Those who follow a vegan lifestyle have probably wondered if it’s possible to go low carb while staying vegan. A vegan diet contains no meat, eggs, dairy, or animal products. People typically choose a vegan diet for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. Most vegan diets are high in carbs because they include lots of grains and legumes. They’re also typically relatively low in fat. In contrast, low carb diets are typically high in meat and dairy, which provides plenty of fat and very few carbs. However, it’s totally possible to go low carb as a vegan. There are plenty of foods that are both low carb and vegan-friendly, including our keto Variety Pack Bites that provide a sweet indulgence without the sugar.
How to Eat Vegan and Low Carb
It is possible to stay true to your vegan ideals while experiencing the benefits of living a low carb lifestyle. Eating low carb has been shown to make you feel less hungry, which can lead to greater weight loss compared to other diets. Other low-carb benefits are lowered triglycerides, increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, reduced blood sugar, and more stabilized insulin levels. Eating low carb has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is highly associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
To achieve the benefits of a low carb lifestyle while staying vegan, you have plenty of options. You can eat your fill of low carb vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, eggplant, bell peppers, and more. You can also eat low carb fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and watermelon. High fat fruits, such as avocados and olives, are especially beneficial. Nuts and seeds are also low in carbs, but high in protein and fat. Choose chia seeds that are high in fat and fiber. Meat, milk, and oil are also high in fat and low in carbs, while foods like tofu and tempeh are high in protein and low in carbs. You can also choose dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for a low carb treat.
Top 10 Low Carb Vegan Recipes
If you’re looking for some low carb vegan meal ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are ten delicious low carb vegan recipes:
With just four grams of net carbs, this green smoothie is full of fiber and high in vegetables. It’s packed with spinach, avocado, coconut milk, and matcha powder, with just a touch of monk fruit sweetener.
2. One Pot Creamy Garlic Zucchini Noodles
Made with only seven ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this pot of creamy garlic zucchini noodles is packed with fiber and flavor. The result is a delicious, light and healthy dish that’s naturally vegan and low carb.
3. Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Cups
With just over four grams of net carbs, these tofu lettuce cups are low in carbs and packed with protein. Firm tofu is topped with a sauce made with liquid aminos, a gluten free version of soy sauce, as well as peanut butter and sesame oil.
4. Roasted Cabbage Lime Sriracha
This delectable appetizer features cabbage topped with sriracha, lime juice, sesame seeds, oil, and salt and roasted to pure perfection. They’re super easy to make and pull together in under an hour.
5. Vegan Cauliflower Pizza Bites
These vegan cauliflower pizza bites will satisfy your pizza cravings while being low carb and dairy free. They’re made with cauliflower, vegan cheese, flax egg, marinara sauce, and spices.
These vegan meatballs turn zucchini, walnuts, psyllium husks, and spices into a delicious “meat” ball that tastes like the real thing. Pair with zucchini noodles and sugar free marinara sauce for a delicious low carb meal.
Falafels are typically made with carb-laden chickpeas, but this recipe is made with cauliflower, spices, and low-carb almond and coconut flour. The result is a hearty meal that’s low carb and delicious.
Ready in ten minutes with just seven simple ingredients, this recipe is for you if you’re looking for a quick and easy vegan alternative to scrambled eggs. Even better, one serving contains just five grams of net carbs.
This easy vegan recipe is full of delicious Asian flavors, and with faux beef, it’s also meat-free and low carb. It’s also easily customizable to your tastes and preferences, so you can create a meal that’s just what you’re looking for.
10. Cauliflower Mushroom Risotto
Who says vegans can’t have risotto? This delicious side dish is made with riced cauliflower, butter flavored coconut oil, garlic, mushrooms, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast for a low carb vegan take.
These recipes prove that it’s possible to eat both vegan and low carb. Not only is it possible, but these recipes also show that a low carb vegan lifestyle can be delicious and provide plenty of variety to keep you satisfied – just like our Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Bites that provide high quality fats from coconut, almonds, and cacao without any animal products.
