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Thank you for your feedback!
Are you sure you're lacking in amino acids though?
Not really, not sure what exactly I'm lacking.
Just starting with the base of that FAQ I linked to - A number of nutritional concerns have been identified in the scientific literature for endurance runners consuming vegan diets which includes; energy, protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin.
..and I basically know how to take care of all of these things, be it through food or substitutes.
What I'm the least familiar with is the specific protein (EAA's) - I gather that apparently a combination of different ones is ideal - so my body can build the 'complete' proteins needed.
So what I'm looking for is actual recipes for enjoyable food that does deliver on that front.
One example I've found is tacos (so, an advanced version of the suggested beans on toast : )Oh and I'm not doing any crazy intensity things, just jogging about 15 miles a week at quite an easy pace (ok, plus biking around and work, but that's not overly taxing, physically).
But it's really noticable, after a couple months of running all my jeans are too big and I'm definitely lacking energy.
salad-
So what I'm looking for is actual recipes for enjoyable food that does deliver on that front
Yeah, sorry I realised I wasn't answering your question. All of those nutrients, except B12 and vit D, should be plentiful in a varied predominantly whole food plant based diet. B12 needs to come from suppliments or enriched foods as you already know. Vitamin D is produced by the body when you have sunlight on skin so if you're out cycling and running that shouldn't be a concern until the Winter. It's also in mushrooms but I think you'd need to eat a LOT of mushrooms to get enough.
Spanakopita (I just have it without the cheese) is a good way to get a load of greens in.
We have a lot of beans (pinto, black, cannelini etc). Refried beans are super tasty and full of protein. This recipe is a good one, just swap butter for olive oil etc https://www.wahaca.co.uk/frijoles-recipe/
Also just bean salad with cooked beans, mix in some herbs, capers, add dressing.
Roast mixed veg is really easy and will give you loads of nutrients. We normally have sweet potato, onion, courgette, aubergine, garlic, squash all roasted up together and then a grain (rice or spelt etc) with a non-yoghurt based sauce (oatgurt, herbs, capers, olive oil / oatgurt, garlic, olive oil are two easy ones)TBH I'm not the head chef in our household so I mainly do the eating part of the meal :)
Arducius
A handful of toasted seeds goes with pretty much anything.
Are you sure you're lacking in amino acids though? A diet with plenty of legumes and veg is pretty high up there on the "good diet" scale however you're measuring it, and will have plenty of aminos.
I run a lot. 60 mile weeks aren't unusual and I run ultramarathons. Eating mostly whole foods means I'm full for a long time after a meal. I have lost weight since going vegan but I'm not skinny.
What sort of intensity are you running? You could try backing off on some runs to see if that makes a difference to how you feel.
If you feel you're eating too much volume then try to stick to quality and avoid processed stuff - again veg, beans and legumes, seeds, nuts. All have loads of nutrients. Plenty of leafy greens too.