Being a Good Vegetarian

Being a Good Vegetarian

The lifestyles of vegetarians in all their varieties can be confusing to others. For a non-vegetarian host/ess it may seem overwhelming to prepare an acceptable vegetarian meal like corn soup. Like for any guest, there are do's and dont's that can help you be a positive part of the event, rather than the guest who'll never be invited again.

Remember that even for people who enjoy entertaining, it isn't effortless. Make it your goal to make things as easy as possible for your hostess, and that includes what you expect on the accommodation of dietary restrictions. You can try some of the best vegetarian recipes at Gourmandia.

Offer to help prepare the meal. This way there will be no confusion.

As soon as possible after receiving the invitation, let your host know that you're a vegetarian and what that means for your diet. You may feel ungracious doing it the first few times, but it's better to speak up and allow her to plan for you, than to let her or him go through great troubles to make dishes you won't be able to eat!

Offer to bring a vegetarian main dish/entrée If the host is doubtful that you'll get enough food. If your offer is firmly declined and the host (or hostess) requests a recipe from you, make sure it's a simple one that doesn't require little known ingredients.

If someone asks about your vegetarianism (and they will), politely say that you'll be happy to talk with them one-on-one when the meal is finished. One thing to remember: you are not there to "convert" anyone! If someone is truly asking out of interest, you may want to discuss it. If you feel another guest is simply baiting you, try responding that you "just don't like meat". You can even liken it to how everyone has foods that just don't do it for them. This answer is not reactive, and only a hot-headed fool would argue with your taste preferences. Save your politics or ethics for those who really care to hear them.

Say, "I've made the decision that's right for me, but I'm not trying to say what's right or wrong for anyone else".

Try to be generous with criticism. If anyone should be so rude as to criticize your lifestyle in some way, let it go graciously. The rest will think highly of you for not letting the rudeness spoil the event.

Source: WikiHow