Let's face it—those days of eating minuscule portions and enduring constant hunger pangs just to lose weight are over. Nowadays, health experts are steering us toward a smarter approach: filling our plates with foods that pack the most nutritional punch for the least amount of calories. These are the foods that keep you feeling full and satisfied without the calorie overload. And guess what? They're mostly plants.
Take it from someone who knows: Kiki Nelson, who lost an impressive 70 pounds by embracing a plant-based diet. "Plant-based foods are naturally low in calorie density but high in nutrition, water, fiber, and bulk," Kiki explains. "They haven't been stripped of their natural goodness through dehydration, preservatives, or processing." Her new cookbook, Plantifully Simple, is a treasure trove of hearty and delicious meals designed to nourish your body and soul. If you're ready to try something new, why not give one of her recipes a shot tonight?
Delicious Hawaiian Street Cart Tacos: A Flavorful Plant-Based Twist
Who doesn’t love tacos? These Hawaiian Street Cart Tacos are not only mouthwatering but also a fantastic way to incorporate more plants into your diet. Satisfying and easy to make, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
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Serves 2
Here’s what you’ll need:
8 oz. portobello mushrooms, stems removed and finely chopped
1⁄4 tsp. garlic salt
2 tbsp. sweet barbecue sauce
4 (6″) corn tortillas
1⁄2 cup diced canned or fresh pineapple
1⁄4 cup diced red bell pepper
1 scallion, sliced
Lime, for serving
Directions:
1. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high. Toss in the mushrooms and garlic salt, cooking for about 7 minutes until they're tender. In a separate bowl, mix the mushrooms with barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.
2. Lightly spray the same pan with cooking spray. Warm the tortillas over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side to make them soft and pliable.
3. Divide the mushroom mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top each taco with pineapple, bell pepper, and scallions for a burst of color and flavor. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top, drizzle with Smokehouse Ranch*, and serve immediately.
*Smokehouse Ranch Recipe: Combine 1 cup almond milk, 3⁄4 cup raw cashews, 1 tbsp. white vinegar, 1 tbsp. ketchup, 1⁄2 tsp. smoked paprika, 1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder, 1⁄8 tsp. onion powder, 1⁄8 tsp. chipotle powder, and 3 drops stevia in a blender. Once blended, fold in 1 tbsp. each of dried chives and dried parsley for a creamy, smoky ranch that’ll take your tacos to the next level.
PER SERVING: 327 calories, 19g protein, 52g carbs, 9g fiber, 17g sugar, 9g fat.
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Apple Chickpea Salad Sandwich: A Fresh, Protein-Packed Delight
This Apple Chickpea Salad Sandwich is a game-changer for lunch or a light dinner. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and all the goodness of fresh apples, celery, and chickpeas. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Serves 4
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1⁄2 cup plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt
1⁄2 cup diced Fuji apple
1⁄3 cup finely diced celery
1⁄3 cup finely diced red onion
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1⁄2 tsp. garlic salt
3 drops of stevia or monk fruit sweetener
Pepper, to taste
8 slices sprouted whole-grain bread
8 romaine lettuce leaves
1 cup sprouts
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, gently mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they’re slightly chunky—don’t worry if they’re not perfectly smooth. Add the yogurt, apple, celery, onion, lemon juice, garlic salt, stevia or monk fruit, and a dash of pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Spread about 1⁄2 cup of the chickpea mixture onto 4 slices of bread. Top each with 2 lettuce leaves and a handful of sprouts. Finish by placing the remaining slices of bread on top, and you’ve got yourself a delicious, nutrient-rich sandwich.
PER SERVING: 301 calories, 13g protein, 54g carbs, 10g fiber, 8g sugar, 4g fat.
Cilantro-Lime Stuffed Peppers: A Mexican-Inspired Plant-Based Classic
These Cilantro-Lime Stuffed Peppers are a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy a plant-based meal. They’re easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making them an excellent choice for a hearty dinner or a fun weekend project.
Serves 3
Here’s what you’ll need:
3 large
