how do you handle social events?

[lori ann]

Hi,

I was wondering how you guys handle social events like birthday parties, christmas parties etc.. That is where I have extreme weakness and the healthly part of my brain leaves. I do decent up untill social events.

Today I went to my newphew's birthday party and ate total junk and now I am feeling it. Do you notice also that when you do go to social events everyone serves totally bad food anways.

[raweater]

I either try to see if there's something I know isn't toxic enough to make me immedaitely ill, if not I just don't eat. Sometimes I bring something, like last xmas I brought a raw lasagna so at least I could eat. Last time I went to a family member they made pasta with a really weird sauce, I got severely sick that day for about 30-60 minutes until I threw up and immediately felt fine again, so I'm not going to eat "to be polite" anymore, as I suffered quite a lot that time, even though it was 30-60 minutes, I don't want to live that again and that alone is reason enough not to poison myself "to be nice".

I'm writing a book on the fraud that conventional medicine is and the importance of a raw diet (especially considering the fact conventional medicine is fraud), hopefully my familly will start eating more raw food (the only thing they eat raw now are vegetables, but they are always dipped in more-deadly-than-smoking dip, by far negating any benefits the vegetables would have had) and maybe there will be things to eat.

I'm also trying to make the book as convincing as possible with lots of scientific evidence, what happens to food when you cook it, and what foods cause which diseases.

I will be giving this book away for free to anyone who wants it, I'm writing it in French for now (I'm in Quebec, Canada) but I will be translating it to English also.

[juliebove]

Luckily, I've never liked cake, ice cream, pizza or other junk food. So I'm not tempted to eat that stuff at a party.

My family eats a healthy diet and will accomodate me, so there's no problem dining with them.

I used to totally avoid social events that involved food. I'm diabetic and that in and of itself causes problems with being able to eat what others are eating. Now I have food allergies on top of it all. I hate it when people bend over backwards to serve foods that they think I can/will eat only to find out that I can't/won't eat what they are serving.

Staying home was easier, but I got tired of staying home. So I decided to ask the host if I could bring my own salad. That was easier than trying to find something there I could eat. If it's a potluck, I will just bring a huge veggie platter for all to share. I will usually bring some sort of dip that I don't eat. I don't find a dip to be necessary, but a lot of people do.

If it is some sort of event at a restaurant or club where I can't bring in my own food, I will just eat a pumpkin seed bar as close as I can to the time of the party and hope they will have a little green salad or something I can pick at while the others eat their dinner.

[alicia_2007]

I can take food with me if it's family.. friends I tell them how I eat and if they insist on feeding me can they please give me a green salad with no dressing..

If I'm going out I order a salad like you do, I haven't experienced someone saying we don't do or have salad so I dunno what I'd do then! I guess I'd just have to sit and not eat and try to explain to everyone why.

I was at a house today where a group of Korean's were holding a weekly meeting over lunch and they kept trying to feed me, there was about 25 people there and it was like every one of them asked and then came back to ask me again. They even brought me a plate with food on it and by that point I was starting to feel so bad about it even creating that it almost culturally disrespectful or something. But I stuck to my guns because cooked food just isn't worth it for me. I just try to be as gracious as possible so they understand I really appreciate the offer.

Not sure if that helps you in any way, but I totally get how hard it is in social situations! I reckon always go into it not hungry and try stick to your guns!:)

[StarFire]

I usually take food with me. I will make myself some mini spicy tacos or a lovely raw taco salad. I've taken enchiladas or spring rolls. I usually try to take some extra food too so that any curious people can have a nibble!

If I were allergic to a certain kind of food - people would be totally understanding ... well, my reasons for being a raw foodie goes far beyond just wanting to lose weight... but I finally realize I am worth choosing live foods filled with vibrant life and beautiful energy.

I am beyond feeling 'strange' about my decision, I am beyond 'feeling bad' about my decision... I am confident that my choice for life and health is right for me. If others are uncomfortable with that well then... gosh - then they have a problem! :D

when asked about what I'm eating - I just say I have a sensitivity to certain foods, so Im eating a raw vegan meal - would you care for a bite?
I treat it like it's nbd - and mostly -- People loove the nibbles they get and even want more-- but I'll smile and say... nooope!!!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/grin.gif

[Revvell]

I'm not a party goer so that eliminates much of the social aspect yet this is something we've discussed a LOT on Rawkin' Radio where Alissa and I told how we deal with that ~ weddings, family gatherings, etc.

I either eat ahead or bring my own and enough to share. Invariably people will want what I have. This has always happened whether I've gone to a networking meeting as a vegetarian or some other affair where I've asked they accommodate my food preferences. Even now as I co-direct a chapter of a national meeting people say ~ "I'll have what Revvell's having". I expect it.

