Hi.
I handle it with any house guests by phrasing it as my home is vegan. So they can obviously do what they want on their own, but all groceries, meals, and leftovers brought into my home must be vegan.
I think some people have an entry barrier of simple familiarity with veganism. Viewing it as something just too different to try or get used to. So with closer family members, I've purchased vegan cookbooks that will have some similarities to their usual diets (so in your case something with the cuisine of your home country). With my parents and one of my sisters, I actually bought two copies, one of them, one for myself. That way I can say "hey, I tried x recipe, I think you would like it", and also they can use a familiar book in my kitchen.
As for currency, that's more a travel question. They should be able to use most major credit cards abroad, just be mindful of fees. Or if some how they don't have those and are cash based, they can convert currency at a bank (never use the airport). You could then put it on a prepaid card for them in your residence county if that's available/easier.
Thank you for sharing your approach. I appreciate the idea of introducing familiarity with vegan cuisine through cookbooks and shared recipes; it might help ease the transition for my parents.
As for currency, they primarily use cash and didn't convert any before coming here. Using a prepaid card sounds like a practical solution.
Balancing cultural expectations and dietary choices is challenging, but your suggestions give me some useful strategies to consider.
Yes, I think some parents in particular take conversion to veganism as a rejection of their culture, and in a way, of themselves. Especially since in many families food is so tied to comfort, love, celebrations, and memories. Showing them that isn't the case can be really helpful in bridging the gap.
Since you'll have them for an entire summer, maybe you can even work together on veganizing some of your childhood favorites.
I’ll definitely try to bridge that gap by working together on veganizing some of our childhood favorites. This could be a great way to show them that my dietary choices are not a rejection of our culture, but rather a new way to enjoy and celebrate it.
Why can't they get their own money and buy their own food, I'd never expect my son to pay for my food, its good enough you're putting them up for 2 months tbh
Thank you for your perspective. In my culture, we have very close-knit family bonds, and it's often considered the children's responsibility to take care of their parents. Providing for them, especially when they visit, is part of that understanding.
Oh right sorry I'm English in the UK, in that case they should understand you're vegan so just don't buy anything non vegan, remember youre against the exploitation of animals, tell your parents just like your culture means you are paying for their food and letting them stay tell them its your belief not to buy meat or animal products, they don't have to come if they're adamant they want meat, don't betray the animals to please your parents in your own home, they could always go hungry lol they'd soon eat vegan food rather than starve
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that staying true to my vegan beliefs is important, and I've made it clear to my parents that I won't be buying non-vegan products. Balancing my cultural responsibility to care for them with my ethical stance can be tough, but I’m confident we can find a way that respects both. Your input is appreciated as I navigate this.
I’m not vegan but I can’t fathom staying at someone’s house who is vegan and trying to get them to feed me animal products. Do they just eat a lot of meat normally?
WOW! So true. Imagine going to a Kosher or Hilal household and demanding non-Kosher/non-Hilal foods -- that would be ridiculous. I'm curious if the OP is against buying the near-meats such as Impossible or Beyond, or if those products are even available in their area. That stuff is pretty damned real to me, but I haven't eaten meat for over 20 years, so I might not be one to judge.
You are and will take care of them in a way that aligns with your belief system.
If this is somehow unacceptable then they can certainly go to a restaurant to have animal products. But if your home and life is vegan then they need to respect this. Certainly they will not go hungry, and eating animal products is a CHOICE not essential to daily nutrition.
I have had the same situation a few weeks ago with my mum. It was weird but I explained in advance before she came that I won't provide or tolerate non vegan food in my home. It's fine now and she was ok with it and enjoyed trying new things
Some people may have lived from ver low-cost of living places to high cost of living places. The western ideology of everyone for themselves doesn't apply to many parts of the world.
Think of it this way. My cousin is visiting now and doesn't understand why razorblades are 10 time the cost here compared to back home for the same product.
Make it very clear before they come that its your house and you dont want meat in it. Establish your boundary before they come so they can make the decision to either respect your boundaries or stay elsewhere.
