I am ever so hopeful that you will either partake in a completely cruelty-free (vegan) Thanksgiving dinner or incorporate one of more of the following traditional Thanksgiving food item options into your family celebration.
Celebrate all life this thanksgiving (and trust me, the turkeys, cows, pigs, and whomever else normally sits on the dinner plate will be thankful back).
Don’t be afraid to try something new. Use one of the substitute items in place of the “normal” animal ingredient or by-product items and see what it can do for your taste buds and health. All the ingredients are natural, healthy and intended to properly fuel and fill our bodies. I promise you each vegan alternative is totally delicious, cholesterol free and will be way lower in calories (and all that other bad stuff) which means you can eat more without feeling guilty!
SUBSTITUTE OPTIONS
Below are vegan items and where you can get them for easy grocery shopping. Of course I would call your store location first to make sure they have it:
Instead of Milk…try:
1. Coconut Milk (http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/products/?gclid=CNre-Pq4x7MCFUfNOgodMyYA8g)
-available at Giant, Safeway, Food Lion or Whole Foods Market, Roots and Mom’s
2. Soy Milk *usually the cheapest and great as an ingredient (http://www.silkpurecoconut.com/?gclid=CLPVnLC4x7MCFcFxOgodnQYAVA or http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/)
-available at Giant, Safeway, Trader Joes or Whole Foods Market, Roots and Mom’s
3. Rice Milk (http://www.tastethedream.com/products/rice_dream.php)
-available at Safeway or Whole Foods Market, Roots and Mom’s
4. Almond Milk (http://almondbreeze.com/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=Almond%2BBreeze&utm_campaign=AlmondBreeze)
-available at Giant, Safeway, Food Lion, Target, Shoppers Food Warehouse or Whole Foods Market, Roots and Mom’s
Instead of Butter…try
1. Earth Balance (http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/)
–available at Whole Foods Market and Roots or Moms
Instead of Cheese…try
1. Daiya (http://www.daiyafoods.com/)
-available at Whole Foods Market, Roots, Mom’s
2. Galaxy Nutritional Foods (http://www.galaxyfoods.com/landing/vegan-shreds/?gclid=CNH4j4TBx7MCFQSf4AodbRIAHQ)
-available at Whole Foods Market, Roots or Moms
3. Follow Your Heart (http://www.followyourheart.com/products/category/dairy_alternatives/)
-available at Whole Foods Market, Roots or Mom’s
Other Dairy…try
1. Vegenaise aka Mayonaise (http://www.followyourheart.com/products/category/vegenaise/)
2. Salad Dressings (http://www.followyourheart.com/products/category/dressings/)
Instead of Eggs…try
1. Ener G Egg Replacer (http://www.ener-g.com/egg-replacer.html)
-available at Giant, Safeway and Whole Foods Market, Roots or Mom’s
2. Applesauce (unsweetened, pureed)(Check here for other egg replacement tips: http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/egg-replacements.aspx)
MEAL PLAN IDEAS AND OPTIONS
Entree
1. Turkey aka Gardein Holiday Roast (http://www.gardein.com/products.php?t=frozen&p=67)
–available Safeway, Giant, Whole Foods Market and Superfresh, Roots or Mom’s
Other Entree: http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
Gravy
1. http://vegweb.com/recipes/i-cant-believe-its-vegan-gravy
Stuffing
1. Walnut-Apple Stuffing (http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/walnut-apple-stuffing/)
2. Old Fashioned Potato Bread (http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/old-fashioned-potato-bread-stuffing/)
3. Crandberry-Pear Wild Rice Stuffing (http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/cranberry-pear-wild-rice-stuffing/)
Other Stuffing: http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
Sides
1. Green Bean Casserole (http://vegweb.com/recipes/vegan-green-bean-casserole)
2. Mashed Potatoes (http://vegnews.com/articles/page.do?pageId=5132&catId=11)
3. Mac and Cheese (http://www.daiyafoods.com/recipe/easiest-best-vegan-mac-cheese)
4. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole (http://vegweb.com/search/vegweb/Cheesy%20Broccoli%20Casserole)
5. Stuffing (http://vegweb.com/recipes/vegetarian-stuffing)
Other sides: http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
Soups
1. Sweet Potato Soup (http://www.vegkitchen.com/recipes/sweet-potato-soup/)
Other Soups: http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
Deserts:
1. http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/vegetarian-thanksgiving/
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