Hello!
Being Vegetarian and Vegan can be a challenging time around the holidays, especially if you're just starting out. As a vegetarian for almost 3 years I don't get cravings anymore. However my first Christmas as a veggie didn't go very well. I ended up with a slice of Turkey on my plate.
The most important thing to remember is slipping up is natural and completely okay. A tiny bit of meat doesn't mean you have to give up this lifestyle, that's something a lot of new veggies seem to misunderstand.
In this post I'm going to give you some tips for staying veggie during the holidays.
Substitution:
Instead of turkey my grandma makes me a lovely nut roast that is always gorgeous and a perfect main. You can also spice up your nut roast with curry powder which is something my gran did one year and it was amazing!
If there's chicken on the table then have some halloumi instead! Halloumi is a life saver for me when it comes to chicken cravings as its salty and juicy and a similar texture also best served hot; a lot like chicken (and other birds) And it's a cheese. However I'm sure there are vegan versions as well.
Mince pies are the torture for me every Christmas. This festive little treat contains suet, the fat of beef or mutton. An easy slip up I did several times my first year however have managed to stay away. Alternative Christmas treats are regularly served along side mice pies such as shortbread, cookies & sometimes vegan treats too. Don't fall into the festive trap!
Cheese boards may be your craving if you're a vegan. You could try ask the host to supply vegan cheese. Often you'll find grapes or even pickles, tomatoes or nuts by a cheese plate. Try stick to what yo know is good for you.
Gravy is a simple one. Simple ask the host for a vegetarian gravy. My family always save the (vegetable) oil, the veggie juices, the water they're cooked in and make the gravy out of that, and it tastes amazing.
This leads us on to our next section.
Ask the host:
An important thing is to tell the host/cook (if it's not you) to make sure there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan options for you to eat or else you'll be starving for the whole day. If they're uneducated in the matter why not give them some ideas or preferences in the types of foods you would like to see there.
Stay away:
By this I don't mean insist you isolate yourself from family and friends whilst they're eating. I mean is the food is laid out on the table you're eating at, then sit at the end of the table where the meat isn't instead where the vegetables and your substitutions are.
If you're not in reach of it then it's unlikely you'll slip some onto your plate.
Leftovers:
Peckish the next day? You go to the fridge and there sat right in front of you is half a turkey left...
If you begin to crave it then just follow these two steps...
1) Remember why you're a veggie. You're doing this for yourself and the planet. Think about that Turkey before before it was slaughtered. However DON'T put these thoughts into actions and go have an argument with your family and friends because they ate the turkey. You have to accept their views as well.
2) Search the fridge for other leftovers like vegetables, desserts, fruit, your substitutions. You don't have to have a cold turkey sandwich on boxing day. There's nothing wrong with a lovely soup made from the left over veggies!
That's all I have for today. Good luck and have a very merry holiday!
~ Happy Lil' Plant Life
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