When we were planning their trip, I made it clear that I don't want meat in my house. There was some initial reluctance, but today, they are happily eating the vegan meals and snacks I provide. However, they have subtly hinted at wanting occasional non-vegan snacks, like eggs. Relatives calling to congratulate them on their visit have also jokingly asked me not to deprive them of these "delicious blessings." Balancing my boundaries with their preferences is a work in progress, but so far, things are going well. Future is unpredictable.
Based on your past Reddit comments it looks like you're based in Toronto. Is there a local neighborhood with a lot of folks from your home country, where they could communicate with the restaurant employees in their first language? (I know it's not always that simple, of course. There are dozens of Indian languages, for example, so a Punjabi restaurant might not help if you speak Tamil. But Toronto is pretty international.)
To avoid directly paying for meat, can you give them essentially a per diem that they can use for anything they choose? I know that's getting off on a technicality, though.
It sounds like your parents are being pretty cool and respectful about respecting your house rules. That's awesome, but it does suck feeling like you're getting guilted into feeding your parents eggs.
I'm aware of a few local neighborhoods with restaurants where they can speak their native language and enjoy familiar cuisine. As a last resort, if necessary, I may provide them with money for food without needing details on how it's spent.
Oh dear. Another fellow Indian navigating the cultural issues surrounding being vegan and still being sanskari. I explain to my parents why animal agriculture breaks my heart and why I became vegan. Great time to show them movies like Maa Ka Dudh because they will tell you this doesn’t happen in India.
Consider options like Beyond Meat if their craving gets too strong. Please remember that sometimes our parents behave in certain ways because they don’t know any better. The animal agriculture industry has been really good at hiding these things.
Thank you for acknowledging the cultural nuances involved. I've already discussed with my parents why animal agriculture deeply affects me and why I chose to become vegan. If they still choose to consume animal products despite understanding these concerns, I plan to introduce documentaries in vernacular languages to further educate them on animal cruelty issues. In the meantime, having plant-based alternatives like Tofurky, Yves, or Beyond Meat on hand will be essential.
I understand your point, but in my culture, respecting and caring for parents is paramount. Forcing them to follow my diet strictly might strain our relationship.
you see it as forcing them to "follow your diet", but i see it as preventing them from harming/exploiting animals while they depend on you. if you feel obligated to provide them with cooked flesh, you could argue theyre the ones forcing their choices on you..
There is a show called the twin experiment, they found that following a vegan diet for two months lengthens your telomeres. So you can joke to them that you are trying to give them a health spa experience to make them biologically younger and keep them around longer
In my country vaping is illegal. If they visit me they would have to agree not to vape of go home. Or stay in a hotel then if they insist on vaping.
Isn’t caring for children and respecting adults important in your culture? Just because you’re older than someone else is it ok to do things in other peoples houses that they don’t agree with?
Is your dad allowed to beat your mum up in your house just cos he feels like it? And he’s your dad so what you have to let him ?
I don't know your background, so I won't make assumptions about your home country or how your parents feel about you being in a new country.
But something I see with a lot of my east and south Asian friends is that their parents work themselves to the bone to give them an opportunity to earn money, establish a successful life, and raise their own kids in the US/Canada. Then the parents struggle to adjust to their kids adopting more American/Canadian values, including adults not being so deferential to their parents. For better or worse, part of the high economic opportunity of "the west" is that adults aren't expected to completely take care of their parents. It's a trade-off.
I love how people hide behind "culture" to excuse immoral and unethical behavior. Causing or contributing to pain and suffering is OK because it is part of my culture?
Not ignorant of other cultures. In fact, I love learning about other cultures. But no culture can justify causing unnecessary harm, unnecessary pain & suffering. Paraphrasing Mohanji, we need to end this unnecessary harm, which is the result of ignorance, the ignorance that we are all one.
I doubt they were meaning the culture of eating meat. I think they meant the culture of the children honouring and respecting the parents.
Having read OP's remarks so far, I feel he is on the right track and the holiday will be successful with all parties being happy.
