Going Vegan When Your Partner Is Not

Relationships are often about give and take and enduring change. These changes don't have to mean the end; it can symbolize a new beginning - a chance to make sure life never stagnates. It allows for a new reason to communicate and get to know each other.To that end, how can you deal with changing the foods you eat and becoming vegan when your partner is not interested in taking that leap?Here are a few ideas:Communicate: Relationships take a lot of work to keep healthy. Talk about why you are making change. This is not a lecture but a sharing of your thoughts. By sharing each shift you make, you become a guide and remain compassionate while always being true to you. You may be eating plant- based for you health, for the animals and injustices caused to them, or for the planet - to reduce your carbon footprint. Whatever the reason, lovingly share that information with your partner.Share delicious meals: If you cook, talk about the food you making. Ask your partner if they want to supplement with anything on their end. On their days to cook maybe they could make sides that are accessible for you and then you could supplement with an item or two. Without pushing your partner to be someone that they are not, create excitement about the food you are cooking. Play at the farmer’s market and get excited about the ingredients even before the cooking begins.Be yourself: Never be someone you don’t want to be for another person. This only serves to make you bitter which will eventually hurt the relationship. Be honest about who you are and the choices you need to make.Recognize most change happens with love: As the rules change in your partnership, which they'll do, recognize that you can only control your actions, and that love and acceptance are more often a route to change for your loved ones.Find a mix of fun restaurants you can enjoy: At Sanctuary Bistro, many couples come in with different food habits and we often get comments like “I was pleasantly surprised” or “My partner is not vegan but they loved it.” You can also have omni restaurants for your repertoire that has food that each of you can enjoy.Whatever the reason, continue to be open about your change and why it is important to you. You took the first step in changing your life by just asking the question.For those in a mixed food marriage, what did you do to keep a healthy relationship as you transitioned away from the standard American diet to a more plant-based one?From my family to yours,Jennifer