Guest guest Posted May 15, 2008 Report Share Posted May 15, 2008 Hi! Been busy. The topic is very interesting and is truly a concern to us vegetarians. Definitely difficult for new ones, but for me and some of us who have been vegetarians for quite a while, some of the following have worked: 1. I tell people honestly with a smile, " Thank you. But sorry I can't take take that. It has been mixed with the meat dishes. And I really don't take meat. " 2. I take the offered plate of food if I am forced to accept it just to be polite. I put it in front of me and continue conversing with the people on the table. I keep the plate of food on the table without touching it. 3. When some people notice I don't touch the food on the plate and ask why not when it's vegetarian (and I know very well that it has been mixed with meat, as in a grill, etc.), I say " I ate so I am just feeling myself if I am still hungry. Please give me time. " 4. I accept the plate of food offered, put it in front of me on the table, wait for a few minutes, excuse myself so I can go to the restroom (CR), then go to another table. Sometimes I come back, get my plate, excuse myself, go to another set of friends with my plate, then offer the plate to another person without explanations but simply asking " Wanna try some? " 5. When some friends notice what I do, they become my allies and explain to others that " She's vegetarian and she can't eat anything that's been mixed with meat, etc or has been cooked in meat oils .. " 6. When some still ask me why I can't and if I really don't, I reply " I am usually strict but sometimes when I happen to eat foods that contain what I usually don't eat (like garlic, onions, etc.) I get allergies. " Or, " My immune system is a little low this time, I have to be a little careful. " 7. When others persist asking why, then they are truly interested in knowing why. Usually these are the ones who don't pass judgment but are really interested in knowing more. This also becomes a really interesting time for exchanging ideas on food, nutrition and a lecture (Ha!Ha! so be prepared if you want to do this!) on why I am vegetarian. This polarizes people so some people stay and some people don't. This is when my choice of being vegetarian becomes an advocacy. When time is short and I don't want to be a pest in a party or gathering, I just tell those interested that I will invite them to a veggie party when there's one so that they can have a taste of the tasty vegetarian foods that I and my veggie friends can offer. 8. I find some time to be alone with the one who had the good will of offering/preparing for me vegetarian food. I thank the person. I invite her for a lunch some time, and make friends. Hope this helps. Ofel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2008 Report Share Posted May 16, 2008 Thnaks for all the input on this topic. I was trying to figure out why I am one of those who can still pick meat off off a dish only when needed, like at someone elses house. and I never even thought about worrying about if the food was cooked on the grill with meat. I figured it came down to the fact that even though my reasons for not eating meat are ethical, it's personal, however I am realizing it is also because I don't have ANY vegetarian friends, never really have and I've been for almost 10 years! so I think I feel like I don't want to be a hassel to people. Most people always gauk " what do you eat! " to which I reply EVERYTHING except meat! So anyway, it's nice to finally hear opinions and support from other vegetarians! Thanks! ~Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2008 Report Share Posted May 16, 2008 I usually tell them, I eat everything you don't eat? I don't know many eating quinoa, wheatberries, red lentils, beet tops, celery root, rutabagas, fennell root, rainbow chard, etc. Donna Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile " Deann " <deannmt Fri, 16 May 2008 19:56:40 To: Re: Re: How To Be Polite Oh my goodness, I could have written this exact email! I have also been a vegetarian for ~14 years, with absolutely no vegetarian friends! I get the exact same question: " What do you eat? " and I respond with the exact same answer you do....EVERYTHING except meat! That's too funny, thanks for letting me know I am not alone. When we go out to eat with friends they always comment, " ...but what is she going to eat? like it is impossible for me to find anything at all to eat in a restaurant! Sometimes I get tired of it, but I just keep simling. Deann p.s. i love all the recipes too, keep them coming please - mylameoww @ <%40> Friday, May 16, 2008 12:08 PM Re: How To Be Polite Thnaks for all the input on this topic. I was trying to figure out why I am one of those who can still pick meat off off a dish only when needed, like at someone elses house. and I never even thought about worrying about if the food was cooked on the grill with meat. I figured it came down to the fact that even though my reasons for not eating meat are ethical, it's personal, however I am realizing it is also because I don't have ANY vegetarian friends, never really have and I've been for almost 10 years! so I think I feel like I don't want to be a hassel to people. Most people always gauk " what do you eat! " to which I reply EVERYTHING except meat! So anyway, it's nice to finally hear opinions and support from other vegetarians! Thanks! ~Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2008 Report Share Posted May 16, 2008 Oh my goodness, I could have written this exact email! I have also been a vegetarian for ~14 years, with absolutely no vegetarian friends! I get the exact same question: " What do you eat? " and I respond with the exact same answer you do....EVERYTHING except meat! That's too funny, thanks for letting me know I am not alone. When we go out to eat with friends they always comment, " ...but what is she going to eat? like it is impossible for me to find anything at all to eat in a restaurant! Sometimes I get tired of it, but I just keep simling. Deann p.s. i love all the recipes too, keep them coming please - mylameoww Friday, May 16, 2008 12:08 PM Re: How To Be Polite Thnaks for all the input on this topic. I was trying to figure out why I am one of those who can still pick meat off off a dish only when needed, like at someone elses house. and I never even thought about worrying about if the food was cooked on the grill with meat. I figured it came down to the fact that even though my reasons for not eating meat are ethical, it's personal, however I am realizing it is also because I don't have ANY vegetarian friends, never really have and I've been for almost 10 years! so I think I feel like I don't want to be a hassel to people. Most people always gauk " what do you eat! " to which I reply EVERYTHING except meat! So anyway, it's nice to finally hear opinions and support from other vegetarians! Thanks! ~Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 Just a thought for those of you who think that eating food cooked with meat is not a health issue. The vast majority of food poisoning incidents are caused by contamination from contact with meat. You should treat any meat product with suspicion, I would never allow a meat product in my fridge or near anything which is to be eaten, it would be like putting a piece of animal manure in with my food. The entities which cause CJD are not killed by normal domestic cooking. If I am offered food which has been near meat I can't help thinking about the diseases that it may carry. That's enough to put me off eating it, and politely decline. Dianne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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