I'm going to a gathering Wednesday evening. They are vegan, although not raw. I'm bringing a raw cobbler and possibly another dessert. I KNOW they'll have a luscious salad there at the very least.

Revvell

[subbacultcha]

I used to totally avoid situations where I would have to eat with people - show up, but after everyone would have eaten. But I've recently realised it doesn't have to be so difficult, and people really don't mind if I bring my own food. I just have a chat with whoever's organising it first and explain I don't want to bother them with my fussyness! So I bring a piece of fruit or a salad or some trail mix. Normally everyone lets me get on with it!

[raw_danceruk]

Xmas shud be raw-kin this year..

I have stuff with friends, I am making raw ravioli and marinara, raw cakes etc..

however we do have a big staff dinner dance, I have agreed to pay my £40 let whoever wants have extra food and I will eat before I go, just enjoy everyones company..not about the food at all!! Since it isnt a situation where I can bring my own..

Last time we went out with work the pub we went to made me a huge raw salad with sprouts and everything, it was amazing:o

Social events need only be an obstacle if you make them one I am finding..

RAW-K on :D

[Zaphirah]

My friend has a son who is allergic to almost EVERYTHING-including almost ALL fruits and veggies. When they go out to eat she brings a container of his food and NO ONE has ever said anything about it.

For me, I bring what I can eat, as if i am just contributing to the hostess' food-then that's all I eat. I haven't told anyone about my new lifestyle, but for thanksgiving I am going to make myself a beautiful feast. I have RIDICULOUSLY INTOLERANT inlaws, so that really sucks. I am going to bring enough for others to sample, but mostly I'm all about me. :p I'm just going to make and bring beautiful live dishes and screw my FIL with his nasty disapproval and repetitive snide comments. Screw my gmil with her "offense" taken at EVERYTHING we do. She actually gets offended that we don't let the dc eat her mashed potatoes with milk and butter-EVEN THO ALL 3 BOYS HAVE A DAIRY ALLERGY!!!!!

See? this is the point that I'm at. So far, other than the family(yet) , I simply tell people that I don't eat cooked food. They kinda look : :eek: :eek: :eek: and then say "What DO you eat?" and I say "Any fruit, veggie, nut, or seed that isn't cooked, roasted, or steamed." Then they think I'm crazy but because I say it with so much confidence they usually are very helpful and sweet or just shrug their shoulders.

[DavidZaneMason]

I eat before I leave - and bring a snack. When I arrive, I let my hosts know (if asked) that I am there to spend time with THEM....and that I am not hungry. I'm sorry if that's not enough.....and I can always let my feet do the talkin.....

-David Z. Mason

[StarFire]

I'm sorry if that's not enough.....and I can always let my feet do the talkin.....

-David Z. Mason

DavidZMason... I love the things you write!!! :D you have a way with words my rawbie friend!!!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/Snicker.gif ... Rawk on!

[amyambro1]

I always bring my own raw dishes to holidays (if it's acceptable to bring something). I offer to share it of course, but normally I end up just eating it all myself!! Then there is something there that I can eat that is delicious. For Thanksgiving, I'm bringing mock salmon pate with flax crackers and a chocolate pie. I'm hoping the fam. will like it, too.

[halikatak]

I know how you feel! Last night a few of my girlfriends got together specifically for dinner. One of them made chili and I had some :(.
I've been in the bathroom all day today.

I'm going to become the official "girl who brings the veggie tray" to all future parties from NOW ON!!!!

I am BACK on the wagon.
http://www.andreadams.com/assets/thumbnails/wagon_THUMB.jpg

[EZ rider]

I always bring my own raw dishes to holidays (if it's acceptable to bring something). I offer to share it of course, but normally I end up just eating it all myself !This is what I have found also. I bring plenty of "my" food and offer it to everyone and they look but eat SAD. I think most of them would eat greasy french fries anytime before they would eat salad.

[monkeyboy]

Yo,

Long time no chat.

Yes, it's me the world famous Monkeyboy.

Social situation.........drink the booze, it'll mask the fact that you are not eating the host's crappy food.

In the summer, I always bring a watermelon.........everyone loves watermelon.

Watermelon and vodka yummo.


peace,

M.B.

[halikatak]

Social situation.........drink the booze, it'll mask the fact that you are not eating the host's crappy food.



LOL
That's what I was going to do last night.
I guess now that someone else has suggested it - it seems AOK.

;)

[lori ann]

Thanks so much everyone for your responses. It seems the key is to be prepared and also bring your own dishes.

The social situations I speak of I choose not to avoid-they are with my family, friends and work outings. Everyone knows I eat differently-just not that my goal is to be a total raw vegan. I feel that most people do not get it. Also Raw Danceuk I liked what you said "social events are only an obstacle if make them be one."

[spiralgirl]

Revvell,

Do you know what show number it is where Alissa and you talk about handle raw at social events? It sounds like a good one I'd like to hear.