Veganitaliana Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Ok, I just spent a week in Toronto visiting friends and family, some I haven't seen in years. I've been vegan for over a year and they've finally accepted it. Even my Argentinian brother-in-law made me veggie hot dogs instead of his usual steak. Going vegan was difficult enough for them to grasp, going raw almost impossible. Everyone I visited either invited me out to a restaurant or cooked food for me in order to welcome me. Cooking food is so ingrained in social receptions. Needless to say, I failed miserably and caved into temptation, mostly not to be rude. Much to my regret. I gained 8 pounds in a week. I had headaches, swollen legs and ankles, and constipation from all the salt and shit that was in the food. I am more and more convinced that the condiments used to make cooked food palatable are true health hazards. How do I handle these situations in the future? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odidnetne Posted July 24, 2007 Share Posted July 24, 2007 Salt and "other shit" aren't really condiments, those are additives. Those are what make food toxic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljk11 Posted July 31, 2007 Share Posted July 31, 2007 Maybe bring some of your own foodSay "no thanks" - it's not rude to refuse. Tell them you have allergies or that you react poorly to these foods (it's true.) They're the rude ones if they FORCE you to eat stuff or get upset if you choose not to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suz Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Take the bull by the horns! Do the research about where to dine out in cities that you're visiting and invite them out for dinner before they have the chance to invite you. There is a wicked raw restaurant in Toronto called 'Live', next time drag your friends there. I totally agree with ljk11 - they are the ones being rude if they force you into eating anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebecca Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 it might be as simple as making a few phone calls before you go visit friends or family. make sure that they know what you're up to and how important it is to you. you could send a few recipes beforehand, so they know what to expect and if they really want to welcome you with food, they could try just serving up some grapes and nectarines! one of the ways my mom expresses her love for my family is to bake treats for us. my sister was vegan as well, at one point. my brother follows the blood type diet, and i am constantly transitioning! the last time i visited, she excitedly showed me all of the fruit that she had purchased and picked from the yard i'm sure they are just trying to take care of you, the best they know how. if you let them know what you believe in and give them some ideas of what you eat, they'll probably do their best to feed you things that you can enjoy! good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veganitaliana Posted August 9, 2007 Author Share Posted August 9, 2007 Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions. Suz- thanks for the lead. I'll definitely look up that restaurant the next time I'm in TO. LjK-you're right. I have to be more assertive and sure of my convictions in order to resist and say no and they must respect my choices. Rebecca- good advice. I love your signature btw. Ciao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
health freak Posted August 10, 2007 Share Posted August 10, 2007 got the same problem too. the allergy excuse works only with meat and dairy. For cooked food i find no good excuse. i might eat the food but if it's getting too often i just ask if they have any fruits and vegetables because " i feel a bit queasy and got a stomach-ache" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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