There is absolutely no reason to do any damage to your body during a holiday celebration. You can eat well, nourish your body, and indulge in new recipes that will not set you back on energy, weight, or guilt.
Click through the following links for whole food, plant-based (many are low fat) holiday recipes and scroll down further for some festive inspiration! Enjoy!
• 10 Plant-based Turkey Alternatives for a Nourishing, Plant-based Thanksgiving
• A Plant-Based Thanksgiving Menu To Be Thankful For
• 100+ Plant-based, Whole Food Holiday Meal Suggestions!
• Plant-Based Food Tips: Healthy Recipe Substitutions
• 6 Festive Plant-Based Thanksgiving Recipes
• Pumpkin Pie with no added sugar, oil, or salt!
• Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine Thanksgiving Menu
• Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes by Juieanna Hever, RD
• Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner from Happy Herbivore
• Plant-Based Thanksgiving Menus by Forks Over Knives
Strategies for Surviving the Holidays by PlantPure Nation
This idea focuses on how to enjoy the holidays while staying plant-based and even sharing some plant-based dishes with family members who aren’t eating a plant-based diet. The holiday season is often people’s favorite time of year—seeing far-flung family members together again, sharing traditions and exchanging memories and stories from childhood … and don’t forget the food! The turkey, the dressing, the mashed potatoes, and gravy on everything—except you’re now eating a plant-based diet. So how to handle the inevitable holiday food challenges?
First, keep in mind that even though many cultures tend to feature food as the centerpiece of gatherings and celebrations, meals don’t have to be the main reason to gather with friends and loved ones. Brainstorm with group members on some new traditions that involve other activities, such as getting outside for a hike or a bike ride, joining a nonprofit for a service mission or fundraising effort, or taking a day trip to a local attraction. Food doesn’t have to be a necessary ingredient for a fun time.
If changing holiday traditions in that way isn’t likely to go over well in your family, offer to bring a side dish or two that are plant-based, and focus on dishes that will be well-received by your loved ones. This is a great time to solicit advice, experiences and feedback from other group members, particularly those who’ve been here before. Maybe you can do a vegan carrot cake or pie, or a vegan dressing in addition to a vegetable dish. Introducing people to plant-based eating in ways that they are comfortable with can go a long way, and you may even find that your vegan takes on family favorites end up being quite successful. Check out the PlantPure Nation Recipes site for ideas that your family will love, and if you find a dish that ends up being super popular, please add the recipe to our site and share with others!
Maybe this is the first year you’re planning to go all out and do an entirely WFPB (whole food, plant-based) meal. We recommend keeping it simple, and either sticking with tried-and-true favorites you know your family likes, with only one or two new dishes, or doing some trial runs with new or complicated dishes a week or two beforehand, especially if you’re hosting extended family or friends. Definitely check in with other group members for tips on how to make your first vegan holiday celebration a successful and memorable one. As you’re planning what to serve, keep a list of the ingredients you’ll need and in what quantities, and check that list against your pantry, fridge and freezer before you go to the store so you can avoid a last-minute dash to the supermarket for that forgotten item.
Lastly, the holidays will never be “perfect,” so don’t strive for that. As long as you’re surrounded by friends and loved ones, and you’re enjoying a healthy meal lovingly and carefully prepared, you are fortunate. Remember to find a few minutes for yourself here and there so you can put your feet up, take a breath, and reflect on the different things that have brought you joy this year.
Click: 6 Things To Bring to Thanksgiving Dinner: A Plant-Based Guide to Thriving at the Holiday Meal
Click: Tips for Visiting Friends and Family Who Are Not Plant-Strong
Click: 12 Reasons You May Never Want To Eat Turkey Again
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