If you are vegan, chances are not all of your friends nor everyone in your family shares this same lifestyle. Chances are even greater that you remember your pre-vegan days. So much fun, tradition, bonding and emotion is tied to holidays. So how can vegans have a vegan Thanksgiving and still hold true to the fondness of the holidays? Read on…
Be Charitable
While you are thinking about all the delicious ways to dress your Tofurky, consider sponsoring a rescued turkey this Thanksgiving.
Plan Ahead
Have a brief and polite conversation with the host or hostess beforehand. Say something like, “I am really excited to come over for Thanksgiving dinner. Since I am vegan, are there any dishes I can contribute?” We suggest bringing one filling side dish (e.g., something with beans or potatoes) and one dessert. This way, you at least have a little protein and a sweet treat you know you can eat. But be sure to avoid these annoying things vegans say.
Transform your Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes
Many comfort food dishes can be transformed into vegan dishes; by no means do you have to miss out on stuffing and gravy. Check out these websites for further vegan Thanksgiving recipes. Highlights include mashed winter squash, stuffed peppers and baked apples.
Go Without
If you are attending a “traditional” Thanksgiving dinner, there may be many foods that you will have to go without. You can ask the host to leave a few things aside (e.g., potatoes, carrots, peas) before buttering or mashing them. Thankfully, Thanksgiving dinner is a meal that usually contains a large amount of delicious vegetable sides. But be careful, see this article about things that seem vegan but aren’t.
Offer to Host
You can offer to be the main chef this Thanksgiving and wow your guests with all of your delicious-tasting vegan dishes and traditional vegan-transformed dishes. You do not have to cook a turkey for your omnivore guests, but someone may offer to bring one, so be prepared.
Be Thankful
Whatever your plans are and whatever you are able to eat this Thanksgiving, be thankful for your loved ones and the chance to spend relaxing time with them.
From all of us at Vegaprocity, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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