How to survive Thanksgiving as a vegan?

1 Supply your own food One way to make the Thanksgiving feast easier for everyone (especially yourself) is by providing your own food (peruse the recipes above for ideas!). No matter what the night's master chef told you about them making plenty of vegan options for you, providing some of your own dishes never hurts.

How do vegans celebrate Thanksgiving?

Stuffed acorn squash is one of my go-to vegan Thanksgiving recipes. It's satisfying and delicious, and it puts peak-season produce at the center of the plate. In this recipe, I pile the creamy squash with an aromatic tempeh and mushroom filling.

What do vegans struggle with the most?

10 Vegan deficiencies to be aware of - and how to nix them Iron. ... Vitamin B12. ... Omega-3. ... Zinc. ... Choline. ... Iodine. ... Vitamin D. Who isn't a little bit deficient in the 'Sunshine Vitamin'? ... Protein. 'This nutrient is not an issue in most people's diets especially those who eat meat, fish and eggs,' says Hobson. More items... Dec 22, 2022

What do vegans eat instead of turkey?

Other protein-filled vegan options that could replace turkey in your vegan Thanksgiving table are tempeh, tofu and seitan. Choose one of these plant-based turkey alternatives, or combine more than one in your table, complimenting with veggies, rice, salads, or any other plant-based whole foods ingredients you want.

What do meat eaters get that vegans don t?

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

How do vegans survive without meat?

If you are vegan, it's important to eat plenty of plant proteins from beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and soya versions of 'milk' and yogurt to help boost your intake of those nutrients.

What religion follows a vegan diet?

Vegetarianism in Jainism is based on the principle of nonviolence (ahimsa, literally "non-injuring"). Vegetarianism is considered mandatory for everyone. Jains are either lacto-vegetarians or vegans. No use or consumption of products obtained from dead animals is allowed.

Is it OK to go vegan cold turkey?

You shouldn't go cold turkey . As Nussinow explained before, going vegan means you're significantly upping your fiber count, and it takes some time for your bacteria to adapt.

What percentage of vegans stop being vegan?

Veganism isn't a switch. It's a series of choices that form part of your subconscious. It's an identity, not a temporary experience. Yet, 84% of vegetarians/vegans abandon their diet.

Does going vegan really save animals?

Going vegan is one of the best things you can do to help stop animal cruelty . By refusing to pay for animal products, you reduce the demand for them, which ensures fewer animals are bred to suffer and die on farms and in slaughterhouses.

Eating Plant Based on Thanksgiving: A Survival Guide (2024)

It's almost time for every foodie's favorite holiday! For most people, Thanksgiving is that one time of the year when families come together to sit at the table and share a meal. Feasting over turkey and traditional holiday sides, like green bean casserole and mashed potatoes, is a big deal; and if you live a vegan or plant based lifestyle, that alone comes with its own challenges. But with a little guidance and effort, you can survive this day and enjoy it (without giving up holiday classics)—and we're here to help with that!

Give Your Host a Heads Up

Let your host know in advance which ingredients are off-limits. Doing so will help your host prepare a few options for you, and you’ll avoid the most asked question: “Why aren’t you eating the food?” You can offer suggestions on making a recipe vegan but don’t expect your host to go out of their way and buy extra ingredients on top of their other grocery list. If your host isn’t already cooking vegan dishes, offer to purchase alternative ingredients and help with prepping the vegan dishes. Any host will love an extra pair of helping hands!

Make a List of Thanksgiving Dishes You Can't Live Without

Remember when you first went vegan and took the time to recreate all your favorite dishes? Pick the dishes you absolutely must have during the big feast. Since most gravy is made using drippings from the turkey, Amy's Ultimate Vegan Gravy is a great alternative. Who said you can't have a cheesy vegan dish? These Mac and Cheese Bites made with Amy's Vegan Mac & Cheeze make it easy to enjoy a holiday classic.

Bring Enough For Yourself and Everyone Else

Think about what you'll be eating to feel satisfied. If you'll have to take more than your fair share of sides to feel full, BYOF (Bring Your Own Food)! Ultimately, this day is your golden opportunity to make vegan-friendly versions of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes for everyone to enjoy. You don't have to cook a big entrée but bring enough for guests to try. Looking for a savory green dish to make? ThisGreen Bean Casserole using Amy's Porcini Bisque is bursting with flavor and topped with stuffing and chopped almonds.

You Don't have to Tell People it's Vegan

Most peoplegrab portions of everything being served. Let people taste your dish without any expectations. It's common for people to have preconceived notions about what should be served at Thanksgiving and a desire to keep long-held traditions. Again, use this opportunity to let your family and friends taste how delicious and satisfying vegan dishes are. A crowd favorite isButternut Squash Sage Risotto with Candied Pepitas using Amy’s Butternut Squash Soup. Hints of lemon, garlic and sagepack an aromatic punch of flavor in every bite!

Keep Your Cool

The dinner table is not a place to be judgmental or preachy. There may always be one person who must joke or poke fun at the people not eating the turkey. Always remain calm as those jokes are just an outward manifestation of their discomfort. If someone insists on arguing, simply tell them that you would love to discuss this further at another time but right now, you just want to enjoy being with your family and friends. Who will argue after that?

Remember, It's Dinner, Not a Debate

Not everyone will understand why you choose to be vegan. If someone asks you why you are vegan, tell them. Whether it is to fight against animal cruelty, optimize your health, environmental reasons or all three, they can ask you more questions after dinner, and you can explain your position to them over some Pumpkin Pie. While it is important to show confidence, pride and happiness in your decision to be vegan, always remember to have fun and focus on dinner at the table.

Whether you are a guest or hosting your own dinner party, bring everyone to the table this Thanksgiving with the help of Amy's! From Vegan Gravy to Mac and Cheese, you won't have to miss your favorite holiday classics. If you are a guest, remember to converse with your host beforehand and offer to make your own vegan-friendly dishes. Lead by example and inspire a new approach to Thanksgiving dinner this year!