What It's Like to Be a New Vegan on Thanksgiving

Updated on 11/24/2015 at 5:25 PM

Two years ago, my diet was in need of a major overhaul, so I embarked on a vegan eating project. I was interested if giving up meat and dairy would make a difference in my digestion, energy levels, and workout performance. While I missed cheese (big-time), it was relatively easy to stick with veganism when I was at home in San Francisco. However, when I took off to the East Coast for Thanksgiving, it was a whole different story. Did I mention that Thanksgiving is my all-time favorite holiday?

I didn't dabble in veganism for "traditional" reasons.

It wasn't about being an animal rights activist or on trend with celebrity culture.

I wanted to see if eliminating meat and dairy would improve my yoga practice.

And I had recently watched the documentary Forks Over Knives . . .

I spent weeks scouring Pinterest for the perfect dishes.

I took plenty of pleasure prepping vegan-friendly Thanksgiving dishes at home.

My abbreviated menu was simple, fresh, and full of flavor.

But everyone was a little . . . confused . . . when I showed up to the meal with vegan eats.

And brought plenty to share.

The temptation was unlike anything I had encountered.

While the prior two months had been relatively easy, it felt like those dairy-laden side dishes, that big, beautiful bird, and my mother's famous brisket were taunting me.

My additions to the meal were not exactly well received.

Because who doesn't want to try kale salad with tempeh on Thanksgiving — am I right?!

There was some of this . . .

And a lot of this.

But I made the most of my filling salad, dairy-free mash, and roasted root veggies.

And answered a ton of questions about what I could and couldn't eat.

When it was all said and done, I left the meal with a huge sense of accomplishment.

I had exhibited true self-control and held up the commitment I made to myself.