Raw and vegan, this healthy twist on classic pumpkin pie is sure to be a crowd pleaser among all your guests. (This Rawsome Vegan Life/Emily von Euw)

Much of this rise in population of veganism stems from research suggesting that a vegan diet based in plant foods can be very beneficial for your health. Even making part of your week vegan, or simply meat free, can reduce your risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The most common concern when considering vegetarian or vegan diets is protein. Many people believe that a diet without animal protein will make them protein deficient. Studies, such as The China Study, however, have shown that an excessive amount of animal protein in the diet could be detrimental to your health. It is also important to remember that plants have high levels of protein as well, and vegan meat alternatives such as tempeh and tofu have very high percentages of protein.

Other advantages of going vegan are reducing your carbon footprint, having glowing and healthy skin, and expanding your palate. 

While veganism can be an exciting adventure for many, it is still not a mainstream way of living. This can make the holidays, times of food and family, quite difficult for aspiring or dedicated vegans. With the holidays come massive turkeys, cream based casseroles, and dairy-filled desserts galore.

Whether you are a vegan yourself, or you are hosting vegans at your Thanksgiving feast, ahead are some easy vegan-ised Thanksgiving recipes to make the holidays a treat for everyone.

Side Dishes

A meatless main dish full of flavor, this Sumac Ginger Tofu will make your guests' tastebuds buzz. (Healthy. Happy. Life./Kathy Patalsky)

Thanksgiving side dishes are usually vegetarian bites of yum. They also, however, often consist of green vegetables swimming in heavy cream and butter. This is a vegan no-no. But how to enjoy classic Thanksgiving flavors and side dishes without the dairy component, you ask? Replace cow milk products with vegan alternatives, such as almond and soy milk. More importantly, make the vegetable the star of the show. Here are seven easy recipes with 100 percent flavor and 0 percent animal products.

1. Sourdough Stuffing

2. Sweet Potato Soup

3. Green Chilli Cornbread

4. Mashed Potatoes with Onion Gravy

5. Green Bean Casserole

6. Garlic Pumpkin Knots

7. Sweet Potato Casserole

Main Courses

Turkey is clearly not an option for a vegan-friendly Thanksgiving meal. But remember, hearty and delicious main dishes are still possible without the meat component. Vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives, such as tempeh and tofu, can be jazzed up with spices and vegetables to produce tantalizing main courses. If you prefer to avoid meat substitutes, starchy vegetables, such as squash, make a healthy meat alternative. Grains can also make an excellent main dish, such as warm and gooey (but dairy free!) mac and cheese.

1. Veggie Tofu Pot Pie

2. Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

3. Sumac Ginger Tofu with Quinoa, Mushrooms, and Broccoli

4. Maple Glazed Tempeh with Squash and Brussel Sprouts

5. Smoky Butternut Mac and Cheese

6. Lentil and Mushroom Loaf with Potato Filling

7. Butternut Squash and Mushroom Lasagna

Desserts

Sweets can be challenging in the vegan world, but easy dairy and egg free recipes are cropping up everywhere due to veganism's rising popularity. Many of these recipes call for common dairy replacements, such as various plant milks and dairy-free cheese replacements. Others are naturally vegan. In either case, this list is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth at your table.

1. Raw Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Coconut Cream

2. Hot Apple Crumble Bars

3. Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake

4. Apple Walnut Cobbler

5. Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake with Spiced Buttercream Frosting

6. Maple Pecan Pie

7. Chocolate Cinnamon Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Bourbon Frosting, Bourbon Caramel Sauce, and Candied Pecans

Reach Staff Reporter Ashley Seruya here or follow her on Twitter here.