As a health nut, nutrition nerd, and wellness editor, I’m a big fan of cravings (pause for shock). In my opinion, suppressing cravings is total BS. Not only are cravings your body’s way of communicating to you, but feeling guilty about cravings can lead to bingeing or an unhealthy relationship with food (intuitive eating means listening to your cravings, not suppressing them, FYI). But since our bodies would not thank us for indulging every time we wanted Papa John’s or Ben & Jerry’s, my trick for getting the nutrients my body needs while still indulging in whatever I want is finding alternative plant-based recipes.
If you crave takeout most nights of the week or go through chocolate chip cookies quicker than you go through a new Netflix series, I gotchu. Whether you’re craving sweet, salty, comfort foods, or all the above, honor your body and most importantly, enjoy your life. From a plant-based version of Gigi Hadid’s vodka pasta to decadent desserts that sneak in veggies, get in the kitchen and get creative with these plant-based alternatives that will nourish the body and satisfy taste buds. Revert back to this article when a craving strikes (because you know it will)–plants have never tasted so good.
1. Spaghetti Bolognese
2. Paleo Buffalo Chicken Pizza
3. Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Casserole
4. Vegan Meatball Subs
5. Butternut Squash Black Bean Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cashew Crema
6. Vegan Vodka Pasta
7. Avocado Tomato Gouda Socca Pizza
8. Cauliflower Fried Rice
9. Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups with Spinach and Basil
10. Savory Chickpea Pancakes
11. Creamy Tomato Soup with Vegan Grilled Cheese Croutons
12. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
13. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
14. Sweet Potato Sushi
15. Sweet Potato Chips
16. Cheesy Cauliflower “Nachos”
17. Plant-Based “Bacon”
18. Crispy Baked Jicama Fries
19. Zucchini Hummus
20. Kale Chips
21. Sesame Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
22. Seed Crackers
23. Baked Zucchini Chips
24. No Bake Almond Cookies
25. Cinnamon Chickpea Blondies
26. Raspberry Basil Nice Cream
27. Chocolate Zucchini Bread
28. Matcha Pistachio Bliss Balls
29. Chocolate Chunk Avocado Ice Cream
30. Strawberry Mango Vegan Cheesecake Bars
31. Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
32. Butternut Squash Pudding
33. Brownie Batter Dip (with Black Beans)
34. Sweet Potato Chocolate Ice Cream
Forget boring salads