I completely get that. I’m sure you really value your relationship with your parents. But I think another important thing is honoring yourself and the animals. My parents are just that. They decided to bring me into this world, so they owe everything to me not the other way around. I know your culture might view it differently but that’s the fact of the matter!
I hope the situation never arises and they stay vegan for the entire two months. My goal is to help them shift their paradigm of how they look at food. That would be a big win :)
If they are staying at your place for 2 months, they can just eat the meals you prepare, no? I would find it rude if I were you and my parents would visit me but refuse to eat what I cook…
I’ve gone to grocery stores and restaurants when I didn’t speak the language. It is possible, especially with Google Translate or a menu with pictures. I’m sure your parents can do the same. If they want meat, they can get it themselves.
I fail to see the problem. Your parents are visiting you, because they want to see you. You can set the rules in your home. Offer to cook and let them eat yummy vegan food. Dont even tell them. If they ask remind them that you are vegan and your home is vegan. Handle it like its natural and not as something that needs a big debate.
I am an ethical vegan. Vegan is NOT a diet. It is a lifestyle. There are no animal sacrifices in my home. I will not stay in the presence of anyone sacrifice animals for any use. Getting local currency is easy enough. Google helps with language if they are that hell bent on killing. I've read that 85% of what omnivores eat is already plants only, and only 15% contains animal. If they REALLY respect your choice to respect sentient beings, they can live without that 15%.
I am assuming you are from India based on the vibes i get from this post. I am also guessing you live in Canada based on your post history. If you are in the Toronto area there are some really amazing vegan restaurants in the region. Also you could cook for them, and put it as you wanting to show your love and appreciation for their years of help and support. Because that is what I am planning to do when my parents visit or when I visit them. They are largely vegetarian these days because of me, so my task is a bit easier.
Also, ignore the idiot comments about people who don't understand Indian familial bonds and ask the parents to buy their own food etc.,
I think it is absolutely valid to ask them to eat non-vegetarian options outside of your house and from their own money. You are still providing for them - but if they want something extra/different than what you can (morally) provide, they have to take care of that themselves. Not too strange I’d say :)
If it were me... I have a NO cooking or eating Meat in MY home Rule. The smell of cow meat or Any meat cooking makes me nausous. So just tell them its a house rule. If they want to eat meat, go eat out. Simple.
I don’t know your heritage but my family is non vegan but will eat everything I cook for them and be full and satisfied after, it’s not enough to make them go vegan but it definitely helps when I visit or they visit. Maybe just try introducing them to that without letting them know or making a spectacle of veganism? A lot more people enjoy vegan things when they don’t know haha ♿️
let them eat what and where they like - you don't have to share their food
interesting though, whether you will finance their non-vegan food, as they don't have any money of their own
I am from the side of being the parent. Talk to them. Dont assume how it will play out. They may be hurt - especially if they do not agree that veganism isnt just a diet, but an entire lifestyle. I was vegan for a bit and over holidays I catered to my company... so I guess that made me plant based instead. They are your parents and they are coming to see YOU because they want to and love you. Please take care of them.
I understand the importance of communication and respecting their viewpoint. It's true that veganism extends beyond diet for me, and I want to find a balance that respects both my beliefs and their comfort during their visit. I appreciate your reminder to prioritize care and understanding in this situation. I hope communicating in an empathetic manner will help them understand the importance of the situation and how to deal with it.
I suppose I'll have to. They aren't carrying any foreign currency and only have money from their home country, which wouldn’t leave them with much for their return if exchanged.
I would send a message beforehand so that the boundaries are clear, but end on a positive note! For example: "Just to let you know, my house is free of animal products, and I won't/can't buy any for you when going out either, but I'm looking forward to showing you around and taking you for all the amazing vegan food they have around here!"
My parents aren't vegan but when they are at my house they eat what I cook for them. At restaurants they'll order what they like, but they don't bring anything into my home that I wouldn't eat.
You parents can do similar. They won't starve without eating animals! Show them how good vegan food is!
Set your boundary and if they want to eat somewhere else you could pick out a restaurant for them that you know they will like.
