Becoming a vegetarian means a massive lifestyle change for the majority of vegetarians and as we all know, lifestyle alterations are the most difficult to make. Ceasing eating meat is as hard for most individuals as is ceasing smoking, stopping drinking alcohol or taking more exercise. However, becoming a vegetarian does not just have an impact on you, it also affects all your friends and family.
It does get easier as you become more experienced at eating alternatives and dealing with people who disagree with you, but it can get difficult in the beginning. The most difficult situations that you find yourself in regularly are: dining out with friends; going to parties and being a house guest. Perhaps being a house guest is the most difficult, if your host is not a vegetarian, so this piece is on how to be a good vegetarian house guest.
If you consume eggs, cheese and fish and drink milk, then you will not be so much of a problem to your host, but if you do not eat those things either then you will have to work harder at how to be a good vegetarian house guest. The first thing to do is make your host aware of the fact that you are a vegetarian (and what sort of vegetarian) as early as you can.
You ought to not feel guilty about being a vegetarian. After all, if you had an allergy you would not feel ashamed and you would talk about it to your host without reluctance. It should not be a problem, most people have a friend or two who is a vegetarian and anyway, your hosts will want you to enjoy your vacation, so they will do everything they can to accommodate your dietary requirements.
You ought to discuss what you can and cannot eat with your host as soon as possible after you receive your invitation. You may be able to help your hosts plan the meals or you might be able to give suggestions as to what you can have for breakfast and what you can have as snacks. Vegetarian sandwiches are a fantastic snack which anyone can prepare without any difficulty.
There might be items that you like to eat or drink that a non-vegetarian would not be plausibly expected to have in the fridge. For example, you might like soya milk or you may like a favourite spread. You cannot expect your host to have such things. It will go a long way to making your hosts feel more comfortable with your diet and it will make your stay more enjoyable as well.
If you like the idea of helping entertain your hosts and other guests, you could offer to cook a vegetarian meal for everyone. This may be a great manner of talking about your reasons for becoming a vegetarian and showing people how enjoyable vegetarian food can be.
It would also be a useful way to help your hosts with cooking for and entertaining everyone. The best way how to be a good vegetarian house guest is to muck in and strive not to become a nuisance.
Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on a number of subjects, but is now involved with vegetarian sandwich recipes. If you want to know more, just visit our website at http://vegetariancasserolerecipes.com