At the beginning of last November, I decided to go vegetarian after reading about the benefits that it has for the earth as well as your health. I spent a ton of time reading up on where to get protein and what the best snacks are to carry when I’m on-the-go, and I was able to adjust pretty well. Yet when Thanksgiving rolled around, my family was puzzled and repeatedly asked what I would be eating if I couldn’t have turkey. So here are my best recommendations for anyone who will be going through Thanksgiving as a vegetarian:
1. Potatoes are everything. Obviously, consuming a huge amount of carbs daily is not the healthiest, but I always treated myself to more than I needed to for holiday dinners. Mashed potatoes and sweet potato casseroles are a Thanksgiving staple too, so you don’t have to worry about whether your host will be serving them or not, either.
2. Plan ahead. As great as appetizers are, whether it be stuffing or mashed potatoes, it’s easy to get hungry while watching as the turkey disappears. By either communicating to whoever is hosting or bringing your own dish, you can make sure you supplement the appetizers with a meal of your own that is vegetarian-friendly. Even better, especially if you’re with family, it gives you the opportunity to share something new with them!
3. Communicating is key. Last but not least, amidst trying to figure out what to eat or plan to bring for dinner, whether it is your first Thanksgiving as a vegetarian or not, you may still be asked many questions about your diet, what you eat, or why you chose to go vegetarian. As long as you anticipate this as much as you anticipate your aunt asking you why you don’t have a boyfriend, you will get used to it if you haven’t already?