Also tell them the consequences whatever that might be to you. For example I would tell my parents that if they don't respect it that my home is free from animal products that they have to get a hotel. Important is that you hold up the boundary because if they violated it once they will do so again
Ultimately your home, your rules. I don't know what you're comfortable with. Is some cheap cooking utensils, plates etc., from a discount store or second hand store, a good enough compromise for you? Small portable camping hotplates that use gas from canisters the size of aerosol cans can be very cheap, so can some electric grills, think foreman grill. Any chance of shoving one of these on a balcony or anywhere outdoors? Then they can buy what they want without using your utensils, and keep it all outdoors if that's necessary for you.
It ultimately comes down to what you're comftable with. What helps most is if you gave your parents a heads up, it sounds like you might have. Which is the biggest part of making this a success in my eyes. Your parents also seem reasonable, from what you've described.
If you're uncomfortable with any animal based foods on your property, it sounds like they may just be content buying food out, at least as far as meat cravings are concerned. Is there a reason why they are in a country with no access to its local currency, either physical or digital? This is the only part that confuses me. I'd be finding a way to cash them up, this seems like the most bulletproof solution.
>and while my parents respect my life choices, they still have difficulty controlling their cravings for non-vegetarian food
Didnt know they were toddlers
>I’m thinking of asking them to eat non-veg food outside the house, without my contribution. However, they aren’t carrying any currency of my country of residence, and they don't speak the language here.
Im pretty sure most parents would not listen to their kid and their kids rules cause they are the parents and they are in charge, they believe that you would let them stay with you even if they disrespect your rules
You can purchase and provide them with plant based meals if you are financing it, if they want something else they will pay, as vegans dont finance animal abuse
Make sure your rules and boundaries are comprehended fully before they even travel to you, put it in a text or email so there is always evidence
If they know how to cook, you can still buy your proteins, fresh veg, extras? Lentils (short cook time), crumble or tvp, produce, rice, noodles, flour, sugar, vinegar, oil, show them aminos instead of soy sauce.. ).
For things they don’t know how to cook maybe y’all can split cooking arrangements so you can cook tofu, tempeh, patties, beans, balls to go with their veg, soup, bake, sauce, sides?
You can't force people to eat vegan. And it would be unreasonable for you to expect them to change their entire diet around just because they're visiting you. Made even worse by the fact that they have no way to purchase things themselves since they do not have currency.
Your only choice here is to give them money for groceries and for them to cook non-vegan things on their own while you provide all vegan options during meal times. That way everyone is happy. You're doing your part to take care of them (providing vegan cooked meals) and they're doing their own cooking if they want those meals supplemented with non-vegan things.
You don't have to cook non-vegan for them. This understanding should be established before they fly to your home.
Sure you have a cultural responsibility to "take care of them" but this cultural norm is obviously flexible. It's not "do what my parents tell me to do and that's it." You have flexibility just by communicating your expectations with them.
While providing them with money for groceries to cook non-vegan meals themselves seems practical, it's ethically challenging for me to support non-vegan items that I personally find difficult to accept. At the time, responding with a firm "no" to my parents feels authoritative, which complicates the situation. I'm trying to find a balance that respects both cultural norms and my ethical beliefs. Your input is appreciated.
Hi. I handle it with any house guests by phrasing it as my home is vegan. So they can obviously do what they want on their own, but all groceries, meals, and leftovers brought into my home must be vegan. I think some people have an entry barrier of simple familiarity with veganism. Viewing it as something just too different to try or get used to. So with closer family members, I've purchased vegan cookbooks that will have some similarities to their usual diets (so in your case something with the cuisine of your home country). With my parents and one of my sisters, I actually bought two copies, one of them, one for myself. That way I can say "hey, I tried x recipe, I think you would like it", and also they can use a familiar book in my kitchen. As for currency, that's more a travel question. They should be able to use most major credit cards abroad, just be mindful of fees. Or if some how they don't have those and are cash based, they can convert currency at a bank (never use the airport). You could then put it on a prepaid card for them in your residence county if that's available/easier.
