Social and Hungry

I absolutely love food! For me, it has always been more than just what you eat when you're hungry or a way to get the nutrients your body needs. It will never be simply what is on my plate or in my bowl.

Food allows me to experience places that I have yet to visit. From a young age, Italian food has had my heart, and I mastered manicotti around the age of 12. The first time I visited Italy and ate the food, my mouth rejoiced.

I have never tasted a fresher tomato or basil in my life. Take me back please!

Food helps me connect with people, whether we've been friends for ages or became acquainted upon a chance encounter. A meal is so much better with great company.

So when I adopted a plant-based diet, I was disappointed that eating at a restaurant became one of my biggest challenges. Now before even suggesting a restaurant, I typically spend about 30 minutes poring over menus to see if there are any options for me. Places that claim to have healthier choices or be accommodating to people with allergies often leave me wanting for more.

I've tried to explain what it means to be plant-based, but that seems to be far too complicated. I found asking for the vegan-friendly options to be the most successful strategy. I can often modify an item by removing the cheese or substituting the meat for extra veggies. But I still get offered options with meat or dairy though.

Seriously, why is dairy in almost every single item on a menu?

What really bothers me though is when I get a server or manager who tries to steer me toward a salad.  Don't get me wrong, some places have really, amazing salads. But I didn't go out to eat to order a salad, and contrary to popular belief, my diet does not consist of only salads. When I do have them, I actually prefer making my own because I control the ingredients.

So why don't you just stay home if you're going to be this difficult?

I do most of the time. It's perfectly fine with me because I enjoy cooking. But sometimes, my husband actually wants to go out. I also can't always invite friends over for lunch or dinner either.  So I tend to stick to restaurants that offer plant-based items or have a separate menu for allergens. This works great for me. I have options, and I get to enjoy my food without having to ask for many modifications.

But the second I mention a vegan restaurant to some of my other dinner guests, I'm met with complaints or immediate contest to my suggestion. So I suck it up for the group and say I'll find something. This has landed me in one of two places.

 1. Sipping a cup of hot water with lemon while eating nothing

Pros: My bill is only a tip. I won't get sick from something we didn't realize was in the dish.

Cons: I didn't eat. The people I'm with feel bad that I couldn't eat anything.

2. I order something on the menu that is ridiculously overpriced for what I'm getting or not actually a meal.

Pros: I ate something while enjoying time with friends.  I probably won't get sick.

Cons: I just paid $15 for hummus with pita, olives, and cucumber or $20 for a salad. I may have only eaten fries... unless they're cooked in duck fat or beef broth. I get frying in either option adds a new flavor, but that's often the one thing I can eat. It's terribly frustrating when I can't even eat those.

I decided to write about this experience because it may happen to you. I don't want you to be discouraged. Don't give in and decide that you should just eat whatever so you don't feel isolated. It won't be worth it later. If I know I can't eat at the place someone else chose, I'll eat before or plan to find something afterwards.

Remember it is about the experience and spending time with friends or family. Find a way to enjoy the fellowship and incorporate food in a manner that works for you.