I use to dread getting a dinner party invite when I first transitioned to the whole food plant-based (WFPB) lifestyle. That’s because most (ok, like all) of the invites were from omnivores. Not that I have anything against omnivores, it’s just that I was no longer among them and I didn’t want to offend them with my new way of eating.
It wasn’t long before I figured out how to navigate a dinner party with “mixed company”.
Here’s five tips on how to be a WFPB eater at an omnivores event:
1. Bring Something
One way to co-exist and not offend your omnivor host/ess is to offer to bring a dish to share. Inquire what the menu involves and offer to bring a dish. The trick is to make something that both WFPB and omnivore taste buds will enjoy. If there’s not a lot of other WFPB food available you will certainly have something to eat!
2. If Asked
My experience has taught me that most omnivore hosts genuinely want to be inclusive and want to prepare something that you can eat. Often, they simply don’t know what or how to make a WFPB dish. It’s when your host asks what they can prepare for you that you’ll need to determine how sincere they are. I’ve found that many of my omnivore hosts are a bit relieved when I inquire if I can bring something and that there’s no need to worry about making anything separate for me. Still, there are some hosts that insist that they want to prepare something that you can eat. They see this as a challenge they’ve accepted. If this is the case, be sure to make a suggestion and offer the recipe if that’s helpful to your host.
3. Graze 
If you find that the main course is not WFPB, you’ll want to graze. Load up on any appetizers or side dishes that are WFPB. You might find that your host has prepared vegetables or potatoes that does the trick. You may inquire ahead of time about the side dishes and inquire if they could be made without butter and/or oil. Many hosts are amazed to learn that oil is unnecessary, especially when sauteing side dishes. The key is to communicate early (when possible) so that your host can make adjustments in order to accommodate you.
4. B.Y.O.
In some cases, the best thing to do is to “bring your own” food. That’s right, bring your own. Sometimes due to the type of meal being planned, or the social dynamics between you and your host, it’s best to bring your own. I’ve been in situations where the host feels better if I offer to bring my own dish as they are overwhelmed with the idea of having to provide for me. I often remind these types of hosts that I am joining them for the pleasure of their company and not necessarily just for the meal. I find that I need to repeatedly reassure them that I’m fine bringing my own food and that I insist in doing so. As a result, I’ve never had an issue with my host so long as we communicate in advance.
5. Pre-Eat
There’ve been times when it makes the most sense for me to pre-eat before a dinner party or food related social event. I find that if I’m unsure if I’ll be able to find any WFPB food at the party that I know that I won’t go hungry. I also know that if I’m able to graze that I can join in with other party goers but still not have to compromise and eat something that doesn’t fit my lifestyle. All that just because I made sure to eat before I arrived. Another reason I’ll pre-eat is to ensure that I don’t go crazy and load up on desserts or other processed food especially if they’re vegan.
The bottom line on how to manage being a WFPB eater in an omnivore’s world is to communicate early with your host or hostess. When you inquire what will be served and plan accordingly you’ll find you can remain true to your lifestyle without offending your omnivore host. Providing of course that you don’t preach to them that they need to change their diet to accommodate you. Be respectful of their choice and lead by example with yours-be a gracious guest. Here are some other ideas on how to transition to the WFPB lifestyle.
Bon Appetite!
P.S. If you’re new to the plant-based lifestyle and are looking for a place to learn and gain some support and encouragement, join our free private Facebook group called Judy’s Newbies. Learn to take charge of your health and stay the course with the whole food plant-based lifestyle. Join Judy’s Newbies today!