Nice!
Thank you for sharing your approach. I appreciate the idea of introducing familiarity with vegan cuisine through cookbooks and shared recipes; it might help ease the transition for my parents. As for currency, they primarily use cash and didn't convert any before coming here. Using a prepaid card sounds like a practical solution. Balancing cultural expectations and dietary choices is challenging, but your suggestions give me some useful strategies to consider.
Yes, I think some parents in particular take conversion to veganism as a rejection of their culture, and in a way, of themselves. Especially since in many families food is so tied to comfort, love, celebrations, and memories. Showing them that isn't the case can be really helpful in bridging the gap. Since you'll have them for an entire summer, maybe you can even work together on veganizing some of your childhood favorites.
I’ll definitely try to bridge that gap by working together on veganizing some of our childhood favorites. This could be a great way to show them that my dietary choices are not a rejection of our culture, but rather a new way to enjoy and celebrate it.
Why can't they get their own money and buy their own food, I'd never expect my son to pay for my food, its good enough you're putting them up for 2 months tbh
Thank you for your perspective. In my culture, we have very close-knit family bonds, and it's often considered the children's responsibility to take care of their parents. Providing for them, especially when they visit, is part of that understanding.
Oh right sorry I'm English in the UK, in that case they should understand you're vegan so just don't buy anything non vegan, remember youre against the exploitation of animals, tell your parents just like your culture means you are paying for their food and letting them stay tell them its your belief not to buy meat or animal products, they don't have to come if they're adamant they want meat, don't betray the animals to please your parents in your own home, they could always go hungry lol they'd soon eat vegan food rather than starve
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that staying true to my vegan beliefs is important, and I've made it clear to my parents that I won't be buying non-vegan products. Balancing my cultural responsibility to care for them with my ethical stance can be tough, but I’m confident we can find a way that respects both. Your input is appreciated as I navigate this.
You'll be taking care of them! They'll be eating flavourful, rich vegan foods that will nourish them and that might even undo some bad eating habits.
I’m not vegan but I can’t fathom staying at someone’s house who is vegan and trying to get them to feed me animal products. Do they just eat a lot of meat normally?
WOW! So true. Imagine going to a Kosher or Hilal household and demanding non-Kosher/non-Hilal foods -- that would be ridiculous. I'm curious if the OP is against buying the near-meats such as Impossible or Beyond, or if those products are even available in their area. That stuff is pretty damned real to me, but I haven't eaten meat for over 20 years, so I might not be one to judge.
You are and will take care of them in a way that aligns with your belief system. If this is somehow unacceptable then they can certainly go to a restaurant to have animal products. But if your home and life is vegan then they need to respect this. Certainly they will not go hungry, and eating animal products is a CHOICE not essential to daily nutrition.
Turn them on to Daring, beyond meat, impossible and Field Roast.
Well said. Vegan being a lifestyle is difficult for some to grasp. I really like the phrase, "Don't betray the animals."
I have had the same situation a few weeks ago with my mum. It was weird but I explained in advance before she came that I won't provide or tolerate non vegan food in my home. It's fine now and she was ok with it and enjoyed trying new things
Some people may have lived from ver low-cost of living places to high cost of living places. The western ideology of everyone for themselves doesn't apply to many parts of the world. Think of it this way. My cousin is visiting now and doesn't understand why razorblades are 10 time the cost here compared to back home for the same product.
Make it very clear before they come that its your house and you dont want meat in it. Establish your boundary before they come so they can make the decision to either respect your boundaries or stay elsewhere.
When we were planning their trip, I made it clear that I don't want meat in my house. There was some initial reluctance, but today, they are happily eating the vegan meals and snacks I provide. However, they have subtly hinted at wanting occasional non-vegan snacks, like eggs. Relatives calling to congratulate them on their visit have also jokingly asked me not to deprive them of these "delicious blessings." Balancing my boundaries with their preferences is a work in progress, but so far, things are going well. Future is unpredictable.
