Category: Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Living in Asheville, NC (Restaurants, Recipes & Reviews)

The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Living in Asheville, NC (Restaurants, Recipes & Reviews)

Welcome to Cowboy Cooking Vegan, where we explore the best plant-based destinations across the country. Today, we’re diving into Asheville, NC – a vibrant, artsy city with a flourishing plant-based food scene. Why Plant-Based Living is Thriving in Asheville, NC Asheville, NC is consistently ranked 

How I Lost 10 Pounds in Just 30 Days on a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

How I Lost 10 Pounds in Just 30 Days on a Whole Food Plant-Based Diet

By Asher Socrates | CowboyCookingVegan.com Have you ever felt stuck in your health journey—bloated, sluggish, and wondering how to get your energy back? That was me, just 30 days ago. Today, I’m down 10 pounds, sleeping better, and feeling more alive than I have in 

10 Vegan Meals Under 400 Calories (That Actually Keep You Full!)

10 Vegan Meals Under 400 Calories (That Actually Keep You Full!)

Struggling to Eat Light Without Feeling Hungry?

You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges of healthy eating, especially if you’re following a vegan lifestyle is finding low-calorie meals that are actually satisfying. You want to nourish your body, stay within your calorie goals, and still feel energized, not deprived.

Good news? You don’t need to live off lettuce and sadness.

In this post, you’ll discover 10 delicious, filling vegan meals that come in at under 400 calories each—and they’re anything but boring.

Whether you’re tracking macros, aiming for weight loss, or just want lighter plant-based options, this list will totally transform your weekly meal planning.


🧠 Why Choose Vegan Meals Under 400 Calories?

Before we dive in, let’s break down why these meals are powerful:

  • ✅ Great for weight management
  • ✅ Packed with fiber, which keeps you full
  • ✅ Rich in plant-based nutrients
  • ✅ Light enough for meal prepping or pairing with snacks

These meals also follow a simple rule: no weird ingredients, no hours in the kitchen.


🍽️ 10 Vegan Meals Under 400 Calories

📌 Each meal includes estimated calorie counts, major nutrients, and quick prep tips.


1. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

🌮 Estimated: 370 calories (2 tacos)

  • Roasted sweet potatoes + canned black beans + salsa + shredded lettuce in corn tortillas
  • Add lime juice and cilantro for zest
  • Fiber-rich + protein-packed

2. Chickpea “Tuna” Salad Lettuce Wraps

🦬 Estimated: 330 calories (3 wraps)

  • Mashed chickpeas + vegan mayo + celery + lemon + Dijon
  • Serve in crunchy romaine or butter lettuce cups
  • Low-carb, high in plant protein

3. Cauliflower Stir-Fry with Tofu

🥦 Estimated: 390 calories (1 large bowl)

  • Sautéed tofu cubes + cauliflower rice + carrots + snap peas + tamari sauce
  • Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds
  • Low-cal, high-satiety, full of flavor

4. Zucchini Noodles with Marinara & Vegan Meatballs

🍝 Estimated: 350 calories

  • Spiralized zucchini + jarred marinara + lentil or tempeh meatballs
  • Top with nutritional yeast
  • Comforting and easy

5. Quinoa & Kale Power Bowl

🥗 Estimated: 390 calories

  • ½ cup cooked quinoa + steamed kale + cherry tomatoes + tahini drizzle
  • Add lemon and garlic for zing
  • Perfect meal prep staple

6. Vegan Lentil Soup

🍲 Estimated: 290 calories per bowl

  • Red lentils + carrots + celery + onion + veggie broth
  • Simmer and blend slightly for creaminess
  • Great for batch cooking

7. Asian-Inspired Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing

🥢 Estimated: 370 calories

  • Shredded cabbage + edamame + shredded carrots + crushed peanuts + peanut-ginger dressing
  • Add fresh herbs like mint or basil
  • Crunchy, fresh, protein-rich

8. Tofu Scramble with Veggies

🍳 Estimated: 360 calories

  • Crumbled tofu + bell peppers + spinach + turmeric + onion
  • Serve with a slice of sprouted toast (optional)
  • Hearty and savory

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans

🌶️ Estimated: 380 calories (1 pepper)

  • Bell pepper halves filled with brown rice + kidney beans + salsa + corn
  • Bake until tender
  • Festive and full of fiber

10. Banana-Oat Blender Pancakes

🥞 Estimated: 370 calories (2 pancakes)

  • Rolled oats + ripe banana + almond milk + flaxseed blended and pan-fried
  • Top with a few berries and a drizzle of maple
  • Perfect for breakfast-for-dinner fans

🤔 Common Myths About Low-Cal Vegan Meals

MYTH #1: You’ll always feel hungry.
FACT: With high-fiber foods like beans, veggies, and whole grains, vegan meals can be very filling.

MYTH #2: Low-cal = boring.
FACT: As you just saw—spices, sauces, and textures make every bite exciting.

MYTH #3: You need fancy ingredients.
FACT: Every meal listed uses grocery-store basics.


