Incorporating A Plant-Based Lifestyle To A Non-Plant-Based Family
I decided to become plant-based while I was away at college. I was in the United States; my family was in Asia. It didn't hit me how different things at home were going to be until I was planning a trip back for my winter break. What would I eat at our seated dinners? How will we find a restaurant that will accommodate all our needs?
My intrusive, anxious thoughts about being an inconvenience, rampaged my mind the entire trip home. I've created some tips that I wish I had to calm my anxiety, but also help others as they try to incorporate their plant-based life with those that aren't plant-based.
Encourage Others to do Research
For some people, Veganism or a plant-based diet is a foreign and new concept. Sometimes, these terminologies mean different things to different people. Take the time to explain to your family or others what these terms mean to you. Explain what you can eat and what you can't. What you can and can't use. Send them links to help them understand, and encourage them to do some research.
Sides and Fries
Not all places will offer accommodations for plant-based diets. This makes it more challenging when it comes to limited restaurants and deciding where to eat out as a group. I know for some, a salad is an easy fail-safe at a restaurant, but I get tired of eating salads fast. Instead, I turn to sides and fries. Make a plant-based meal out of the offered sides. At most Malaysian restaurants you can get some sort of vegetable mix and rice as sides.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
Respect the idea that your family or others aren't living the same lifestyle as you are, or share the same values. Don't try to push your veganism onto them. Likewise, ask that they respect your decision and choice. Tell them when you feel like they are mocking you, or asking questions to try to make you doubt your choice. This also extends to having them try to go to an all-vegan restaurant or have an all-vegan meal. When you go to regular restaurants it's hard to find vegan meals, so you sacrifice your wants (e.g stick to eating sides and fries). They too should be able to make a "sacrifice" and eat at a place that has no meat.
Communicate
It's always good to be clear if you ever feel discomfort. Let them know if you don't feel comfortable going to the butchers, carrying meat, and buying eggs or other animal products for them. Tell them if you want to try to go to an all-vegan restaurant once. Communication will help them understand and will make it easier for them to respect you.
I hope these tips are helpful! Let me know if you have any other suggestions or tips when it comes to incorporating your plant-based lifestyle to a non-plant-based group of people.
Sides and Fries
Not all places will offer accommodations for plant-based diets. This makes it more challenging when it comes to limited restaurants and deciding where to eat out as a group. I know for some, a salad is an easy fail-safe at a restaurant, but I get tired of eating salads fast. Instead, I turn to sides and fries. Make a plant-based meal out of the offered sides. At most Malaysian restaurants you can get some sort of vegetable mix and rice as sides.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
Respect the idea that your family or others aren't living the same lifestyle as you are, or share the same values. Don't try to push your veganism onto them. Likewise, ask that they respect your decision and choice. Tell them when you feel like they are mocking you, or asking questions to try to make you doubt your choice. This also extends to having them try to go to an all-vegan restaurant or have an all-vegan meal. When you go to regular restaurants it's hard to find vegan meals, so you sacrifice your wants (e.g stick to eating sides and fries). They too should be able to make a "sacrifice" and eat at a place that has no meat.
Communicate
It's always good to be clear if you ever feel discomfort. Let them know if you don't feel comfortable going to the butchers, carrying meat, and buying eggs or other animal products for them. Tell them if you want to try to go to an all-vegan restaurant once. Communication will help them understand and will make it easier for them to respect you.
I hope these tips are helpful! Let me know if you have any other suggestions or tips when it comes to incorporating your plant-based lifestyle to a non-plant-based group of people.
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