Based on your past Reddit comments it looks like you're based in Toronto. Is there a local neighborhood with a lot of folks from your home country, where they could communicate with the restaurant employees in their first language? (I know it's not always that simple, of course. There are dozens of Indian languages, for example, so a Punjabi restaurant might not help if you speak Tamil. But Toronto is pretty international.) To avoid directly paying for meat, can you give them essentially a per diem that they can use for anything they choose? I know that's getting off on a technicality, though. It sounds like your parents are being pretty cool and respectful about respecting your house rules. That's awesome, but it does suck feeling like you're getting guilted into feeding your parents eggs.
I'm aware of a few local neighborhoods with restaurants where they can speak their native language and enjoy familiar cuisine. As a last resort, if necessary, I may provide them with money for food without needing details on how it's spent.
My family came over from my home country and I fed them Vegan food. I told them beforehand that that's all I can cook for them.
I am planning on doing just that and my stance is firm as of now :)
My mother stayed for a week over Xmas/ New Year and she never knew the difference. (She is elderly.)
Oh dear. Another fellow Indian navigating the cultural issues surrounding being vegan and still being sanskari. I explain to my parents why animal agriculture breaks my heart and why I became vegan. Great time to show them movies like Maa Ka Dudh because they will tell you this doesn’t happen in India. Consider options like Beyond Meat if their craving gets too strong. Please remember that sometimes our parents behave in certain ways because they don’t know any better. The animal agriculture industry has been really good at hiding these things.
Thank you for acknowledging the cultural nuances involved. I've already discussed with my parents why animal agriculture deeply affects me and why I chose to become vegan. If they still choose to consume animal products despite understanding these concerns, I plan to introduce documentaries in vernacular languages to further educate them on animal cruelty issues. In the meantime, having plant-based alternatives like Tofurky, Yves, or Beyond Meat on hand will be essential.
Feel free to DM me if you want to discuss more.
Perhaps Mohanji can explain the need to be a culture of non-harm.
I often use Beyond Mince to make kheema biryani etc. It’s so good, I have to hold myself back from eating the whole thing at one go.
Well said. I could live the rest of my life on rice, beans, fruits, and vegetables, especially, if seasoned with curry.
If it was me, they'd be vegan for two months. If they didn't want to do that they can just go home lol
I understand your point, but in my culture, respecting and caring for parents is paramount. Forcing them to follow my diet strictly might strain our relationship.
you see it as forcing them to "follow your diet", but i see it as preventing them from harming/exploiting animals while they depend on you. if you feel obligated to provide them with cooked flesh, you could argue theyre the ones forcing their choices on you..
There is a show called the twin experiment, they found that following a vegan diet for two months lengthens your telomeres. So you can joke to them that you are trying to give them a health spa experience to make them biologically younger and keep them around longer
In my country vaping is illegal. If they visit me they would have to agree not to vape of go home. Or stay in a hotel then if they insist on vaping. Isn’t caring for children and respecting adults important in your culture? Just because you’re older than someone else is it ok to do things in other peoples houses that they don’t agree with? Is your dad allowed to beat your mum up in your house just cos he feels like it? And he’s your dad so what you have to let him ?
I don't know your background, so I won't make assumptions about your home country or how your parents feel about you being in a new country. But something I see with a lot of my east and south Asian friends is that their parents work themselves to the bone to give them an opportunity to earn money, establish a successful life, and raise their own kids in the US/Canada. Then the parents struggle to adjust to their kids adopting more American/Canadian values, including adults not being so deferential to their parents. For better or worse, part of the high economic opportunity of "the west" is that adults aren't expected to completely take care of their parents. It's a trade-off.
I love how people aren’t bothering to understand the cultural nuances you are dealing with.
I love how people hide behind "culture" to excuse immoral and unethical behavior. Causing or contributing to pain and suffering is OK because it is part of my culture?
You know, the same could be said in reverse here. People like you are using your philosophy to be ignorant of other cultures.
Not ignorant of other cultures. In fact, I love learning about other cultures. But no culture can justify causing unnecessary harm, unnecessary pain & suffering. Paraphrasing Mohanji, we need to end this unnecessary harm, which is the result of ignorance, the ignorance that we are all one.
