Riley Shaia Fitness

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Thanksgiving without the guilt….yep it’s possible!

For years I had a love hate relationship with Thanksgiving. I love the family togetherness but hated the feeling I had at the end of the day. I would feel too full and guilty that I had eaten too much! Furthermore I had eaten food that I wouldn’t normally eat because it was unhealthy. I realize that it’s only one day and that in the grand scheme of things it probably didn’t really matter but I always felt so conflicted. A few years back I started eating a whole-foods plant-based diet so I decided to try and just eat the sides that lined up with my new food choices. I figured I would leave feeling unsatisfied and hungry but to my surprise I felt great at the end of the day. I had eaten a delicious meal and felt comfortably full and satified. For the past few years I have searched for recipes that are similar to the classic Thanksgiving fare but healthier and plant-based. I feel like each year I add a few recipes to my repetoire so I’m here to share my favorites. The lentil loaf can even be shaped into the likeness of a turkey if that makes you happy! Enjoy a Thanksgiving that is delicious, satifying and won’t leave you feeling like you need to go to the gym and workout for 6 hours the next day to make up for your meal the night before!