What's worse than being grilled by your family about whether you’re in a relationship or if you got the perfect job yet.... being grilled by your family about why you don't eat meat and how that's going to ruin your life! Let me tell you, in my over two years of being vegan, I've experienced almost every question or comment - the good, the bad, and the ugly! Here are some of the most common fears of being vegan during the holidays and how I navigate around them.
1. Not being able to eat - I have never been a person who asks people to do things on my account, so I always offer to make some dishes. If you're suffering from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) offer to bring a couple of dishes, that way you are enjoying the same delicious foods that everyone else is. From experience, a lot of people won’t even realize the dish they are eating is vegan. If you are able to, try being the host this year, that way you know all of the ingredients of every dish, and someone else can bring the meat if that is absolutely necessary for your guests! This is a great way to make sure you have a good meal, and to spread some vegan enlightenment to people who may have misconceptions!
2. Eating something not knowing it isn't vegan- Lets face it, this will probably happen at least once or twice on your vegan journey! For example, a friend or family member tries to make something that you can eat, but forgets that honey isn't vegan. Don't beat yourself up if you accidentally consume something. My best suggestion for this is simple - ASK! It's not unreasonable for someone to say "Hey, this dish looks delicious, what'd you put in it?"
3. Being the butt of the joke - I've had everyone from Uncles to mutual friends crack "jokes" or make comments towards me. When I first went vegan I found it highly offensive - now I just consider it unnecessary commentary that can easily be ignored! You don't think you could live without meat? Great! You think being vegan is restrictive? Ok! Just remember when people are commenting it is probably because they don't understand. You're living a life that is minimizing harm to animals, the environment, and yourself! In the end that is all that is important- smile and continue to move forward!
Don't forget- If you're at a celebrating and enjoying the night a little too much... Jello shots aren't vegan!!!!
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