Mastering the Holidays: A Guide for Men on a Plant-Based Diet (Part 2 - The Menu)
Authored by Kyle Golden (November 24, 2023)
What Am I Going To Eat?
Navigating holiday dinners and parties can be daunting after transitioning to a plant-based diet. This is a feeling I'm familiar with, having experienced it during various holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. The social pressure to consume meat, especially for men, is often heightened during these times. You may encounter jokes, unhelpful comments, and unprovoked, defensive opinions from others, not to mention the question, "What am I going to eat?"
In my previous blog post, I offered tips on how to handle these conversations. Now, I aim to help you answer the "what will I eat" question. It's entirely possible, as I've been managing it for several years. With a bit of planning, you can master holiday dinners and parties while maintaining your plant-based lifestyle.
Communicate Your Plant-Based Diet
First, if your hosts don’t already know, let them know ahead of time that you’ve made a change in your diet. It's important to communicate your dietary preferences to avoid any awkwardness or misunderstandings. Be polite and respectful in your conversation, explaining that you’re following a plant-based diet and would appreciate if there were some options available for you. Alternatively, you can discuss this with the host if you're offering to bring your own dish. Remember, the key is to communicate.
This can serve as a perfect opportunity to educate your host about what a plant-based diet entails. You can provide some insights into the foods that are part of your diet, and those that are not. For instance, you can explain that a plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, and excludes foods like meat, eggs, dairy products, and other animal-derived ingredients such as honey if you avoid those. Additionally, you can suggest some easy swaps that your host can make in their recipes, like using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or using a plant-based butter substitute. Remember to communicate this information in a friendly and respectful manner, as your goal is to inform, not to criticize or demand.
Bring Your Own Plant-Based Dish
One of the easiest ways to tackle a holiday dinner as a plant-based eater is by offering to bring a dish of your own. This not only ensures that you will have something to eat, but it also provides an opportunity to share your plant-based lifestyle with others in a non-confrontational way. When preparing the dish, aim for something that's not too "out there" for those who aren't accustomed to plant-based meals. If you know your way around the kitchen, a delicious vegetable lasagna or a hearty salad can be a perfect choice. Check out my recipes for Chickpea Stew or Cauliflower and Kale with Pasta, they would both be great for a holiday dinner gathering.
If you're not much of a cook, don't worry! There are plenty of options for purchasing a plant-based dish to bring to a holiday dinner. Many grocery stores offer pre-made meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs, including plant-based. Look for options like vegetable platters, grain salads, or even a vegan main dish. Don’t forget to check out local vegan and plant-based restaurants. Many have lots of yummy options you can pre-order for pickup before your holiday gathering. Bringing a store-bought or restaurant prepared dish is a perfectly acceptable option, and it ensures that you will have something to eat that aligns with your plant-based lifestyle.
Eat Something Beforehand
So, you're attending a dinner party and you're unsure about the menu. Perhaps you forgot to inform your host about your dietary restrictions or you felt uncomfortable discussing it. You don't want to seem impolite but you also don't want to compromise your decision to follow a plant-based diet. Ideally, you could bring a plant-based dish to contribute to the meal. If that's not feasible, consider having a small meal before the party if you're uncertain about the availability of plant-based options. This way, even if there are only a few or no suitable options, you won't go hungry.
Focus on the Event, Not the Food
Remember, the holiday gathering is about spending time with loved ones. The food, while often a focal point of such occasions, does not define the event. Whether the menu is to your liking or not, try to enjoy the event and the company of your family and friends. It's the people and the shared experiences that should make holiday gatherings special.
While navigating holiday dinners with plant-based lifestyle can be a bit challenging, with some preparation and communication it can be a breeze. Remember, the holiday season is about spending time with loved ones, not about what's on your plate. So, arm yourself with a delicious plant-based dish, communicate your dietary preferences respectfully, be ready to answer questions, and make sure to enjoy the celebrations!
Hi, I’m Kyle Golden,
Founder and Coach at Vireo Fitness. For over 16 years I have helped hundreds of clients just like you find their path to better health. Get in touch today and find out how I can help you embrace a better lifestyle and realize your full potential!