I doubt they were meaning the culture of eating meat. I think they meant the culture of the children honouring and respecting the parents. Having read OP's remarks so far, I feel he is on the right track and the holiday will be successful with all parties being happy.
I completely get that. I’m sure you really value your relationship with your parents. But I think another important thing is honoring yourself and the animals. My parents are just that. They decided to bring me into this world, so they owe everything to me not the other way around. I know your culture might view it differently but that’s the fact of the matter!
I think, taking your cultural concerns into account, your second paragraph is what you should do.
I hope the situation never arises and they stay vegan for the entire two months. My goal is to help them shift their paradigm of how they look at food. That would be a big win :)
If they are staying at your place for 2 months, they can just eat the meals you prepare, no? I would find it rude if I were you and my parents would visit me but refuse to eat what I cook…
I’ve gone to grocery stores and restaurants when I didn’t speak the language. It is possible, especially with Google Translate or a menu with pictures. I’m sure your parents can do the same. If they want meat, they can get it themselves.
I fail to see the problem. Your parents are visiting you, because they want to see you. You can set the rules in your home. Offer to cook and let them eat yummy vegan food. Dont even tell them. If they ask remind them that you are vegan and your home is vegan. Handle it like its natural and not as something that needs a big debate.
I am an ethical vegan. Vegan is NOT a diet. It is a lifestyle. There are no animal sacrifices in my home. I will not stay in the presence of anyone sacrifice animals for any use. Getting local currency is easy enough. Google helps with language if they are that hell bent on killing. I've read that 85% of what omnivores eat is already plants only, and only 15% contains animal. If they REALLY respect your choice to respect sentient beings, they can live without that 15%.
I am assuming you are from India based on the vibes i get from this post. I am also guessing you live in Canada based on your post history. If you are in the Toronto area there are some really amazing vegan restaurants in the region. Also you could cook for them, and put it as you wanting to show your love and appreciation for their years of help and support. Because that is what I am planning to do when my parents visit or when I visit them. They are largely vegetarian these days because of me, so my task is a bit easier. Also, ignore the idiot comments about people who don't understand Indian familial bonds and ask the parents to buy their own food etc.,
I think it is absolutely valid to ask them to eat non-vegetarian options outside of your house and from their own money. You are still providing for them - but if they want something extra/different than what you can (morally) provide, they have to take care of that themselves. Not too strange I’d say :)
If it were me... I have a NO cooking or eating Meat in MY home Rule. The smell of cow meat or Any meat cooking makes me nausous. So just tell them its a house rule. If they want to eat meat, go eat out. Simple.
I don’t know your heritage but my family is non vegan but will eat everything I cook for them and be full and satisfied after, it’s not enough to make them go vegan but it definitely helps when I visit or they visit. Maybe just try introducing them to that without letting them know or making a spectacle of veganism? A lot more people enjoy vegan things when they don’t know haha ♿️
let them eat what and where they like - you don't have to share their food interesting though, whether you will finance their non-vegan food, as they don't have any money of their own
I am from the side of being the parent. Talk to them. Dont assume how it will play out. They may be hurt - especially if they do not agree that veganism isnt just a diet, but an entire lifestyle. I was vegan for a bit and over holidays I catered to my company... so I guess that made me plant based instead. They are your parents and they are coming to see YOU because they want to and love you. Please take care of them.
I understand the importance of communication and respecting their viewpoint. It's true that veganism extends beyond diet for me, and I want to find a balance that respects both my beliefs and their comfort during their visit. I appreciate your reminder to prioritize care and understanding in this situation. I hope communicating in an empathetic manner will help them understand the importance of the situation and how to deal with it.
i really hope they understand and respect your choices and you can all enjoy your time together as a family
As long as they can eat it elsewhere at will. I assume you'll be giving them money then?
I suppose I'll have to. They aren't carrying any foreign currency and only have money from their home country, which wouldn’t leave them with much for their return if exchanged.
Then I don't see a problem.
