



Oh, Thanksgiving. Whether you have been following a vegan lifestyle for years or have just began to dabble in it, the upcoming Holiday may cause you a teensy bit of angst. I mean, a contemporary Thanksgiving meal is typically marked with a large, roasted turkey with side dishes often containing egg and dairy ingredients. If you’re new to this, your mind probably goes straight to, “I’M GOING TO STARVE.” I hear ya. My first Thanksgiving as a vegan consisted of a baguette and some raw veggies. I’ve come a long way since then. Our country has come a long way, too (cue: “Started From The Bottom”). With vegetarian and veganism growing rapidly each year, we now have SO MANY different alternatives at our fingertips. Quite literally, any food can be “veganized”.

In addition to the ethical argument, those living a plant-based vegetarian or vegan lifestyle have been shown to have lower blood pressure, a lower risk for heart disease, and a lower risk or better management of type 2 diabetes (among other things!). Of course, as with anything, it’s always best to do what works for YOU. You are the expert of your own body and if you feel that this lifestyle does not suit you, that’s ok. If you would like some ideas of how to build a vegan plate for your Thanksgiving this year, keep scrolling!

My favorite dishes are allllllways the side dishes. Let’s start with those.

First up: Potatoes. Can you ever go wrong with potatoes? Absolutely not. The Minimalist Baker KILLED it with these Vegan Breakfast Potatoes (which totally don't have to be eaten at just breakfast).

Or, maybe sweet potatoes are your thing? What about topped with marshmallows? Alissa at Connoisseurus Veg has got ya covered with her Marshmallow-Topped Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole .

The Minimalist Baker is back at it again with her Garlicky Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas. This creamy, protein-packed salad will help balance out all those yummy vegan treats we’re ‘bout to get into :)

Last, but not least for our side dishes: Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts. As Kelly from A Side of Sweet says, these can convert even the biggest veggie hater.

Now, for our mains.

Julia, from Savory Tooth, is comin' in hot with her Butternut Squash Chili . If this doesn't scream "Fall," I don't know what will. Protein-packed, spiced up, comfy-cozy soups are an amazing addition to your Thanksgiving.

If mushrooms aren’t your thing, this next one may not be for you. But, holy yum is it good if you do like them. Delightful Vegans graciously shared their Pecan and Mushroom Wellington recipe with the world, and I couldn’t be happier!

If you’re looking for an all-in-one type of deal, try this Vegan Thanksgiving Power Bowl by Feasting on Fruit. So. Much. Good. Stuff. Packed into ONE bowl! I definitely see where it gets its name from!

Finally, the thing we have obviously all been waiting for: DESSERT.

Starting with the classic - I think Food with Feeling definitely takes the cake (or pie) with her Vegan Pumpkin Pie . Soft, creamy, and sweet and just like the real thing!

Who doesn’t love a good cinnamon roll? These Vegan Cinnamon Rolls by The Minimalist Baker can totally be enjoyed for dessert AND for a post Thanksgiving Day breakfast. Double win.

Aaaaaand lastly, for my fruit lovers: Vegan Berry Crisp (gluten free, too!). Once again, The Minimalist Baker has created a perfectly crisp, sweet, warm and comforting treat!

Of course, if you don’t feel like cooking this holiday season, check out products from brands such as Field Roast and Gardein. You’ll be sure to find something you love.

If you have any questions regarding veganism or nutrition in general, feel free to contact me at kristicontird@gmail.com.



