Photo credt: Nathan Godding
It seems like we vegetarians and vegans do a lot of explaining. From the innocuous questions about recipes, tips, and restaurants from the veggie-curious to the outright challenges from friend, family, and others who simply do not “get” our lifestyle and dietary choices. When you go meatless, it seems that you also have to be prepared to do some talking. I call it “evegalism” and a little bit of the green gospel never hurts. However, there is a better and more effective way to expose folks to our meat-free ways – share a meal with them!
Everybody likes to eat. That is one point on which omnivores and herbivores alike can agree. We love food . . . especially good food. It is one of the bases of our existence and we certainly make the most of it. One of the most beneficial aspects of our culinary culture is the few things can bring diverse people together like food. Special occasions, business meetings, reunions, and even political summits usually include a lot of it. Folks may disagree on many things, but the need to eat is never one of them. The next time you get tired of either answering questions about or even defending your meatless existence, try hosting a summit of your own. Share a tasty, healthy vegetarian meal with the curious and the naysayers and watch how fast unlike minds and hungry bellies can agree.
Now I am not saying that vegetarian meals are the answer to all the world’s conflicts and differences. Sharing food is certainly a step in the right direction, however. In today’s inter- and over-connected world, every little bit helps. As Buddhist teacher Sharon Salzberg so beautifully wrote,
The Buddha said that when we offer someone food, we’re not just giving that person something to eat; we’re giving far more. We’re giving them strength, health, beauty and clarity of mind, even life itself, because none of those things is possible without food. We’re offering the stuff of life itself.
If there is one thing that I have truly come to believe in my advancing years, it is that it is often better to show than tell. When I want to teach somebody something or make a point they will remember, I provide a living demonstration and involve them in it. When it comes to the way I eat, this is easy. No one is going to turn down a meal. Just hearing one meat-eating friend compliment a dish I have prepared makes me feel accomplished . . . almost vindicated. You too can make a difference simply by sharing a meal. Here are some tips:
1. Cook It Yourself:
If you enjoy cooking, as many vegetarians do, invite friends and family to your place for an evening of veggie exploration. Make some of their favorite dishes, but without the meat. In his iconic play, Macbeth, Shakespeare wrote, “Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives.” You do not have to put words aside for an evening, just back them up with something hot and delicious. Most folks who say they could never be vegetarian have never even tried our food!
2. Take Them Out:
Not much of a chef? That is OK. Take your friends out to a meal. In addition to a growing number of excellent vegetarian restaurants, more and more restaurants these days are offering meatless specialties. Just make sure that you do the ordering if you are not in a veggie joint! Sometimes, you just need to expose people to a menu item that they would not normally have chosen. If you are not sure where to go, there are great resources like DiscoverVeggie that can help you find a restaurant with exciting, meat-free selections.
3. Get Social:
If you are really looking to promote vegetarian eating and cooking in your area, go the social networking route. Form a group or social club for dining out, sharing recipes, and even dining in. It is easy to do. You would be surprised just how many people out there are looking to interact with others living the vegetarian / vegan lifestyle. They are just waiting for an invitation. Meetup, for example, has almost a thousand vegetarian and vegan groups you can join with your friends. Social dining start-up Grubwithus too is host to an exciting new vegetarian network named VeggieGrubbers. The opportunities are almost endless!
When you get tired of talking the talking, sharing a meal is the best way for vegetarians and vegans to actually walk the walk. It is the best way I have found to bring around family and friends and open their minds to my meat-free existence. Though it has not been my goal, I dare say that I have even won over some converts. These days, when it comes to teaching others about the benefits of a plant-based diet, I seldom proselytize. Instead, I hand them a fork and a plate and let the food do the rest.