The Dos and Don'ts of Feeding Vegetarians and Vegans










By Stepfanie Romine, author of "Easy Vegan Meals by SparkPeople: The No-Stress, No-Guilt Way to Reap The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet"


  • DO be honest. Please don't try to sneak meat, broth, or seafood into the food. If you put bacon in the broccoli salad, chicken broth in the risotto, or lard in the pie crust, tell your guests.

  • DO invite them. I would have invited you, but I didn't think you'd...feel comfortable, eat anything I served, enjoy yourself, etc. Even a serious lack of veggie-friendly food isn't going to stop the fun if the people and atmosphere are warm and inviting. When I became vegan, one of my closest friends stopped inviting me to dinner parties, and it stung.

  • DON'T apologize. You eat cheese. Some people don't. You don't have to apologize for eating animal products in front of most vegetarians, as long as you...

  • DON'T make a big deal about it. Vegans and vegetarians have various reasons for not eating meat, but some of those reasons might not be ideal dinner table or cocktail party discussions. Perhaps save the discussion for another time.

  • DON'T be afraid to ask questions. Ask what foods your guest eats and likes. Perhaps you'll find a new family favorite or elevate a vegetable from side dish to entrée status.

  • DO ask your guest to bring a dish. Most vegans and vegetarians have plenty of experience cooking for themselves. Let them bring food to share, if they wish. Many will do it without being asked.

  • DON'T be offended if he brings food. Many vegetarians don't want to complicate your duties as host. They will often bring something they know they can eat and share with others, so don't take it personally.

  • DO cook enough food. Make sure there is enough of the veggie dish for everyone to try (because they will) and for the non-meat eaters to take seconds.

SparkRecipes.com editor Stepfanie Romine is a certified yoga teacher and co-author of "The SparkPeople Cookbook: Love Your Food, Lose the Weight." A vegan and runner, she has lived and cooked on three continents.

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