How to have a plant-based thanksgiving

It’s that time of year. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes are in every coffee shop. The weather is crisp and cool. Depending on your geographical location, the leaves are most likely falling. And the holiday season is upon us.

For some people, this can be exciting. But for others, it can be a little bit stressful to try to stay on track with their usual habits, whether that be eating plant-based, exercising, budgeting, etc. I like to do my fair share of mentally preparing for this time of year so it stays a positive experience for me, and that includes looking up ways to have a delicious, nutritious, on-point Thanksgiving feast that myself and my loved ones can enjoy.

I always imagine the things that would make me enjoy my Thanksgiving meal while still feeding my body the things that would nourish it, not harm it.  Focus on whole foods, plant-based, and incorporate warming, cozy spices.

For sides, I like incorporating roast veggies. Carrots. Sweet potatoes. I love sprinkling cinnamon along with salt and extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil on my sweet potatoes before I roast them.

A good protein option will keep you full and happy. If you have your plant-based staples on hand, this makes your plant-based cooking that much easier. For more on plant-based staples, check out my blog.

For dessert, I usually refer to my favorite vegan or plant-based bakers. This is, admittedly, not my specialty, so I often refer to my favorite plant-based bakers. I enjoy The Minimalist Baker’s recipes. I love keeping having Turmeric Lattes and Spicy, sweet teas with my desserts as it fill my tummy with calming ingredients to let that food digest properly.

And most of all, give yourself grace today. Allow yourself to indulge a little bit more than usual and don’t you feel bad about it. These days come around but once a year. So go ahead and eat that second serving of sweet potatoes that you soothe and nourish you. ;)  I know I will be!

Hailey Gowan is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She has a passion for seeing people find optimal health through whole foods, plant-based nutrition and a balanced lifestyle. Hailey is also a plant based chef in training and hopes to make eating a plant based diet more attainable. To follow Hailey's journey or to set up a free consultation, visit www.theheirloomcarrot.com.