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Whether you have just started the vegan diet or have been vegan for a while, you might be confused about the difference of “vegan,” “plant based,” and “whole food plant based.”

Some people like to go vegan while others go all whole food plant based. Today, I will explain the difference and provide you with super easy whole food plant based recipes for beginners.

Vegan vs. Plant Based vs. Whole Food Plant Based

Vegan means that you avoid everything derived from animals, just like plant based. But you also avoid leather and watch your beauty products for the label “cruelty free.” Eating vegan can include processed snacks like Oreos.

Plant based means you focus mostly on eating plants, but you may not be so focused on the vegan aspect outside of diet. Plant based also includes processed foods like plant based burgers.

The whole food plant based diet is a fully vegan or plant based diet with a focus on whole foods. This means you leave all processed foods out of your diet. Processed foods are vegan junk foods like fries, cookies, vegan burgers, oils, sugar, and so on.

So what should you choose?

If your goal is to get health issues under control, the whole food plant based diet is a great option. Whole plant foods can reduce inflammation in your body, they are good for the heart, and you are less likely to over eat.

A whole food plant based diet is lower in calories for the same volume of food compared to a standard western diet. This is extremely beneficial for weight loss.

Today’s easy whole food plant based recipes don’t contain any processed foods. And because I want to make your life not only healthy but also easy, all whole plant based recipes can be prepped in 30 minutes or less.

If you like these recipes, you might also like the whole food plant based breakfast recipes and the oil free dressings and sauces. For hundreds of more whole food plant based meal, check out my favorite meal planner HERE>>

25+ Whole Food Plant Based Recipes for Beginners

All whole food plant based recipes for beginners are ready in under 30 minutes. Some breakfast, smoothie, and snack options only take 5 or 10 minutes. Make sure to use whole wheat pasta and brown rice for the dinner recipes. All meals don't contain added oil or sugar.

Peanut Sauce Stir Fry Vegetables

Vegan peanut sauce stir fry with vegetables and brown rice for a healthy and filling dinner. Budget friendly plant based dinner meal with 640 calories and 30 g of protein.

Easy 4-Ingredient Chocolate Balls (whole food plant based)

Healthy plant based chocolate balls with no sugar added. 10-minute vegan snacks to curb the sweet and chocolate cravings.

Filling Vegan Smoothie (Pineapple, Banana)

Filling vegan smoothie with pineapple, banana, beans, oats, soy milk, spinach, and chia seeds. This creamy smoothie contains all micro and macros and will keep you full for hours. One serving provides 570 calories, 22.6 g protein, and 20 g fiber. It is high in omega-3 (anti-inflammatory), iron, zinc, vitamin K, C, and B-vitamins. This makes a great vegan breakfast smoothie.

Easy Vegan 4-Ingredient Chocolate Chia Pudding (High Protein)

Easy vegan chocolate chia pudding that is high in protein and no sugar added.

Healthy Vegan Black Forest Smoothie

Healthy vegan black forest smoothie that contains spinach and chia seeds for anti oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Tastes like a sweet dessert without added sugar and only 250 calories.

Vegan Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Healthy and easy vegan caprese pasta salad with only 400 calories. Creamy and delicious salad with cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, herbs and more. This meal can be eaten as a side dish or main meal and is budget friendly and perfect for spring, summer and cookouts.

Vegan Fajita Rice Bowl (oil free, gluten free, 21 day fix)

Easy Vegan Tofu Bolognese {30 Minutes, 30 g Protein}

Greek Potato Salad {vegan, oil free}

Vegan Potato Cauliflower Stew (oil free, gluten free)

Vegan, oil free, gluten free potato cauliflower stew that can be done in less than 30 minutes and makes a perfect instant pot/one pot meal. This healthy plant based dinner recipe is also weight loss, 21 day fix, and budget friendly ($1.53 per serving).

Creamy Lemon Pasta {without cream}

Orange Banana Smoothie {Immunity Boosting, Simple, Vegan}

15 Whole Food Plant Based Recipes [FREE PDF DOWNLOAD]

Download my 15 best whole food plant based recipes that are easy to make, oil free, sugar free, and quick. These recipes are great to boost health and lower inflammation, so you can feel satisfied, confident, and full of energy! All recipes are nutrient packed, high in protein, and contain macro nutrient info.