Gathering Around the Table Without Losing Connection

Imagine we’re all sitting around the table, maybe sharing a meal or just catching up, and the conversation shifts to health, something that touches all of us. Someone brings up how they’ve been thinking about changing their diet, maybe for personal health reasons, but there’s this hesitation. It’s not just about swapping foods on the plate; it’s about how it feels to do something different when your loved ones aren’t necessarily on board.

We all know that food is so much more than just fuel, it’s about comfort, tradition, and connection. So, when you start talking about eating more plants or even going fully plant-based, it can feel like you’re stepping away from what’s familiar, and sometimes, from the people you love. That can be tough and some of you might worry: Will they feel judged? Will you feel left out at family gatherings? What if they just don’t get it? But what if, instead of making it about convincing anyone or delivering a lecture, we just share our own stories? I just wanted to share my personal experience, in the hope that it may help guide you rather than stress you out.

When my husband and I first started our plant-based journey, we quickly realized that sharing it with loved ones could be tricky. There were moments when questions or skepticism popped up at family dinners or friendly get-togethers. We found that the best way to handle these situations was to stay positive and non-confrontational. Whenever someone asked why we changed our eating habits, we answered calmly and stuck to simple facts. What helps me specifically, is that I always try to bring the conversation back to my personal experience rather than turning it into a debate. I am still learning to avoid correcting others, since that could easily come across as judgmental. Instead, I just share my story and reminded myself that everyone is on their own path. If someone seems uninterested or even dismissive, I respect their stance and moved on. I find that if a person is really interested in change (meaning, they understand their WHY) then they may come back and the conversation will be less about me, but more about how I can help them along their journey and meet them where they are.

I also learned that it works much better to invite, not insist. If I wanted to include my friends or family in my new lifestyle, my husband and I simply invited them to try a plant-based meal or join us for a cooking night—never with any pressure. When I go to gatherings, I offer to bring my own dish instead of expecting others to accommodate me. I started making dishes that could be customized for everyone’s preferences, so nobody felt left out or forced to change what they were eating, and there was enough for me to eat. I also made it a habit to eat something before I go to a gathering, unless I know for sure that there will be something for me. If there is, that is great, but if not, I won't feel hungry, watching everyone else fill up a plate while I resort to maybe some veggie appetizers or a salad.

When we began our journey, being vulnerable and authentic became really important, too. I let my loved ones see that I didn’t have all the answers and that I was learning as I went. My husband did the same thing. Sharing my “WHY”—my personal reasons for making the switch—helped foster understanding rather than defensiveness. I wasn’t afraid to show my imperfections or talk about the challenges I faced along the way. That honesty made my journey more relatable and opened up more meaningful conversations.

Over time, I have come to realize that focusing on connection, not conversion, made all the difference. I looked for common ground outside of food—shared experiences, travels to other places, countries, different cuisines, cultures, traditions, or activities—to keep my relationships strong, no matter what anyone chose to eat. This helped prevent food from becoming a source of division.

Most importantly, in my opinion, I always try to practice compassion and curiosity. I remind myself that food choices are deeply personal and often tied to people’s past experiences or beliefs, focusing on an individual's WHY, not mine. I approach every conversation with empathy and genuine interest, not judgment. And if someone isn’t interested in hearing about my journey, I let it be and continued to enjoy my own path. These approaches help me personally, to share my plant-based lifestyle in a way that feels authentic and respectful, and keeps my relationships healthy and supportive.

My favorite Veggie Rolls in Nori Wraps

Mini Fruit Tarts with Cashew Hibiscus Cream

I have had the pleasure of preparing plant-based dishes for large events, as a Food for Life Instructor, and for small gatherings, and with my love for the kitchen, each experience has been a true blessing. I use creativity to make each dish look very colorful and appealing to the eye. After all, much of what we consume has to do with how it looks, so presentation is important.

Purple Sweet Potato Brownies

Tofu Strawberry Mouse

I love to hear from you about your experience, because every experience is very unique and may be a lesson for others who are on this journey.

Don't hesitate to contact me to discuss how you can live a more vibrant lifestyle and the many options we offer to assist you on your journey.