I asked last week about sweets and ethical food choices over the holidays and your answers were inspiring: moderation, home made treats rather than scary grocery store ones, exercise... So by the sounds of things, a lot of us manage to maintain a relatively healthy food lifestyle at this time of year.
So here's another question: how do you integrate your family, friends, etc... and their food choices with yours come Christmas time? Becky mentioned her family thinks she's nuts in sourcing her food. While she tries to stay off her soapbox, she makes concessions in what she eats while her family accommodates her eating habits.
I know from personal experience what the challenges can be whilst trying to eat ethically in a larger family setting. A couple of years ago I hosted Christmas and of course, my turkey had to be organic and locally raised. It was also 4 times the financial cost of battery-raised birds. But I knew the animal was treated well and I wasn't ingesting copious amounts of hormones and antibiotics. When we're all running out and buying ridiculous presents, wrapping paper, alcohol, etc... The expense a happy bird costs me is okay because I know it's nourishing me, it tastes better and it certainly feels better. In essence, it's value is worth more than the ridiculous consumption that the holidays can often become.
But what do we do if we aren't the ones hosting? I know when I go to my parent's house for Christmas dinner, I'm eating a mass-produced bird and there isn't a locally organic dish on the table. I'm not saying it isn't delicious - it is. But how do you juggle these dilemmas? Is your family willing to meet you half way as Becky's does? Do they support and enable your choices? Or do you check those at the door along with your snow-covered Winter boots?
Speaking of supporting your choices - what a great week of link ups we had last week! Highlights include:
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| Roasted Butternut Squash with Apples and Manchego Cheese via MJ's Kitchen |
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| Eat More Eggs - Easy to Make Affordable Nutrition via Granny's Vital Vittles |
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| Cheeseapalooza: Mozzarella via Cheap Ethnic Eatz |
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Hey Kristy,
ReplyDeleteWhen we aren't the host we offer to bring the organic bird or pay for it. Our relatives know it is important to us and they can at least agree that the taste of the fresh bird is far superior to the grocery store ones.
Holidays are always tough because we get a lot of tension from (my) family about how we choose to eat. We are vegetarians,(almost vegan), it is a lifestyle choice for us, one that has made a huge impact on our health and we won't compromise that because someone thinks it's ridiculous. I don't stand on my soap box and preach what other should eat, everyone has the right to their own opinion, but it is really difficult dealing with family that isn't supportive, like inviting us to a restaurant that only serves meat. We do have many other family members and friends that are very supportive and will go so far as to make special meals for us, which isn't necessary but always greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSince my kids have allergies, I think my family is a lot more accommodating. They make dairy free versions and are really good about asking what they can and can't have. I try not to worry about 2-3 meals this season that contain other things we don't eat at home. Instead I up our fresh fruits and veggies to make up for it- oh and juicing, we juice a lot. When we do have meals elsewhere I always bring a few fresh veggie dishes since I know this is something that won't be there.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThanks for the feature this week Kristy :-) Today I’m sharing my love of vintage pyrex dishes!
ReplyDeleteIn recent years the traditional meals are always at my house, so I try to cook the things people expect, but have changed my ingredients & methods up to be more local, organic, and healthy. The first year I took a lot of razzing, but they now seem to expect it and actually agree that it tastes fantastic. I still have the same conversation every year with my mother though...why do you have to cook so many veggies? Why don't you just buy one of those frozen, prestuffed turkeys? Why don't you buy a pie from Costco? Some things will never change. ;)
ReplyDeleteWe live away from our family and decided not to travel around Christmas. The weather is too bad anyway so we're always on our own. I make a vegan dinner and I don't have to worry. Being a vegan, I don't tend to eat other's food generally so I often bring my own to gatherings. It suits me fine.
ReplyDeleteThis week I have shared my gorgeous cold and flu busting coconut and orange smoothie. It will get rid of your cold in no time!
http://www.greenthickies.com/cold-and-flu-busting-coconut-and-orange-smoothie
Thank you for hosting
I'm lucky that my in-laws are just not that into cooking. So my food contributions are welcomed with open arms and hungry bellies. My side of the family, unsurprisingly, thinks much like me, so no hassle. I also happily give gifts that reflect my values, so it works pretty well for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting! I took a week off to hang w/ my folks while they visited from Maryland, so I've got a lot of yumminess to catch up with. I'll add a pizza (no surprise) and a pie.
usually, if I host, I cook, no one gives any ideas or any input. they are not into foods like I am. if someone else hosts, they cook, I ask if I can help. so I guess, I don't really have a problem in this area...but I can see how it could be a huge problem/
ReplyDelete