How to still enjoy Thanksgiving if you're a vegetarian

Turkey Day is rapidly approaching -- the big day occurs on Monday for Canadians and next month in the US -- and one of the greatest pleasures of Thanksgiving is that it kicks off the beloved holiday eating season. It's easily the best and the worst time of year. The worst because it's almost impossible not to end up wearing elasticized waist pants rather than admit you've gained enough weight to go up a size, but the best because all of that food is so, so good.

Sadly, Thanksgiving hasn't been the same for me since I became a semi-veggie (the only type of meat I eat is fish making me a 'pescatarian'), and I'm sure other vegetarians and non-turkey-eaters feel the same. It can be tough navigating turkey dinner situations at the homes of non-vegetarian family and friends.

If you're not sure how to deal with being a vegetarian at Thanksgiving, take a look at this piece for ideas on how to comfortably navigate social situations where not eating meat may be an issue. It includes ideas on what to do if you've been invited out to a meat-eater's celebration, as well as how to handle it if you've got carnivore friends heading over to your place.