Eating Out

Written by LaTara Ham-Ying on July 11, 2007 at July 11th, 2007

Summer time is the time for attending family reunions, weddings, outings, and other gatherings where food will be a star. When you are a vegan it is important to know ahead of time what to expect where food is concerned, so that you are not shocked when you arrive.

Eating out at a restaurant is become easier for vegans with healthy living taking front and center in America and more people jumping the meat ship. You can often go into a restaurant and find a section just for vegans or vegetarians. If you ask, the chef will often work with you in creating a vegan friendly meal. Chinese, Indian, African and other ethnic restaurants all have vegan menus.
If you are going to an event such as wedding, ask ahead of time what will be served or if there will be vegan friendly dishes. This way you will know if you need to eat before going. Or if you are going to a more relaxed or potluck type of event you can volunteer to bring a dish or two.
What about the kids? If they are invited over to a friend?s house for a day at pool, how can you make sure that they will eat what they are accustomed to?

Rule number one is to always ask.

The next thing you should do is volunteer to bring food that is similar to what is being served. This way your child will not feel like an outcast and may some of his friends will enjoy what you bring.
It is important that you explain to your child why they need to adhere to the diet they are used to. Explain the dangers of illnesses when we eat food that our bodies are not used to.

Eating out does not have to be a chore. I love eating out and enjoy trying new dishes that I have never tried before. Of course you have to be cautious when you eat out. As a matter of fact you have to be smart when you eat in.

The main thing to remember is that you have the power to make informed educated decisions in your food choices.

This article was originally published in the Vegan Family Recipe Ezine.