Like it or not, the holidays are quickly approaching. The stores have plenty of Holiday merchandise out, grocery stores are taking orders for holiday meals. No doubt, you have started to plan for your holiday celebrations.
So what happens when you have made the decision to be plant-strong and your family and friends have not jumped on board (yet)? Does it mean you have to stay home and never see your friends and family again?
Absolutely not! It just means you have to be prepared. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays with your non plant-strong family and friends:
1. If you are hosting, plan a plant-strong meal. You can tell your friends/family that are coming over that you found some great holiday recipes that you are really excited to try out and that things might seem a little different, but there is going to be PLENTY of great food and of course lots of fun! Make dishes that do not have a lot of strange ingredients – it might not be the time to make tofu and seitan center stage on your table. Instead go for things like stuffed acorn squash, pumpkin soup, fabulous sides like green-bean casserole and of course a delicious desert like apple pie! And make the table look beautiful! Really wow your guests with a beautiful table setting!
2. If you are not hosting, bring a few dishes that you can eat. Again, it is best to not make a big deal about it, just tell them that you found a couple of recipes that you really have been wanting to make, and you’d love to bring something.
3. Don’t bring attention to your new way of eating. Just enjoy the time you have with your friends and family! Fill your plate up with lots of plant-strong food and enjoy.
4. If someone asks about you not putting turkey on your plate there are lots of ways to handle it.
- Tell them that you want start with all of the sides (chances are they will forget you didn’t take any turkey at some point).
- Tell them that you are really trying hard to stick to this eating plan, but thanks anyway, it all looks delicious!
- Make a joke – “Oh didn’t you hear? I was kidnapped by vegetarian aliens!
- Tell them you are going to pass for right now.
5. Use the seem strategy. At Engine 2 we work with a wonderful psychologist, Doug Lisle, and we use this advice all the time! When someone asks about your diet tell them “it seems to be working for me”. It can diffuse a conversation pretty quickly.
6. Don’t use this time to lecture people about their poor eating choices. When Aunt Mildred is reaching for the deep fried turkey it is best not to yell “NOOOOOO!!!!! IT WILL DAMAGE YOUR ENDOTHELIUM AND IT COULD KILL YOU!!” Just let it go this time, and enjoy your family gathering while eating your lovely plant-strong side dish.
7. If someone is asking a lot of questions – tell them that you would LOVE to talk more about.. some other time. Tell them you’ll give them a call or send them an e-mail in a few days.
8. Find some new traditions! Enjoy a family walk, play a game of flag football, go sledding! Find a reason to get out of the house together and do something active.
9. Tell the host that you have some really crazy food restrictions, and not to worry at all, you will bring a few dishes to share. Your host might insist and say “OH but tell me! I can make you anything!” You can either tell them about it, or you can just say: “The list is really long, and I don’t want to drive you crazy trying to figure something out for me, but thank you so much for being so nice about it!” or give them something they can do like a big vegetable tray. It is even better if you can give specifics like, “You know, actually it would be great if there was a big vegetable tray, I really love cucumber and brocoli!”
10. Remember what the holidays are really about… your family driving you crazy. (kidding! kind of 
) The holidays are about spending time with your family and friends, so make it about that. Have a long conversation with your Aunt Mildred (who had the deep fried turkey earlier) about her life, find out about where she grew up, people she has met. Play games with the nieces and nephews, maybe bring a holiday craft with you to do with them. Catch up with your brother or sister who you really only see on facebook because of your busy schedules. We have made the holidays about food, when they really should be about the people we share them with.
As the holiday season approaches, we here at Engine 2 are here for you! Be sure to like us on facebook as well as Rip and the team. If you are stuck or need to vent, or need some advice, get that smart phone out and write to us!
This holiday season remember that you are part of the Engine 2 family!