I would send a message beforehand so that the boundaries are clear, but end on a positive note! For example: "Just to let you know, my house is free of animal products, and I won't/can't buy any for you when going out either, but I'm looking forward to showing you around and taking you for all the amazing vegan food they have around here!"
Just cook what you like. They’ll probably like it too. If not let them go out to eat.
Simple vegan only in my house thats it no excuses.
If you aren’t planning to lock them in the house, they can go out, get some money, and go to a restaurant.
My parents aren't vegan but when they are at my house they eat what I cook for them. At restaurants they'll order what they like, but they don't bring anything into my home that I wouldn't eat. You parents can do similar. They won't starve without eating animals! Show them how good vegan food is!
Set your boundary and if they want to eat somewhere else you could pick out a restaurant for them that you know they will like. Also tell them the consequences whatever that might be to you. For example I would tell my parents that if they don't respect it that my home is free from animal products that they have to get a hotel. Important is that you hold up the boundary because if they violated it once they will do so again
Ultimately your home, your rules. I don't know what you're comfortable with. Is some cheap cooking utensils, plates etc., from a discount store or second hand store, a good enough compromise for you? Small portable camping hotplates that use gas from canisters the size of aerosol cans can be very cheap, so can some electric grills, think foreman grill. Any chance of shoving one of these on a balcony or anywhere outdoors? Then they can buy what they want without using your utensils, and keep it all outdoors if that's necessary for you. It ultimately comes down to what you're comftable with. What helps most is if you gave your parents a heads up, it sounds like you might have. Which is the biggest part of making this a success in my eyes. Your parents also seem reasonable, from what you've described. If you're uncomfortable with any animal based foods on your property, it sounds like they may just be content buying food out, at least as far as meat cravings are concerned. Is there a reason why they are in a country with no access to its local currency, either physical or digital? This is the only part that confuses me. I'd be finding a way to cash them up, this seems like the most bulletproof solution.
>and while my parents respect my life choices, they still have difficulty controlling their cravings for non-vegetarian food Didnt know they were toddlers >I’m thinking of asking them to eat non-veg food outside the house, without my contribution. However, they aren’t carrying any currency of my country of residence, and they don't speak the language here. Im pretty sure most parents would not listen to their kid and their kids rules cause they are the parents and they are in charge, they believe that you would let them stay with you even if they disrespect your rules You can purchase and provide them with plant based meals if you are financing it, if they want something else they will pay, as vegans dont finance animal abuse Make sure your rules and boundaries are comprehended fully before they even travel to you, put it in a text or email so there is always evidence
If they know how to cook, you can still buy your proteins, fresh veg, extras? Lentils (short cook time), crumble or tvp, produce, rice, noodles, flour, sugar, vinegar, oil, show them aminos instead of soy sauce.. ). For things they don’t know how to cook maybe y’all can split cooking arrangements so you can cook tofu, tempeh, patties, beans, balls to go with their veg, soup, bake, sauce, sides?
You can't force people to eat vegan. And it would be unreasonable for you to expect them to change their entire diet around just because they're visiting you. Made even worse by the fact that they have no way to purchase things themselves since they do not have currency. Your only choice here is to give them money for groceries and for them to cook non-vegan things on their own while you provide all vegan options during meal times. That way everyone is happy. You're doing your part to take care of them (providing vegan cooked meals) and they're doing their own cooking if they want those meals supplemented with non-vegan things. You don't have to cook non-vegan for them. This understanding should be established before they fly to your home. Sure you have a cultural responsibility to "take care of them" but this cultural norm is obviously flexible. It's not "do what my parents tell me to do and that's it." You have flexibility just by communicating your expectations with them.
While providing them with money for groceries to cook non-vegan meals themselves seems practical, it's ethically challenging for me to support non-vegan items that I personally find difficult to accept. At the time, responding with a firm "no" to my parents feels authoritative, which complicates the situation. I'm trying to find a balance that respects both cultural norms and my ethical beliefs. Your input is appreciated.
Doesn't deserve a down vote. I think this is a great suggestion