This year will mark my first year as being a vegan during the Holidays. The last few years I have been vegetarian, which was easy during the holidays. My method during the holidays was simple…eat the side dishes not the meat.

For this holiday season, not going to lie I have been nervous. As a first-time vegan during the holiday season I didn’t know where to start. So, I researched and did my Googles. I made it through my first vegan Thanksgiving, successfully. My meal was amazing! Shout out to Everythang Vegan for my holiday plate.

For those who might be unsure or nervous about eating plant based during the holidays, I wanted to share some tips on how to best navigate the holiday season.

Vegan holiday eating tips:

1. Research vegan restaurants where you live. Many vegan restaurants are creating vegan holiday meals for purchase.
2. Go on Instagram! You’d be surprised how many vegan companies and vendors are on Instagram. I purchased my vegan Thanksgiving meal thanks to Instagram. Also, search vegan hashtags in your city to see what your local vegan community is doing.
3. Watch YouTube cooking videos. Any meal you want to veganize, there is a 99% chance someone on YouTube has made a tutorial video.
4. Go to grocery stores with options- Trader joe’s, Sprouts, and Wholefoods have some amazing vegan options for the holiday season.

Eating vegan can be easy during the holiday season, if we set the intention to make it easy. The same holiday meals we enjoy can be done in a meat-less way. As a vegan, there are a ton of options during the holidays. Eat good and be merry!

Also, don’t let people make you feel guilty for your eating choices.

Until next time,

-Peach