A vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner sits on a plate. In homes across the country on Thanksgiving Day, tables will be set to accommodate everyone from vegans and vegetarians to those trying to eat like a caveman. Increasingly complicated Thanksgiving feasts reflect the growing ranks of Americans who are paying closer attention to the food they put in their bodies.NEW YORK – Three different types of stuffing will be offered on Stacy Fox’s table this Thanksgiving: traditional, gluten-free and vegan.
There will be steak for people who don’t like turkey. No eggs will be used in the latkes, or Jewish potato pancakes. And the sweet potato pie will be topped with vegan marshmallows she buys at a health food store.
“My life used to be simple,” said Fox, who’s entertaining 18 guests in Suffern, N.Y.
At homes across the country this Thursday, tables will be set to accommodate everyone from vegans and vegetarians to those trying to eat like cavemen. The increasingly complicated feasts reflect the growing ranks of Americans who are paying closer attention to the food they put into their bodies.
The reasons vary. With two-thirds of the U.S. population either overweight or obese, many find setting rules helps ward off temptation. In other cases, people steer clear of ingredients such as dairy to alleviate bloating or to boost energy. Others worry about the long-term impact of artificial dyes, preservatives and antibiotics in their food.