Another question for Vegetarians: What do you do if you find yourself in a situation...?

Question

Where there are just no vegetarian options available?

For instance, where I am from (Southeast USA) most people are used to even putting meat in their vegetable dishes. So, if you go to a family gathering, for instance, where this is the situation, would you compromise, or just wait until you go home to get something to eat?

(This is similar to my last question but maybe more to the point.)

If it is my Mom doing the cooking, she normally fixes something I can eat, but more distant family members tend to forget or not take the trouble (or just not know what to do...it took me some time and effort to figure out how to cook vegetarian stuff that both tastes good and doesn't give me gas. lol)

Personally I don't care about the label 'vegetarian' at all anyway. I just want to know what fellow non-meat eaters do in this sort of situation. Just saying 'if you compromise you are not vegetarian' is not helpful at all.

Answer 1

Situation 1: Fourth of July BBQ (or other dinner party or special event)

Bring your own dish. Make some vegetarian chili, stir fry, green salad, whatever, just bring something that you know you can eat as your main course. That way your host doesn't feel like they need to bend over backwards to accommodate you, and you can avoid any embarrassing "No, Aunt Judy, I'm not eating because I'm vegetarian, I'm not anorexic." This is also fine for any dinners with another family, going to a party, any social event that's fairly organized.

Situation 2: Last Minute Party / Friend's house (You didn't/couldn't/wouldn't bring a dish?)

Salad is your friend. A salad is a fairly easy staple that almost everyone will have. That and rolls/biscuits are staples for most parties. If you're at a good friend's house, see if there is a potato you can throw in the oven (45-60 minutes) for your dinner. Potatoes are excellent, and most people should have them.

Senario 3: "Help! I'm at a PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals) buffet! I see no rolls or salad in sight and I haven't eaten in three days!"

Look for whatever has the least amount of meat (maybe pasta with red sauce and pieces of chicken or salad with something dumped on it). You're aiming for whole pieces of meat. Don't go for anything in the sauce. Then eat around the pieces (ideally pick them off your plate completly). This is a last resort though, try everything else first. Ask if there is any cereal or something you can eat (if you're at someone's house).

Answer 2

Depends why you are a vegetarian in the first place.
Vegetarians for religious reasons will not eat meat for any reason even if they are starving.
For 'love of animals' reason, it might be the same.
For 'health reasons' - In such cases it depends on the situation. If you are going to go hungry for the whole day because there is meat in all dishes it is better to adjust for one day and go with the flow. If frenched fries are the only vegetarian option, it is better to eat a light dish with meat.
Also many times I end up eating some sandwitches by removing the meat and keeping in the veggies it came with.

If this becomes a regular problem then carry fruits with you. I sometimes also carry sandwitches.

Answer 3

Definitely don't give in and eat meat! Don't compromise your beliefs and choices for other people!

Next time a situation like that occurs, call whoever is cooking and ask if they can make a vegetarian dish for you. If not, bring something yourself! I'm a vegan, and I bring my own dishes to every family affair I go to, because I usually can't eat anything there. Either bring something for everyone to share, or just a little something for your own plate. It's the best choice! Good luck! :)

Answer 4

I eat what is there that has no meat in it, even if it is just a roll. Just on Christmas Eve every dish where I was had meat in it except some scalloped potatoes and cheese and crackers, I had that until I got home. If I was REALLY hungry and getting sick from it, I would ask if they had any bread I could have, or if I wasn't comfortable enough to do that and there was something there I could pick the meat out of I would do that.

Answer 5

I always plan ahead. Its rare that there are absolutely no meat free foods somewhere; usually there is bread, veggies and dip, etc. If I don't think there will be much of a meat-free selection I will eat a little something beforehand so I'm not hungry watching other people eat. If I can pick meat out of any dish I usually will do that too. Also, I bring meat-free dishes if everyone is bringing something; then I'm guaranteed to have something I'm okay with!

Answer 6

That is a question only you can answer for yourself. I would just eat a roll if possible and wait. Sometimes I eat before I go to certain functions if I know it might be a problem. If you have nice family members they might make something for you without meat, or maybe they could put the meat on the side for things like salad. Good Luck, it can be challenging.

Answer 7

I have never been in a situation where I've considered compromising and eating meat. While it's very inconsiderate for your family not to think of you, it's ultimately your responsibility to make sure you're fed. If I think I'm going to have a hard time getting something to eat, I eat before I go, stash an Odwalla bar in my purse or bring a dish I know I'll enjoy.

Answer 8

I live in South Texas, so it's really pretty bad here. But I take it as an excuse to eat more of the vegetarian sides that are usually available (I take in dairy products too, so there are usually cheesy things I can eat), and that usually tides me over for the time being until I go home and eat something more to my liking.

I'm a picky eater, I just learn to eat what suits me and get something else at home later.

Answer 9

If you are a strict vegetarian, don't compromise.. just wait it out. eat appetizers if they have them and dessert... If there are side dishes, partake in those as well.. This happens a lot of times with me, and I just eat what I can and if I am still hungry on my way home I pick up something..

Answer 10

I just try to be polite (I'm from the SE, as well) and eat what I can. Very often, this means that the beans, greens, salad, and just about everything else are ruled out, but that's the way that it goes. I don't ask for any special treatment and I don't want anyone to go to extra effort for me. Eat some bread, snacks, or whatever you need to eat to tide you over and be proud of who you are.