(Find out how to stop the craving cycle before it starts and burn fat around the clock with the naturally sweet, salty, and satisfying meals in Eat Clean, Lose Weight & Love Every Bite.) But rest assured, not all plant-based meals are like that. Take these bowls, for example. Yes, they’re 100% meatless, so they’re light and loaded with nutrients. But they’re also packed with protein in the form of beans, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and whole soy, along with small amounts of Greek yogurt, eggs, and cheese. So they’ll keep you full for the long haul. Seriously, we’re talking stick-to-your-ribs satisfying. Try them for lunch, dinner, or breakfast and see for yourself:
Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl
Can a vegan bowl really serve up a whopping 28 grams of protein per serving? Absolutely—and Erin of Well Plated proves it’s possible. To pull off her recipe at home, top quinoa with extra firm baked tofu. Since the bulk of what you’re eating is soy—not water—it’s higher in protein than soft or firm varieties. Then, add a generous helping of high-protein veggies and a drizzle of herb-flecked tahini sauce. Now, you’ve got a satisfying lunch or dinner that will keep you full for hours. Try one of these cauliflower rice combos:
Sweet Potato and Kale Brown Rice Bowls
Canned chickpeas, brown rice, and creamy ginger peanut sauce are the main high-protein players in this simple bowl from Eating Bird Food. But they come with a surprising supporting cast: kale and sweet potatoes, which deliver around 3 grams of protein each per serving. Put them together, and the result is a bowl with an impressive 21 grams of pure, plant-powered protein. (Looking for more surprising ways to amp up your protein intake? Don’t miss these 5 high-protein breakfasts that are easier than eggs.)
Plant Powered Balance Bowl
The crunchy spiralized carrots aren’t the only thing that makes this bowl from Cotter Crunch stand out. It just so happens to serve up 18 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the cumin-dusted black beans, quinoa and jasmine rice mix, and flaxseed topping. MORE: Which is Healthier: Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds?
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl
There’s a lot to love about Jessica in the Kitchen’s Mediterranean-inspired bowl. Not only is it almost entirely no-cook, but it also comes together in under 20 minutes. Not to mention, it’s also loaded with filling, high-protein ingredients like quinoa, hummus, and feta—and serves up 14 grams per serving. Talk about a winning dish!
Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl
Looking to expand your plant-based protein repertoire beyond the usual beans, grains, and tofu? Try tempeh. The fermented soybean cake has a rich, nutty flavor—and it’s loaded with protein and fiber. Try it in Fit Mitten Kitchen’s bowl made with freekeh, avocado, chopped veggies, and cashew curry sauce. All in, the dish has a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving. (And if it turns out you love tempeh, don’t miss this delicious tempeh black bean taco salad recipe.)
Kale and Lentil Breakfast Bowl
At 19 grams of protein per serving, Lively Table’s kale, lentil, egg, and yogurt bowl makes for a seriously satisfying savory breakfast. You can even pack it up for lunch—just swap the fried eggs for hard-boiled ones instead. MORE: 15 Easy Lunch Ideas That Nutritionists Actually Make
Sesame Balsamic Tofu Bowls with Chili Mango and Sunflower Cilantro Pesto
The Pig and Quill’s sweet and savory bowl sounds straight up gourmet. But it comes together in just 30 minutes. Even better? When you serve it with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice and garnish it with 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds, it packs nearly 20 grams of protein per serving. PREVENTION PREMIUM: 5 Myths About Weight Loss That Are Holding You Back
