Can You Do the Bone Broth Diet if You’re a Vegetarian or Vegan? You Bet

by Dr. Kellyann
Table of Contents

    I’m getting tons of mail from people who are excited about starting the Bone Broth Diet. And here’s one question I’m hearing a lot: “Can I do this diet if I’m a vegetarian, a pescatarian, or a vegan?” The answer is a resounding yes! While proteins like beef, chicken, and fish are part of the Bone Broth Diet, I’m all about personal play. I’ve altered this diet quite a few times to work for patients who choose to avoid many or all animal products, and it still works like a charm. Here’s how to switch things up if you want to go meat-free:  

    How to make bone broth vegan (or vegetarian, pescatarian)?

    Let’s start with the broth. Obviously, you can’t make bone broth without bones! But that’s fine, because you can substitute a rich vegetable broth. If you’re a pescatarian—that is, you eat fish—you can also make a lovely, subtle broth out of fish bones. Just be sure to use a non-oily fish like halibut or tilapia, rather than an oily fish like salmon. Also, cook your broth for only a couple of hours, because fish bones dissolve quickly. 

    What are the best substitutions for meat?

    • Eggs -
      • If you’re a vegetarian, make eggs a big part of your diet. (Remember: Science has shown that eating eggs isn’t bad for your cholesterol.)
    • Beans & lentils 
    • Edamame
    • Full-fat pasture-raised kefir and yogurt 
    • Natto
    • Temph
    • Protein mixes
      • High-quality vegetarian protein mixes, such as hemp or pea protein, are also acceptable as part of the vegetarian protocol.
    • Avoid "frankenfoods"
      • Avoid veggie chicken wings, soy milk, tofu hot dogs, and related foods. I call these “Frankenfoods” because they’re loaded with unhealthy ingredients.

    What results will I get from a vegan bone broth diet?

    It may take a little longer to lose your extra pounds when you substitute beans, lentils, and other high-carb foods for animal proteins—but you’ll still see amazing results. And even without the collagen building blocks from bone broth, you’ll blast your wrinkles with skin-smoothing foods like coconut and avocado. At the end of 21 days, you’ll be slimmer, look younger, and feel more energetic, without having to compromise on your dietary principles. So join the Bone Broth Revolution—and fly your vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian flag proudly!

    Keep Thinking Big & Living Bold!

    Dr. Kellyann

     

    EXPLORE MORE DIET OPTIONS

    A Successful Vegan Cleanse and Reset | Detox — Plant-based cleanse modifications that deliver real results.

    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci

    About the Author

    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci

    M.S., N.D. · Board-Certified Naturopathic Physician · New York Times Bestselling Author

    Dr. Kellyann Petrucci is a board-certified naturopathic physician, certified nutrition consultant, and New York Times bestselling author with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is the creator of the Bone Broth Diet and Cleanse + Reset programs, and author of multiple bestselling books including Dr. Kellyann's Bone Broth Diet, The 10-Day Belly Slimdown, and The Bone Broth Breakthrough.

    Dr. Kellyann completed postgraduate work in biological medicine at the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland and is a regular health expert on Good Morning America, The Dr. Oz Show, Good Day LA, and other nationally televised programs. She is also the host of two PBS specials: 21 Days to a Slimmer, Younger You and The 10-Day Belly Slimdown.