Vegan’s guide to surviving the holiday season

Have you recently transitioned to a plant-based diet and are worried about how to stick with it during the holidays? This season is definitely a season full of temptations, from macaroni and cheese on Thanksgiving, to the nostalgic smell of cookies on Christmas day. While it is definitely a lot harder to stick to eating a plant-based diet during this time it is definitely possible and very easy. Choosing to stick to a healthy cruelty-free lifestyle shouldn’t ever isolate you from being social with family and friends. Arm yourself with these tips during the approaching the holiday season to stay happy, healthy, and vegan.

1.)    Be prepared

Whether you are at grandma’s house or a company Christmas party be prepared. Although the host may have some food for you still make sure that you have eaten a little something before AND have brought some great food to the party as well.  If making meals aren’t your thing or you are in the ever holiday rush you can always order a vegan holiday meal from your local WholeFoods or a vegan restaurant to bring.

2.)    Find Alternatives

Find alternatives to your weaknesses. If you are a new vegan and you know you always have a weakness for the traditional standard American diet desserts find a vegan alternative. There are tons of vegan and raw pies, cookies, and even eggnogs that you can buy or easily make yourself as a holiday treat.

3.)    Don’t preach

Although your family and friends may not be on board with your new veggie lifestyle don’t preach to them about their health or how they are eating animals. It will usually cause an unwanted debate that is usually not wanted during a holiday get together. Instead bring a dish they can try and live as an example. (They will eventually be try the vegan lifestyle trust me).

4.)    Look into other options

If none of these other tips will work for you and you know you won’t be able to resist the temptations. Look into going to an all vegan event such as vegan Thanksgiving potlucks. You can also meet up with other vegans in the area and plan an all vegan dinner at your home. This will eliminate your chance of ever breaking down from all the dairy filled Christmas pies.

5.)    Be strong

Let’s face it. When you are first starting this lifestyle it is hard. The only piece of advice I can give you is to just be strong. Truly realize that the food you a craving is not food fit for a healthy body. Remember the reasons why you decided to eliminate these foods from your body and know that you are benefiting mentally, physically, and spiritually by not consuming them.