What would you do if a vegan guest showed up at your home?
A non-vegan friend sent me this question:
My brother’s girlfriend is going to my parent’s house this weekend for the first time. She is vegan and my mom isn’t sure what to have on hand and what to serve. I was wondering if you had any recipes I could pass along to my mom. She obviously wants to be a good hostess and provide her with food she would like. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Your non-vegan friend
Dear Non-vegan Friend,
I think your mom’s vegan guest will appreciate any effort to accommodate her food preferences. With advanced preparation, carnivores and vegans can dine together in harmony.
A quick trip to the grocery to stock a few items is a great start. Look for:
- Earth Balance butter spread
- almond, rice or soy milk (original or vanilla is a safe bet)
- hummus and guacamole
- chopped veggies and mixed greens
- fruit
- mixed nuts
- squash or sweet potatoes
- soy, almond or coconut yogurt
- Amy’s brand soups or burritos (check ingredient list: look for words like Vegan, and ‘contains no milk, egg’.
- a balsamic or Asian vinaigrette salad dressing
- cashews for garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing
A quinoa/bean salad is easy and provides plenty of sustenance and protein. A side dish of meat for those who want it can be discreetly prepared on the grill to keep the kitchen pleasant and fresh.
A quinoa/bean salad is easy and provides plenty of sustenance and protein. A side dish of meat for those who want it can be discreetly prepared on the grill to keep the kitchen pleasant and fresh.
Grilled, saute or roasted veggies go a long way and can be enjoyed with a great marinade or dipping sauce. Carnivores think of these as a side, so be sure to cook extra so there are plenty. Adding a baked potato to the mix creates a full and balanced meal.
Your houseguest would most likely be happy with oatmeal or granola with almond milk and fruit for breakfast, nut butters, hummus, salads with beans, fruits and vegetables, and nuts for lunch, and grilled or sautéed veggies with a whole grain like quinoa are for dinner. You can access lots of amazing recipes for vegans and non-vegans alike at lifeoffthelabel.com. There are many of ways to veganize just about any non-vegan recipe with non dairy milks, egg replacers, and non animal proteins, such as marinated tofu and tempeh, which are all available at a local grocer, such as Kroger. The Pembroke bakery in Fort Wayne offers lots of vegan options as well. Best wises!
FAQs
For a healthy vegan diet:
- eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.
- base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates (choose wholegrain where possible)
- have some fortified dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks and yoghurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options)
Your houseguest would most likely be happy with oatmeal or granola with almond milk and fruit for breakfast, nut butters, hummus, salads with beans, fruits and vegetables, and nuts for lunch, and grilled or sautéed veggies with a whole grain like quinoa are for dinner.
How to be vegan 101? ›
A vegan diet means you don't consume anything that comes from animals, including:
- Meat, poultry and fish/shellfish.
- Eggs.
- Dairy – including cream sauces, dressings, or condiments.
- Meat-based broths, gravies or sauces.
The bottom line. Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.
What foods do vegans avoid? ›
Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
- Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
- Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
- Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
- Eggs.
- Cheese.
- Butter.
- Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
- Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Focus on Whole Foods: Encourage individuals to prioritize whole, unprocessed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These nutrient-dense options are lower calorie density and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting weight loss and overall health.
Can vegans eat rice? ›
Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!
Can you eat bread on a vegan diet? ›
The simple answer is yes; vegans can eat bread. However, not all bread is created equal, and it's essential to check the ingredients list or labelling to ensure the bread is vegan-friendly. Some bread contains animal-derived ingredients such as eggs, milk, or honey, which are unsuitable for vegans.
Is popcorn vegan? ›
Because popcorn is just corn kernels, it is naturally vegan. However, if you're grabbing a bag from the store, make sure to check the ingredients list first. Sometimes, cheese, butter, or milk chocolate are added to liven up the simple snack, for example.
Is coffee vegan? ›
You can either buy your beans whole and grind them up at home or buy them already ground. Either way, coffee is both a vegetarian and vegan beverage because there are no animal products involved in its journey from bean to cup!
Vitamin B-12
Symptoms of deficiency can include fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite, though long term could result in the development of anaemia or neurological damage.
What are the three pillars of veganism? ›
The label 'Vegan' has evolved to generally cover the three pillars of Veganism: Health, Environment and Ethics. Someone may choose to go vegan for any or all of these reasons.
