Tips To Eating Out
There are still occasions where eating out as a vegan is a little difficult. It is very surprising in this day and age that every restaurant and café doesn’t offer at least a few vegan options.
You would think that food establishments would be across the latest trends, food preferences and health research, and would, therefore, offer a menu to suit all its possible patrons.
I find it difficult eating out when animal products are on the menu (as it makes my dining experience a bit upsetting as I know what was involved in the process of getting the animal to plate), but to eat somewhere where there are none, or few, vegan options makes dining more difficult.
Sometimes you are invited to dine with friends and family at a place you know is not very plant-based friendly and it can cause quite a dilemma. You want to spend time with your family and friends, but on the other hand, would prefer not to be faced with the prospect of chips and salad as your only meal option.
8 Top Tips To Eating Out
Decline or attend?
Weigh up whether you need to attend – it may be that you simply decline the invitation and see your family or friends at another time.
Share time but not the meal
Choose to attend but opt to just have a drink with friends rather than a meal – you can eat beforehand.
Use your power of persuasion
Phone ahead and speak to the restaurant or café to see if they can create something special to accommodate your food preferences.
Remember times are changing
When faced with this situation it is important to remember that the world is a changing place and there has never been a better time to be eating plant-based. There are so many options available at most restaurants, cafés, and supermarkets. People generally have knowledge about what veganism is, and many chefs are prepared to create something to suit you (in fact some of them even relish the challenge).
Don’t make veganism look difficult
People generally don’t like to do difficult things. People also don’t like to feel the spotlight is on them and will try to avoid embarrassment wherever possible. It is important to make sure your food preferences don’t appear too difficult as people may decide to avoid making changes if they think it’s going to be one massive uphill struggle.
Compliment wait staff and chefs!
When you find somewhere that caters for your food preferences, or goes that extra mile, make sure you shout (not literally) your gratefulness from a great height. Everyone likes a compliment and you’ll be helping to dispel some of the stigmas that surrounds veganism and make it more likely that these people will be accommodating to future vegan patrons.
Everyone is capable of change
When all is said and done it is important to spend time with friends and family and celebrate these relationships. Sharing food with the people close to you also gives you an opportunity to help evoke change in their eating habits too. Show them how amazing and tasty plant-based food is. Show them how easily menu items can be tweaked to become plant-based. Show them how accommodating wait staff and chefs can be. Show them that they too could make a healthy change!
Sneaky bag treats
Squirrel away some little snacks in your bag in case you are under catered for! Some delicious cacao raw balls with your soy flat white could be the envy of the whole table!
Whatever your rationale to eating a plant-based diet, just remember it is your reason. It is your decision and although it won’t always be easy (no change ever is), it is worth it. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you for it.
