giving protein powder to kids. So for the recipes that use protein powders, reserve those for the adults.
Breakfast
Protein Overnight Oats (Without Protein Powder)
If protein powder isn't your thing or if you plan to give them to kids, these protein overnight oats by The Throbbing Eggplant are a perfect option.
High-Protein Overnight Oats (6 Ways)
These overnight oats by Haute & Healthy Living are high in protein and easy to make. There are six different flavor variations to choose from – Apple Pie, Chocolate, Pecan Pie, Cranberry, Pina Colada, and Cookie Dough – so you’ll never get bored.
Vegan Chickpea Flour Omelets
These vegan omelets by Strength and Sunshine have just as much protein as the egg version.
Vegan Protein Waffles (No Banana)
These super-fluffy vegan protein waffles by Savor the Spoonful have no banana, eggs, oil, or dairy.
Caramel Chocolate Protein Pancakes
These protein pancakes by The All Natural Vegan are made without gluten, oil, or refined sugar.
Vegan Blueberry Muffins with Protein Powder
These vegan blueberry muffins by Joyful Dumplings are flavorful and higher in protein than regular muffins.
Healthy Crepes Filled with Brownie Batter and Strawberries
These healthy high-protein crepes by Being Nutritious are eggless, vegan, and gluten-free.
Lunch & Dinner
Vegan Buffalo "Chicken" Sandwich with Homemade Seitan
This delicious and spicy buffalo "chicken" sandwich by Bites With Blair is satisfying, high in protein, and easy to make. You can meal prep the patties ahead of time and assemble when you're ready to eat!
Vegan Meatballs
These vegan meatballs by Strength and Sunshine can be made ahead of time and added to pasta or sandwiches for an easy high protein vegan meal. These are also gluten-free and free of the top allergens.
Tofu Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
This tofu stir fry by Dietitian Debbie is full of flavor and packed with veggies and protein. The peanut sauce is delicious with a touch of spiciness.
Vegan Baked Ziti
This vegan baked ziti with sunflower seed ricotta by Watch Learn Eat can be made in a little over 30 minutes for a high-protein comforting meal. Make sure to use chickpea or lentil pasta as written for the extra protein.
Vegan Ham
This vegan ham by Urban Farmie is a homemade meat-free alternative to classic ham.
Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi
If you’re looking for a higher-calorie recipe for your vegan meal prep, this tofu banh mi sandwich by The Daily Dish is a perfect option.
Crispy Asian Tofu Buddha Bowl
This air-fryer tofu buddha bowl by Naturallie Plant-Based is packed with flavor from the crispy Asian tofu and the creamy sesame ginger dressing.
Vegan Chicken
This vegan chicken by Cinnamon Snail is tender, juicy, and homemade. They also have a fried version here.
Vegan Pesto Lasagna Rolls
These vegan pesto lasagna rolls by Bites With Blair include all the best flavors of traditional lasagna rolls with a creamy and flavorful pesto filling.
High Protein Pasta with Broccoli and Red Peppers
This black soybean spaghetti recipe by Melissa Traub is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with tons of protein.
Vegan Spicy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowls
These spicy tofu burrito bowls by Easy Chickpeasy are full of flavor and healthy plant-based foods.
Easy Smoky Tempeh Sandwich with Melted Gouda
This smoky tempeh sandwich by Naturallie Plant-Based is make with tempeh, avocado, vegan gouda cheese, and romaine lettuce.
Vegan Hamburger Helper
This homemade vegan hamburger helper by Jamil Ghar can be made in just 30 minutes. Just be sure to use the chickpea pasta as written for the most protein.
Vegan Drumsticks
These vegan drumsticks by Urban Farmie are the perfect homemade and plant-based alternative to chicken drumsticks.
Sticky Tofu
This sticky tofu by Wholefood Soulfood Kitchen is crispy, sweet, and savory. Great served by itself or over rice.
Chickpea Spinach Curry
This vegan curry by Flavours Treat is packed with veggies and herbs and only takes 20 minutes to make. It’s also gluten-free and pairs well with rice or any flatbread.
Homemade Vegan Ravioli (with Mushroom and Tofu Ricotta)
This vegan ravioli by Veggie World Recipes is high protein, comforting, and completely homemade (including the pasta!)
Vegan Ramen with Rice Noodles, Tofu, and Vegetables
This vegan ramen by Happy Kitchen is comforting, easy to make, and packed with veggies and protein.
Vegan Lentil Bolognese
This lentil Bolognese by Hurry The Food Up is a great option for anyone who wants the flavor of Italian Bolognese without the meat.
Crispy Szechuan Tofu
This Szechuan tofu by The Daily Dish is tangy, spicy, and sweet. It’s made without gluten, nuts, or refined sugar.
Sticky Tempeh Bowl
This tempeh bowl by Dietitian Debbie is vegan, gluten-free, and made in just 30 minutes.
Snacks & Desserts
Air Fried Tofu Nuggets (Vegan Popcorn "Chicken")
These tofu nuggets from Bites With Blair are packed with protein, made in only 30 minutes, and can be eaten as a snack or small meal.
Chickpea Veggie Patties
These chickpea veggie patties by Flavours Treat are vegan, nut-free, and protein-rich from the chickpeas. Great as a quick snack for the whole family.
Protein Fudge
This protein fudge by The All Natural Vegan is made without gluten, oil, or refined sugar.
Protein Mug Cake
This 5-minute protein mug cake by Joyful Dumplings is a protein-rich and indulgent dessert that takes minimal time and cleanup.
Dairy-Free Cookies and Cream Protein Shake
This cookies and cream protein shake by Fit As A Mama Bear is thick, creamy, and indulgent.
Conclusion
As you can see, eating high protein vegan meals does not need to be boring! There are tons of options and cuisines to choose from to keep things exciting.
I highly encourage everyone to try out meal prepping. It's convenient, it helps you meet your protein needs, it helps reduce food waste, and it's also fun to try out new recipes! It's also healthier and less expensive than grocery store meals or take out.
Check out these vegan high protein snacks if you're looking for easy snacks to go along with your prepped meals. And if you've tried any of these recipes and loved them, let us know below!
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