Ive been vegan for about nine months now. Since going vegan, I receive the same comments over and over again. People always ask me, If you dont eat animal products, do you just eat vegetables all day? and How do you get any protein in? In reality, vegan diets can still be balanced and provide enough protein, despite relying on only plants. Over the past few months, Ive learned how to be creative with my vegan meals and find alternatives for my favorite animal product-based foods.

Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

Breakfast

Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day. I used to love the Birch Benders Paleo mix, but since going vegan, Ive been loving their Plant Protein mix. Luckily, this pancake mix is always in stock at the IV Food Co-op! Additionally, I use chia seeds in my batter to act as an egg replacement. Since the chia seeds absorb liquid, it really helps with the fluff factor! Heres how I whip up protein-packed vegan pancakes in the morning.

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Directions:

Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

Lunch

After a few hours of studying, its time for lunch. I usually opt for a veggie wrap of some sorts or a tofu scramble. I used to be a big scrambled egg person, but now eggs kind of gross me out. Trust me, you wont miss eggs with this vegan scramble.

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Directions:

Tofu is packed with protein and pairing your scramble with whole wheat toast and avocado will keep you satisfied instead of feeling snack-y all afternoon long.

Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

Snack

After my afternoon workout, I look forward to a protein smoothie to help my muscles recover. Especially since I usually do strength training, fueling after I work out is so important.

Heres a protein smoothie that I create, usually using Sun Warrior protein.

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Directions:

Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

Dinner

Ive been loving hearty grain bowls for dinner because they only take a few minutes to make. Since there is no strict recipe for grain bowls, they are a highly customizable dinner option. To ensure that my bowls are balanced, I use this formula when I make them: A third of the bowl is composed of a hearty grain, another third of the bowl is a plant-based protein source and the other third can be any veggie of your choosing! Heres my go-to combination:

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Directions:

Stephanie Gerson / Daily Nexus

Dessert

Since I have a sweet tooth, I always need some sort of chocolate at night. I usually opt for some crunchy green grapes and Theo dark chocolate which can also be found at the Isla Vista Food Co-op.

See, being vegan can still be super fun and tasty I hope you try out some of these delicious, healthy recipes.

Stephanie Gerson

Stephanie Gerson is a first-year student studying Art History at UCSB. She is from Palo Alto, California and she is passionate about sustainability, fashion, photography and vegan cooking. In her spare time, Stephanie loves going on bike rides on campus, catching up with friends, or spending hours on her latest embroidery piece!

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A Full Day of Vegan, Homecooked Meals That Don't Break The Bank - Daily Nexus