Video:How to Survive Holiday Meals as Vegan

Transcript:How to Survive Holiday Meals as Vegan

Hi, my name is Rocky Hunter and I am at Local Sprouts Cooperative Cafe in Portland, Maine. Today, I am going talk about a few tips that will hopefully help you as a vegan going to a large dinner party.

Plan Ahead to Survive Holiday Meals as a Vegan

The first thing I would do is call ahead. If you are meeting people at the restaurant, call the restaurant earlier in the day and see what kind of options that they might have for you or if you are going to somebody's house, call the host and let them know what's fair game and what's off limits. Things like salads, veggie platters, and fruit platters are usually fairly vegan friendly. Sometimes the host may just need some clarification to the things to the things that you can't help.

Bring Vegan Food and Drinks to Survive Holiday Meals as a Vegan

My second suggestion is to bring your own vegan dish to the party. Just make sure that you bring enough that everyone can share. It's usually a good conversation starter and it can also break down some of the preconceptions that people might have about your diet. I would also suggest that you bring vegan drinks if beverages are being served. If there is a certain type of beer or wine that you like or maybe soy cream for your coffee or your favorite type of soda, bring enough to share with everyone. That way you can be comfortable with the products that you are consuming and at the same time not stepping on anybody's toes.

Have a Thick Skin to Survive Holiday Meals as a Vegan

Bring a thick skin to the party; be ready for some joking in conversation about your choice to be vegan. Most people don't mean any harm by it, but a lot of people might be hearing about it for the first time. So take the jokes as the grain of salt and be happy to dialog about the decisions that you make and why that you do the things that you do.

Involve Friends and Family to Survive Holiday Meals as a Vegan

Issue a challenge; challenge your family and friends to a meat-out holiday. If they are competitive they will up for it. Moreover, they will swear that they aren't addicted to meat the way that you say they are so they will be anxious to prove you own.

I hope these tips are helpful and thanks for watching.