Many people adhere to vegan lifestyles for many different reasons: to partake in various health benefits, to lessen negative environmental impact and to support animal rights. But since it’s one of the most difficult dietary changes for most Americans, before attempting a full-on shift to a life without meat or dairy, might we suggest you try the “vegan before 6PM” trend instead, which requires you skip animal products before your evening meal—still no easy task. To aid in this endeavor, we’ve curated a few go-to recipes to get you through the work day. Here are some of our favorite morning, noon and afternoon meals that don’t include meat or dairy.
French Toast
Whenever you're engaging in any kind of dietary restriction, somehow your body always communicates that it wants naughty things immediately. Instead, pseudo-cheat with this healthful version of French toast that's also 100% vegan.
Recipe: Love and Lemons Prep & Cook Time: 15 minutes Serves: 2-3
Bacon, Egg And Cheese Sandwich
Likewise, when you suddenly go (mostly) meatless you're likely to crave animal protein like you never have before. Luckily, this faux-classic breakfast recipe will trick even the most carnivorous of palates.
Recipe Author: Olives For Dinner Prep & Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 6 biscuits
Coconut Quinoa Oatmeal
In our book, she who eats chocolate for breakfast is automatically a winner. This one doubles as an afternoon snack, too.
Recipe Author: Keepin' It Kind Serves: 1
Black Bean Nacho Mac And Cheese Tacos
Some days you go to work with a hangover. This is the vegan solution to those days.
Recipe Author: Keepin' It Kind Servings: 12-15 tacos
Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup
This winter-perfect recipe is best when prepped on a Sunday, so you can have it for lunch every day of the week. You may also consider freezing some of it for future meals.
Recipe Author: Yup It's Vegan Cook & Prep Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4-7
Jackfruit & Mushroom Gyros With Tzatziki
Jackfruit is the biggest food trend of 2017, so we suggest you familiarize yourself with this popular meat substitute ASAP. We love these gyros because they're just as filling and protein-packed as a meaty lunch. Add avocado for an extra brain boost.
Recipe Author: I Love Vegan Cook & Prep time: 1 hr 10 mins Servings: 3
No-Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Energy Bites
We will be stuffing our faces with these healthy balls of goodness 3pm every single day from now on. These are so easy that if you can make an actual PB&J, you can make these—mix them up while binge-watching/puzzling over The OA, if you haven't yet done so.
Recipe: The Minimalist Baker Cook & prep time: 15 mins Servings: 14 bites
Kale Kluster Granola
This recipe gets many, many points for creativity. It blends kale, nuts, chia seeds, dried fruit and coconut (a superfood smash-up if ever we've seen one!) into something simultaneously addictive and satiating.
Recipe Author: One Ingredient Chef Cook & prep time: About 2 hours Servings: 20 large clusters
Wild Blueberry Doughnut Holes
These little guys are filled with antioxidants and protein, which is fairly mind-blowing. We suggest bringing them to work in order to get on yours boss' (very) good side.
Recipe Author: Happy Healthy Life Prep & Cook: 30 minutes Servings: 12 donuts
