A guest blog by Rich Lysloff

I grew up like everyone else in America…celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. For over forty years I got together with family and friends and ate the usual fare with a big turkey as the centerpiece. It was always joyous and I was always so extremely grateful for the bountiful abundance that we have in our country. Now since going vegan several years ago I still do the same thing. The only difference is that I now do it without the turkey. And I enjoy it even more so! I always enjoyed all the side dishes more than the turkey anyway. The salad, the mashed potatoes, the stuffing and cranberry sauce, the pumpkin pie etc. I still eat that stuff sans the animal products like butter and milk because I have learned to prepare these dishes vegan style which is far healthier. I eat really well but I don’t get that overly stuffed full feeling like I used to…just happily satiated and content. And now, since going vegan, I give thanks for not only the food that is so abundant in my life….but for the knowledge and the awakening in my mind, heart and spirit that no other being has to suffer and die for me to live and celebrate. I wish you all a happy, healthy and compassionate holiday season.

Rich Lysloff is a manager at Whole Foods in San Fransisco, CA.