1-Day Vegetarian Healthy Aging Meal Plan: 1,500 Calories
Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet is a great way to boost your health at all stages of life. A vegetarian diet has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even certain types of cancer, thanks to more fiber and less saturated fat. In this 1-day vegetarian plan for healthy aging, we left out the meat but included lean sources of plant-based protein (like chickpeas and tofu) and added other healthy foods for aging like calcium-rich milk and yogurt, and fiber-filled berries, popcorn and flaxseed. With the help of this simple meal plan, you'll get all the nutrients you need to stay healthy and age well.
BREAKFAST
Breakfast (345 calories)
- 1 1/2 cups whole-grain cereal, such as Cheerios
- 2 1/2 tsp. ground flaxseed
- 1/3 cup blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk
Mix flaxseed into the cereal and top with blueberries and milk.
A.M. SNACK
A.M. Snack (220 calories)
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
Top raspberries with yogurt. For even more flavor, top with fresh mint and lemon zest.
LUNCH
Lunch (390 calories)
• 1 serving Hoisin-Sesame Salad with Baked Tofu
• 1 cup cubed cantaloupe
P.M. SNACK
P.M. Snack (62 calories)
• 2 cups air-popped popcorn seasoned with a pinch each salt and pepper
DINNER
Dinner (493 calories)
• 1 serving Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
Serve the chickpea mixture atop a big pile of shredded romaine.
Daily Total: 1,510 calories, 66 grams protein, 1,710 grams sodium, 37 grams fiber, 1,520 mg calcium
Please Note: This meal plan is controlled for calories, protein, fiber, sodium and calcium. If you are concerned about any one nutrient in particular, speak with your health care provider about altering this meal plan to best suit your needs.