Living without meat is difficult enough as it is. There are temptations aplenty, and the dietary sacrifices seem endless. In America vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, and all others who choose to carry out a meatless diet regime face societal and familial pressures that make this lifestyle especially difficult. Sorry, Grandma, turkey and I called it quits a while ago; how about some broccoli casserole? Here are six awkward situations that have the potential to break any veggie conessieur's willpower, along with tips and tricks to escape with diets intact.
When holiday feasts put you on the chopping block.
Did you try the... ? No. No I didn't. But those brussels sprouts were bae, right? How is one to successfully navigate these awkward interactions and not cave to commonality? Patience, grasshopper. Your diet may seem stange or foreign to those who have never entertained your perspective, so be ready to grin, bear, and repeat. Hold on to what matters to your personal happiness and health, and those who love you will be happy to see you well.
Road trips.
The all-American road trip is as iconic as it is problematic for those on a meat-free diet. Road trips embrace a wild, spontaneous flair that is severed from ties to responsibility. When sustenance comes in the form of a drive-thru window the smell of burgers over a three (maybe more?)-day-old salad can make the most devout beg for pardon.
The secret to success? Plan ahead -- just because road trips are spontaneous doesn't mean that meals have to be. Preview options online before falling victim to olfactory overload. This also allows for restaurant choices that have a more vegetarian-friendly menu.
Dates -- especially the first ones.
There's the chemistry, the attraction, the mystery, and the awkward question- where do you want to go? Or worse, yet, the cute co-worker who persistently asks you out to his or her favorite steakhouse. Dedication is an admirable trait and all, but Panera Bread happens to be much closer to my apartment. In this situation, often the best way to avoid temptation, or peer pressure, would be to be open and honest with your dietary restrictions upfront. The right person will think your values make you even more attractive and would never want to change them.
Tailgating.
Who doesn't love a great tailgate party? These events are exciting and chock-full of burgers, buns, and beer. For team-veggie, one of these things does not belong here. It is easy to fall to the ghosts of peer influence when unhealthy, taste oriented food is on the menu. Again, careful planning is key to standing firm and filled. No one wants to make a run to the grocery store when their favorite team is on the finish line.
When you finna have the trap bumpin.'
It's hard enough for veggies to watch meat fly off store shelves, but to cook it too? Ew. When you have guests over for a house party or other event who are definitely not vegetarian, where is the compromise? How about making this a community event? Guests are more likely to be engaged at a party if they had a part in preparation, and this could be a great way to get to know people.
The cafeteria crunch.
The lines for the main and three, the standard salad bar, the arguments that your frozen veggie burger takes longer to cook (that's how heat works, who knew?). It takes creativity to make your diet your own when eating from a pre-prepared spread, but have no fear, there is hope.
One way to survive the cafeteria grind is to get inventive with combinations. For instance, try topping a salad with chickpeas or making a fruit and yogurt parfait for dessert, both of which are packed with protein. Also, don't be afraid to have something specially made for you. If there is a cafeteria line for quesadillas, why not ask for one with veggies instead of chicken? Make it your own, and don't be afraid to be bold.
