What do vegetarians even eat at Thanksgiving dinner?
If you're a vegetarian, you've probably had a similar experience. On top of these internal struggles, every family member, still somehow baffled by why and how you became vegetarian, questions your life decisions. If you're not a vegetarian, here is your guide on what not to say to your veggie friend/family member during the holiday season.
Believe it or not, there's more to life than turkey and ham. I may not eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in your mind, but mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and vegetables also exist. Plus there are hella vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes online.
Are you still doing that vegetarian thing?
Yup, my morals, values, and life decisions haven't changed since Easter, thanks for asking. Can't wait for you to ask again on Christmas.
There's chicken broth in the stuffing.
This is more heartbreaking than anything. I f***ing love stuffing. Please don't take it away from me when I've been looking forward to it for a year now.
Do you want any *insert dish that relative labored over for hours here*?
I'm really sorry, but I'm not changing my diet for your casserole. I don't want to break your heart, but sadly, I must turn this down.
6. My friend who has been vegetarian for like 6 months eats meat on holidays. You should try that.
I will eat this, but mainly out of guilt. Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy you thought about me, but sketchily beigish-brown chewy fake meat isn't exactly my ideal Thanksgiving dinner.
Okay. That's his/her personal decision. I've been vegetarian for years now, and the idea of breaking that streak for one meal just isn't that appealing. Again, I'm not changing my life decisions for one meal. I'm also pretty sure my body would reject meat at this point.
*Lists everything on the table I that can eat*
It is good to know that the coleslaw has bacon bits in it and there's chicken broth in the casserole. But yes, I realize I can eat steamed broccoli and carrots. Thanks for letting me know.
*Points to salad* "There's something you can eat!"
This is worse than pointing to everything I can eat. I do like salad. I do not subsist on salad alone. Contrary to popular belief, I need more than lettuce in my diet. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to stuff my face with bread.
*Judgmentally watches me eating 5 slices of pie*
Just because I am vegetarian does not mean I avoid dessert. Quite the contrary. I'm also treating myself because it's a holiday and probably about to go get more. After all, the best part of Thanksgiving dinner for me at least is the dessert.
If you are vegetarian, brace yourself for each of these comments to return with the feast that is holiday season, because I promise that if you haven't hear them yet, you will. And if you have, you'll hear them again. And again. For all you meat lovers out there, please, I beg of you, don't ask questions and just let me eat my dinner.