The Benefits of a Plant-Based Thanksgiving with Path of Life

Remember that overly stuffed feeling after the Thanksgiving meal when you can’t wait to get home and throw on sweatpants? We all know that feeling a little too well and if you’re wondering if *this* is the year to give a plant-focused Thanksgiving a try, you’ve come to the right place. The advantages of going plant-based can help alleviate this uncomfortable feeling, and may have you rethinking the turkey this year. Plant foods are generally lower in calories and higher in fiber to help you feel satisfied, and full.  

A plant-based diet can offer a complete profile of nutrient density—protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals—and tends to be loaded with fiber and phytonutrients. Studies have shown that a diet focused on plant foods can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, certain cancers, and may even lead to a longer life. Not too bad, right? 

One of the biggest benefits of enjoying a plant-centric Thanksgiving is the impact that it has (or doesn’t have) on our planet. In a 2016 study, Carnegie Mellon University researchers sought to measure the carbon footprint of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They found that a 16 pound turkey created 34.2 pounds of CO2, which is equal to the combined total amount of CO2 produced by roasted brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, biscuits, and apple pie. And most beef products have an even higher production of CO2. Plant foods have less of an environmental impact than animal products. Foods like asparagus and squash create 7.33 and 0.10 of CO2 per pound, respectively, on their way to your table. 

One of the great things about going plant-based for Thanksgiving is that you don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to give it a try. There are plenty of delicious plant-based recipes available and meat alternatives that won’t leave you missing the turkey. Here are a few tasty recipes from Path of Life that are perfect for the holiday and 100% plant-based:

• Quinoa Casserole Bowl
• Pistachio-Pomegranate Pilaf
• Quinoa & Kale Salad with Lemon & Almonds
• Southwest Sweet Potato Chowder 
• Tuscan Quinoa with Spinach & Parmesan
• Deep Roots Vegetable Bake

However your tablescape looks this holiday, know that the Path of Life team wishes you a holiday filled with loved ones, delicious foods and lots of memories. Happy Thanksgiving!

Find more ideas on our recipes page, and keep your eye on this blog for more tips, tricks, recipes, and knowledge to help you live a more simple, flavorful and nutritious life.