News has just hit that Damian Lillard has downscaled his fully vegan diet to be more flexitarian, in order to maintain his weight. “I did it, but I started to lose a little bit too much weight with all the games and practices and all that, I had to balance it out, so now I’ve been mixing it up a little bit more, having vegan meals, still mixing it up with other stuff,” Says Lillard.
Weight loss can be one of the many benefits when first transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, yet for some, this is not a desirable side effect. People, who have a genetic predisposition to losing weight quickly, or those who have worked hard building up muscle mass and may be worried that they are not able to maintain it on a vegan diet.
However, there are many healthy, calorie dense plant foods that can help maintain a healthy weight. Moreover, a plant-based diet is naturally anti-inflammatory, resulting in shorter recovery times for athletes and even improve mental clarity, helping to stay focused.
So, Damian Lillard – will you reconsider? After all, you’ve experienced first-hand the benefits of a vegan diet, while your experience came with more weight loss than expected – here is what you should eat to maintain a healthy weight with a kind plate.
What Damien Lillard Should Eat to Maintain Weight on a Vegan Diet
1. Butternut Squash Veggie Pizza
Healthy, high-protein and full of color! (hint: colour = nutrients)
Get the recipe here.
2. High Protein Burger
No need for Wendy’s wen you can make your own.
Get the recipe here.
3. Sesame Soba Noodles with Tempeh Croutons
This recipe is full of plant-based calcium, helping maintain those strong bones!
Get the recipe here.
4. Black Bean and Smoked Tofu Stew
This recipe makes your taste buds take a trip to Brazil while your body makes those ve-gains.
Get the recipe here.
5. Novak Djokovic’s Vegan Lasagna
You don’t get to look like Novac without knowing a thing or two about protein.
Get the recipe here.
6. Breaded Tofu Steak with Flaxseed Bread
Your body needs carbs for protein to build on, perfect for helping you bulk up before b-ball season.
Get the recipe here.
7. Raw Gluten-Free and Vegan Bounty Protein Bars
You’ll find bountiful vegan protein here.
Get the recipe here.
8. Vegan Quinoa Sushi with Tofu ‘Steaks’ and Chickpea Bean ‘Egg’
Although a bit more of a complicated recipe, this is perfect for experienced foodies who are up for creating a great meal. Quinoa is a complete protein as it contains all 9 essential amino acids when served with tofu and chickpeas – you’ll definitely be getting those ve-gains.
Get the recipe here.
9. Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
What’s better than a high-protein egg quiche? A high-protein, cholesterol-free vegan quiche.
Get the recipe here.
If you’re looking to gain or maintain weight on a vegan diet, an important thing to remember is in addition to high-energy meals, you have to get those high-energy snacks in too. Nuts, avocado on crackers, hummus and crudites/crackers, granola clusters/bars and supplemented smoothies are some examples.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Note: Find 10 High-Protein, Low-Fat Vegan Meals Here
Find 10 Vegan Foods to Help You Stay Full Here
Find How to Switch to a Vegan Diet Without Losing Weight Here
