It has been great going through this vegan journey while on vacation. This is the perfect test ground because I am not exactly in my comfort zone and this is how real life is. Who always has full control of their situation and food. We all go to parties, eat out with friends, visit family…and not everyone has the exact same diet. What has been cool is, I don’t have to just go along with how everyone else is eating, and I don’t have to feel left out.
On Friday, my dad took the day off and we hung out. He finally finished watching Fork Over Knives and he saw first hand why I changed my eating. I also got a chance to show him that you can live without meat and still be satisfied. I cooked a simple lunch of roasted potatoes and steamed asparagus for the 2 of us. Then we went grocey shopping and made dinner together: stuffed peppers and a salad. It was great. He gave it the thumbs up. 
Saturday was my birthday. YaY! Happy birthday to me! We had dinner at my parent’s house for my birthday dinner/party. It was cool because everyone was able to eat. My step mom cooked food without meat, but still had some chicken for all the non-vegans/vegetarians that came. My uncle made a birthday cake, that I could not eat, but everyone else enjoyed. And since I knew that I probably would not be able to eat any cake or (dairy) ice cream, I was proactive and bought some vegan cookies and soy ice cream for myself and my boyfriend. I also shared my ice cream with other people just so they could see that non-dairy ice cream was tasty too. I got some pretty good reviews on it.
What I have learned in this past week is that some people are OK with at least trying new things. And others won’t even notice that they are eating differently if you don’t say anything. People are just happy to eat. So if I could just figure out how to make people try stuff without them prejudging or deciding that it isn’t for them, then that would be a real win. Health is all about small changes here and there. And while I wish that people would just completely immerse themselves into healthy living, I know that some people are only ready to put a toe or 2 in the water. I will take that (for now!)
I love this post! It’s so true that most people are willing to at least try what we offer, especially if we’re not preachy about it. Happy belated birthday 🙂
Thanks Monique. I am new to this and trying not to be crazy. I do want ppl to listen and not just tune me out. I am sure that I will find a balnce btw informing and beating ppl over the head…and thanks for the birthday wish!