35 Whole30 Vegetarian Recipes to Try (2024)

FAQs

What is the vegetarian version of Whole30? ›

The Plant-Based Whole30 was launched in March 2022, after two years in development. The Plant-Based Whole30 does not include any animal protein and fats. It uses beans, lentils, peas, soy, compatible protein powders, nuts, and seeds to ensure adequate protein; and includes only plant-based fat sources.

Fruit, including strawberries, watermelon, apples, oranges, and bananas. Seafood, such as fish, oysters, shrimp, and mussels. Unprocessed meats, including beef, chicken, and pork. Nuts and seeds.

Hit the dairy case for organic, pastured eggs - even at $5 a dozen, they're still one of the cheapest sources of protein. Good choice: If you just can't afford grass-fed or pastured meat, go for ruminant animals (beef, lamb, goat, elk, bison, venison), fish and eggs first; chicken and pork second.

While some key groups of foods are excluded while on a Whole30 meal plan, there are still plenty of delicious things you can eat. Vegetables: All veggies, including carb-rich potatoes, are allowed during Whole30.

Whole30 bans legumes like chickpeas. Still, you can whip up a tasty chickpea-free hummus using avocados, cooked cauliflower, and a few other healthy ingredients. Try out this avocado hummus recipe and pair it with bell peppers or any other crunchy, non-starchy vegetable of your choice.

“Choose a sugar-free nut butter to make it Whole30-compliant.” All nut butters—except peanut butter (peanuts are legumes)—are welcome on the Whole30 diet. Just be sure to read the label and avoid any that add sweeteners, even if it's just honey. The only ingredients should be nuts and possibly salt.

Basically, all fruits and veggies are acceptable on Whole30, so your favorite apples, bananas, berries, and the like are fair game. The same can't be said for your green breakfast smoothie, however.

Whole30 and Coffee

Here's their official stance on coffee: “Yes, you can have your coffee. You're welcome. You can drink it black, add unsweetened compatible nutpods, coconut milk, almond milk, or add cinnamon or vanilla beans to the brew.

It's got only four ingredients: water, organic almonds, organic acacia gum, and sea salt. You've seen this in literally every grocery store, and now you know: Yes, you can drink it while doing Whole30. Silk's unsweetened vanilla carton is fair game, too.

Some downsides include Whole30 side effects like digestive problems, worsened food cravings, and reduced nutrient intake. The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies.

Are smoothies allowed on Whole30? ›

Per the Rules, salt is a specific exception to the Whole30 “no added sugar” rule. Tip: Smoothies (especially if they contain protein and fat) are a helpful way to get additional nutrition when solid meals aren't possible or convenient.

The Whole30 plan clearly says “do not eat legumes,” but the truth is that most of us don't know what legumes are. Whole30 clarifies that the plan does not allow “beans of all kinds (black, red, pinto, navy, white, kidney, lima, fava, etc.), peas, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts.

Fruits Whole30-approved favorites include: Apricots. Blackberries. Blueberries.

The Whole30 diet removes foods that may cause health concerns in some people. You can eat meat, vegetables, fruit, tree nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, but not sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and processed foods.

"If you're consuming fewer calories than you usually do while following the Whole30, as well as cutting out a lot of processed foods, alcohol, and added sugars and instead eating lean protein, fruits, and veggies, it's very likely that you will lose weight," she said—which is why, despite not being able to check the ...

However, being a semi-vegetarian—also known as a "flexitarian" (or "flexible vegetarian")—often means you mostly eat plant-based foods and occasionally eat chicken, fish, dairy products, and eggs, and rarely (if ever) eat red meat.

The Whole 30 and Paleo Diet are very similar. The Whole 30 is more restrictive than the paleo diet. For example, no sugar is allowed in the Whole 30 but only refined sugar is cut out of the Paleo diet. The Whole 30 is meant to be consumed for 30 days, whereas the Paleo diet is designed to be a long-term diet.

The Plant-Based Whole30 program eschews all animal products but allows for legumes and minimally processed soy—think tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Textured soy products (TVP, used in many plant-based meats) and soy protein isolate (found in many protein powders) are not allowed.

Whole30 doesn't allow beans based on the idea that they contain "anti-nutrients" like phytates. Phytates are compounds found in plants that can potentially block the body's absorption of important minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium.