How do vegetarians handle Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving can be awkward for vegetarians - especially when you're the only one at the table. Our daughter Elyse, 14, is the only vegetarian in our entire extended family—she'll share a meal with 30 carnivores again this Thanksgiving.

Here are 10 tips for dealing gracefully with this potentially uncomfortable situation:

1. Remember, Thanksgiving is really not about turkey anyway! Focus on family and friends, not just food - good advice for all of us.
   

2. Depending on the age of the child or teenager, the parent may want to call ahead and politely ask about the menu. (Elyse's grandmother brought stuffing for Elyse. I love the sign: "Do you know what turkeys are thankful for at Thanksgiving? Vegetarians!"
   

3. Don't expect the hostess to cook a separate meal but be sure to ask if it's ok if you bring your own entrée. There are great tofu turkey substitutes available now. Don't forget veggie gravy!
   

4. It can be kind of hectic right before the meal so come prepared with your vegetarian entrée already in a small baking dish, ready to pop in the oven with no fuss.
   

5. Consider starting a new tradition of having a protein-rich soup or stew made with beans (there are several ideas in Veggie Teens). Serve it in a hollowed out pumpkin, squash or bread bowl.
   

6. You may want to offer to bring the stuffing so you can make it without chicken broth or sausage.
   

7. Select from the side dishes but ask whether turkey broth, bacon, lard or other hidden animal products were used.
   

8. You can also volunteer to bring a great side dish like Lemony Green Beans with Almonds, Glazed Carrots or another vegetarian recipe from Veggie Teens that you know you'll love.

9. If someone is being pushy about eating the turkey or asking rude questions about your choice, politely say something like, "I am responsible for what I put into my body."

10. The most important thing is to treat others with respect and they'll usually do the same.
    
    Being vegetarian in a mostly non-vegetarian culture is really a year-round issue. Give your teenager responsibility for what they eat and use it as an opportunity to learn how to handle challenging social situations.
    

Michelle (mom of a veggieteen)
Michelle May, M.D.

Comments

[Reed Mangels, PhD, RD]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Our immediate family is all vegetarian but we frequently celebrate Thanksgiving and other holidays with non-veg families and friends.

[Charlie Fields]

bread bowls are such a great idea!! i always forget to make them