Yikes...Thanksgiving is coming soon!

Turkey has never been a huge lure for me...but I do have a great herb rub when I get to roast the bird (which only happens at my house...so about twice a year!). So I don't think going meatless is going to be a problem. But staying vegan will. I cannot think of a single dish my in-laws usually have that won't include eggs, butter, milk, cheese or various combinations thereof.

I'm still new to this so I'm not yet burned out on sticking to the side dishes. Problem is what to do when the side dishes are not vegan-friendly. There's a tiny voice in the back of my head (which I am strongly trying to ignore!) that says, 'So what if you cheat a little!' But when I quickly come back to my senses, I remember that this is not just another diet...this is a complete lifestyle change that I feel called to make and want to stay committed to. In fact, if anything I should be extra vigilant during the holidays. Dairy and eggs sneak in everywhere!

And even if I had the strength to cheat 'just a little' (which I don't), why would I? The energy, clear-headedness and constant feeling of being "lighter" than normal is worth more than a piece of pumpkin pie anyday! This is one person that hopes to have more energy after the Thanksgiving meal instead of crashing on a couch for three hours.

But if there's anything I've learned from all my years of dieting, it's that I need to have a plan. So I'm not going to my in-laws's without being well armed! So what if I don't have 20 different items on my plate. When Abraham Lincoln made this a national holiday, it was in the midst of a Civil War when half the US citizens probably didn't even have enough food...yet, they were thankful! Isn't that the real reason for the day? To be thankful...not gluttonous?

What's my plan? Take fresh salsa, organic chips, make guacamole once I get there, take a huge green salad & bring my own dressing, lots of fruit for breakfast the next day, make some homemade zucchini & fruit bread (no eggs!) and maybe even attempt a vegan sweet potato pie. This still sounds like way too much food. Oh well, we'll be there for about 24 hours...at least I'll be prepared!