The period of time between Halloween and New Years can be a culinary version of running the gauntlet, especially for anyone who is vegan. Between office parties, family gatherings and house parties, this becomes a season of eating. If you are lucky there will be vegan options for you at these gatherings, but more than likely, most, if not all the foods offered will be filled with animal products. However, all is not lost. With some careful planning, you can still attend these parties and not leave feeling hungry, frustrated at the lack of options or if you are like me, the dreaded hangry. Here are some quick tips to help get you safely through the holidays.
- If you are going to an office party, don’t be afraid to talk to the person organizing it. Explain that you are vegan and ask to make sure there are vegan options available. Most large companies have catered events and can make sure there will be food for you. In the case of going to a restaurant, check out the menu ahead of time and see what is available. You can also call the restaurant and speak to a manager before your arrive. Simply let the manager know you are vegan and ask what option the restaurant has that would work for you. With notice, most restaurants are happy to work with customers. Be prepared to make suggestions. If they say we have grilled vegetables, or even worse, say they have nothing, ask if they have beans, pasta without egg, etc. Odds are they have plenty to work with, but don’t think outside the printed menu.
- If going to a house party, bring along a vegan dish. Make plenty so that the other guests can try it and taste how great vegan food is. This way you will be assured to have something you will want to eat and you do a little vegan advocacy at the same time. Make sure whatever dish you bring is a winner. Now is not the time to try a new recipe. If the host is a good friend, talk to him or her ahead of time about what vegan options there will be. No host ever wants a guest to feel left out.
- For family gatherings, again, bring some food with you. Hopefully your family is supportive and will already have some vegan friendly menu items planned. Don’t be afraid to talk to the host about what he or she is serving.
- Eat a little something before you go to the party. By arriving somewhat full, you aren’t tempted to mindlessly snack during the party. When surrounded by people who are eating, there is a strong temptation to join in. And if the only vegan options are chips and such, you end up eating a lot of empty calories, which usually just makes you feel more hungry.
- Have some food ready to eat when you get home. After a night at a party where you didn’t get much to eat, arriving home hungry leads to late night eating. Uncontrolled late night snack can easily result in over eating. By having a light meal waiting for you, there is less risk of random bingeing.
- Ask questions of the hosts or servers if you don’t know what is in something. The safe default, unless you know everything is vegan, is that all dips contain some animal products. Find the veggie tray, but before using the dip, ask what is in it.
- When people ask why you aren’t eating or are eating so little, simply explain that you are vegan and there is little available that you choose to eat. If they say something like, “wow, that is really hard,” or, “that is so limiting,” take a minute to educate them on the bounty of foods available and that in this situation you are only limited because of what is being offered.
With just a little planning ahead you can make it through the holidays without any problems at all. At least not when it come to food. As for family, well, you are on your own.
Michael Suchman, VLCE is a recovering lawyer. After practicing in the field of Corporate Litigation for 12 years, he was tired of representing corporations over the interests of individuals. Since stopping practicing, he has come to recognize that the law needs to work more on helping all individuals, regardless of species. Michael lives in New York City with his husband Ethan and their two vegan dogs: Riley and Charlie. When not running the show at Chelsea Foot and Ankle, Michael can be found either in the kitchen trying out new recipes, watching Dr. Who, or taking photos the old fashioned way, with an actual 35mm camera. You can check out his photography at michaelsuchman.com. He and Ethan are the founders of Vegan Mosand are proud to be Amicus Partners with Lambda Legal and Barnyard Benefactors for Our Hen House.