📌 Quick Tips for Building Your Own Under-400-Calorie Meals

  • Start with a fiber base: lentils, beans, quinoa, or veggies
  • Add a lean protein: tofu, tempeh, edamame
  • Use low-cal flavor boosts: hot sauce, lemon, herbs, vinegar
  • Keep portions in check, but don’t fear healthy fats—just use them smartly

📸 Want to Save This? Pin It!

Vegan Meals
Meals Under 400 Calories

🔗 Related Posts You’ll Love:

  • 15 High-Protein Vegan Dinners (That Don’t Taste Like Cardboard)
  • The Ultimate Vegan Grocery List on a Budget
  • 5 Vegan Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Weeks

✨ Your Turn!

What’s your favorite light vegan meal that fills you up? Have you tried one of the recipes above?
👇 Drop a comment and let’s chat plant-based food!


📬 Grab Your Free Vegan Meal Planner!

Want to make plant-based eating easier every week? Download your FREE Vegan Meal Planner PDF—it includes grocery lists, prep tips, and room for calorie tracking!

📥 Download Now


Trying To Lose Weight? Read About the Best Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss

In the ever-evolving world of health and fitness, protein powders have become a staple for those aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain a balanced diet. For vegans, finding the right protein powder that aligns with their dietary choices and weight loss goals can be a challenge. This guide delves into some of the best vegan protein powders available, focusing on their benefits, nutritional profiles, and how they can aid in weight loss. [ Read More Here ]


For A Great Tasting Plant-Based Protein Powder

This Warrior Blend formula is designed for high performance and easy digestion. With a full amino acid profile and added MCTs, it’s ideal for workouts, meal replacements, or daily nutrition. Available in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, berry, and unflavored to suit any taste. Amazon Affiliate Link:
Try Sunwarrior Warrior Blend now (Your support helps keep this blog going!)

Sunwarrior Warrior Blend vegan protein powder container with plant-based ingredients on a clean background.

Best Vegan Protein Powders for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Vegan Protein Powders for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Guide

Best Vegan Protein Powders for Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Guide In the ever-evolving world of health and fitness, protein powders have become a staple for those aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or maintain a balanced diet. For vegans, finding the right protein powder that 

Crossroads Kitchen Experience

Crossroads Kitchen Experience

Crossroads Kitchen Las Vegas

Enjoy the Raw Food Romance: A Delectable Wrap Recipe by Lissa!

Enjoy the Raw Food Romance: A Delectable Wrap Recipe by Lissa!

Unwrapping Raw Food Romance plant-powered lunch wraps

In a world filled with culinary adventures, the raw food revolution stands out as a vibrant and health-conscious movement. Today, let’s begin on a journey of taste and wellness with a Raw Food Romance Wrap that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.

This Raw Food Romance Wrap is not just a meal; it’s a declaration of love for your body and the planet. Packed with nutrients, vibrant colors, and the essence of wholesome living, this recipe is a testament to the joy that comes from embracing a plant-based, raw food lifestyle. So, indulge in this culinary love affair and nourish your body with the goodness it deserves.

My wife and I purchased the Raw Food Romance Recipe E•Book with a 40% off discount code: RAWFOOD40. The first wrap we made is the one you see featured here in this blog post. These wraps are absolutely life changing and amazing!

We got tired of the usual small, dry wraps from our local grocery store that weren’t really good for you. On top of that, they were way too expensive.

Indulge in the delectable world of plant-based delights with Lissa’s Raw Food Romance Recipe E•Book. Unleash your culinary creativity and savor the magic of a 40% off discount code: RAWFOOD40. Both of us are so happy we found these life-changing wraps

Get yourself ready for the most flavorful adventure! Download Lissa’s recipe ebook now and let the plant-powered feast begin!

For more wonderful vegan recipes and lifestyle tips like this one, click here! Be sure to follow me @cowboycookingvegan on Instagram

  • Raw Food Romance Wraps
  • Raw Food Romance Wrap
Papaya a Skincare Powerhouse

Papaya a Skincare Powerhouse

Explore papaya’s skincare wonders in my latest blog – a tropical powerhouse for radiant beauty!

Why It’s Called the G.O.A.T.

Why It’s Called the G.O.A.T.

From rocky climbs to muddy trails Fun Jeep Fact: The first Jeep ever built for civilian use in 1945 was called the CJ (Civilian Jeep), and it was so tough and adventurous that people nicknamed it the “G.O.A.T.” — Goes Over Any Terrain! Today, Jeep 

Spring Spinach Wrap

Spring Spinach Wrap

A spring spinach wrap for lunch is so darn good, I just couldn’t wait to take my first bite! And the fresh crisp vegetables are unbelievable this time of year. I added a few slices of Plant Provisions for that excellent deli flavor. So darn good! ❤️ @cowboycookingvegan

#cowboycookingvegan

Vegan Wrap
Spinach Vegan Wrap
Vegan Barbecue Sandwich

Vegan Barbecue Sandwich

Cowboy Cooking Vegan barbecue sandwich with homemade coleslaw dressing. Are you looking for the perfect vegan BBQ food? Try my pulled pork-less jackfruit sandwich with slaw dressing and mustard seed on top of a grilled crusty bun. Hmm-mmmm, That’s Good! I will be serving up