Vegan Thanksgiving GIFs
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?
Image Source: Thinkstock / Anna Omelchenko
I didn't dabble in veganism for "traditional" reasons.
Image Source: Universal Pictures
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.
Image Source: Victoria's Secret
And I had recently watched the documentary Forks Over Knives ...
I spent weeks scouring Pinterest for the perfect dishes.
Image Source: Universal Pictures
I took plenty of pleasure prepping vegan-friendly Thanksgiving dishes at home.
Image Source: Comedy Central
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.
Image Source: Disney
And brought plenty to share.
The temptation was unlike anything I had encountered.
Image Source: MGM
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.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Because who doesn't want to try kale salad with tempeh on Thanksgiving — am I right?!
There was some of this ...
Image Source: NBC
And a lot of this.
Image Source: NBC
But I made the most of my filling salad, dairy-free mash, and roasted root veggies.
Image Source: Tumblr user Tyler Oakley
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.
Image Source: CBS
I had exhibited true self-control and held up the commitment I made to myself.
But I also knew that next year would be a different story.
Image Source: NBC
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