When invited out--what do?????

[blizzardfrisbee]

What do you all do when invited out to a non raw fooders' house?? Do you tell them when you are invited that you only eat raw food-- see what they are preparing? Then do you bring your own and enough to share with them? Just curious how you all do this.

I was talking to a friend from Mass. and she has all these excuses for not going raw--that was one of them. Funny thing is--I haven't preached to her that she should go raw-instead told her why I'm going raw. But she had a bunch of reasons why she never could.

For me it is to have control of my health--I could see it going out of control. Arthrtis developing. had kidney stones in the past, 2 benign cysts-- and I"m not doing meds and letting my body destroy itself.

Anyway--any pointers you all can give will be great!! :)

[Tenuviel]

Does your friend serve a large salad before the main course? You could always eat it as the main meal, maybe bring an avocado for the dressing? You could also bring a large fruit salad for everyone to eat at dessert... always a hit ;). Usually I don't have this problem, because the only people that invite me to dinner are my parents, who totally don't care if I bring my own food.. growing up my younger brother and sis went veg, and wiht my celiacs, meals always got modified. The above works great going out to a restaurant too :)... I usually have an avocado stashed in my purse, and a lot of times a pint of raspberries. Restaurant house salads are usually really lacking, so a bit o' fruit and avo really improves things, plus you can still order off the menu:)

oh.. you could also tell her there are certain things you are unable to eat, healthwise, if you want to go that route... just make sure there is plenty of notice for the hostess... sometimes just being up front with someone is the best thing... but put feelers out there first and see what the vibe is lol. Most people that are hosting a dinner, want to make sure that their guests are actually able to eat what they prepare. I know, that if I was having people over for dinner, and I made all of these nut dishes unknowingly, and one of the people was allergic to nuts, I would feel sad that they wouldn't be able to eat my food.

[RawKnitster]

I ask if I can bring something and how many people are coming. I prefer to not make a fuss and make myself and my food the center of attention. If I can slide in under the radar in a large group buffet style, no problem. If it is a sit down dinner or a small group, then I am upfront with the hostess. There was one time when I brought a small salad for myself only. It felt weird and uncomfortable, especially when one person commented on how good it looked. Now I bring enough for everybody. Even though many don't eat what I bring, I feel better about having what I'm eating on the table for anyone that wants it.

I've been raw so long now, everybody knows. When getting the invitation they ask me to bring a salad. I don't let them go to the trouble of making something for me because they don't understand the rules. There is always something cooked in their efforts. One friend made me a ceasar salad complete with croutons and cheese. More recently a friend that should have known better made me a special salad containing cooked bulgar wheat and soy beans. She thought it would be okay because the soy beans were only boiled for 3 minutes. ;)

I don't know why friends feel compelled to tell me why they can't go raw. I'm not asking anybody to.

You will be glad you found raw foods. Disease starts with inflammation. Raw is strong medicine against inflammation. Healthy regards!

[michigan roman]

for me i dont say anything and just bring my own salad and leave in vehichle

many times i dont eat , or if theyve something i eat i'll eat that

or if i feel like eating i'll bring my salad in . and no i dont worry about bringing extra for others unless im in that mood and have a good fresh supply of everything so bring a big supply of it for everyones health sake

[blizzardfrisbee]

Thank you sooooooooooooooooo much --that was very helpful!

[sport]

I take my own everywhere (even to restaurants and weddings).
This is my body and I am the only one that can decide what goes in to it. The possibility of doing otherwise does not even arise.
Once you have made a decision life gets very uncomplicated and people do not try to influence you unless they see you ditthering over a decision.

[blizzardfrisbee]

Sport-- that is exactly how I feel too-- this is my body! The one thing I am very good at is making a decision and sticking with it. I do not waver!! I keep telling my Mass. friend that I WILL not be doing anything but raw from now on and I won't be!! Went to dinner at my mother in law's house last night---she made me a huge salad--it was good. I did have to pick out the eggs though! :) My husband and I made a trade--- he got my eggs and I got his celery!! :)

[revdrcyn]

I let them know that I only eat raw food but not to go to any trouble for me. I also offer to bring something. Even if they say no, i usually bring either an appetizer or dessert. No one can resist my pâté and krackers, much less a yummy pie or cobbler!