I’m often invited to friend’s and relative’s homes for meals. How do I turn down their food without insulting them?
A. First understand that an invitation to dine with friends and family is a request for your company above all things. In other words, people don’t invite us to dinner because they think were starving. They invite us to share in a meal as an act of friendship, hospitality and community. So an invitation to eat at their homes should be accepted with the same goodwill that it was extended. Food wise, you could offer to bring a special dish or just eat whatever raw or vegan fare that’s offered. Explain to your host’s ahead of time that you are embarking on this new lifestyle and what it’s done for you health wise. True friends and family will understand and not insist that you eat something that may make you ill anymore than they would press drinks on non-drinkers or cigarettes on non-smokers. If they insist, be firm, but gracious. Don’t make yourself physically ill just so you won’t hurt someone’s feelings. Reassure them that you love them for who they are not what they cook. If you choo
