Chicken, fish, or neither?

As a (mostly vegan) vegetarian I’ve learned to eat before I go to weddings.  However, over the past few years more and more venues are evolving their menus in recognition of the growing population of compassionate, plant-strong eaters.  

I attended two weddings in the past week and ate like a Queen.  Furthermore, my plate was the envy of many of my carnivorous table-mates.   They said that while a filet sounded good 2 months prior, an hour of cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres left them craving something lighter for dinner.  Enter my stuffed pepper and lentils on the first night, and my roasted vegetables and potatoes on the second.  Both of which were actually quite good, and not just thrown together so the caterer could say they offer a veggie dish. 

I’m always conscientious about being “high-maintenance” concerning my diet when I go to events – especially at someone else’s wedding where the focus shouldn’t be on me.    However, I’ve found that there are discreet ways to get a healthy dinner without inconveniencing anyone.   Here are two typical scenarios and how I deal with them:

1.  If the invitation gives you 2 or 3 choices, most likely none of them are vegan.   When this happens, I send back my card with a note that reads, “Please don’t worry about a meal for me, as I follow a vegan diet (or vegetarian…or whatever applies,) and I don’t want you to spend money on a meal that will go uneaten.  I’ll be quite content with the salad, good company, and of course a glass of wine!”   While I truly mean this, each time I’ve done this the bride ordered a vegan meal anyway because she wanted her guests to be happy and comfortable.   

2.  Sometimes you are given a choice once you’re seated at the table.  Here’s what I do:  When the server comes around I quietly ask “I don’t want to be an inconvenience, but do you by any chance offer a vegetarian/vegan option, OR if not, could I possibly get a plate of what you are serving without the meat?”  (In other words, just the veggies,potatoes,etc.)  I have yet to be somewhere that they aren’t able to accommodate without hesitation.

Even with all of the positive experiences I’ve had, I don’t take anything for granted so I always carry a baggie of nuts or a snack bar in my purse.  And, if there happens to be some veggie hors d ‘oeuvres during the cocktail hour I make sure to partake so I’m not starving when dinner begins.   

My next hope for the future of catering is that all event venues will offer soy milk for coffee.   Or, maybe non-dairy milk should be offered in the same size as those little airplane liquor bottles.  This way a “low-maintenance” vegan coffee drinker such as myself can carry one in her clutch handbag!

Rehydrate - Summer Style!

Okay, I received so many emails about the sports drink I made for the Body Combat launch last week I thought I’d share it with everyone. While I’ve made slightly more elaborate drinks in the past, this one is so simple I almost feel silly writing about it, but here goes; it’s a 50/50 mix of coconut water and watermelon juice. That’s it!

I stumbled upon this by accident one day when I ended up with a huge puddle of juice at the bottom of a melon after scooping out chunks for a fruit salad. I put a strainer over a glass to catch the seeds, and emptied the shell of its juice. Adding some ice or seltzer water would have been a treat in of itself, but since I always keep a stash of coconut water in the fridge I mixed them together, and was mighty pleased with the outcome.

Sports drinks are not necessary unless you are working out intensely for an extended period of time, however, this is a refreshing treat after training – especially on a hot summer day. I also tend to water it down, which allows me to drink more while stretching the calories.

You’ll notice I juiced an entire watermelon to get this quantity shown in the picture. I was making it to be consumed that evening. For all practical purposes you’ll end up with maybe 8-12 ounces that will allow you to fill a reusable bottle with the 50/50 mix. If you end up keeping it in the fridge for more than a day, you might notice the watermelon juice begins to taste a bit like the rind. If it tastes too bitter add a small drizzle of Agave or sweetener, shake, and you’re good to go!   Also be sure to serve it cold. 

You’ll get the electrolytes and carbs needed to rehydrate and refuel without the additives, chemicals, and loads of sugar in commercial sports drinks. Your kids will love it too!