I’m the only vegan in the family and sometimes it could be tough to attend family gatherings and celebrations. I’m lucky in the sense that my family does not give me a hard time about being vegan and fully supports my Astig Vegan endeavors. But, I’m still saddened that they couldn’t jump into veganism especially if it seems like they fully understand what I’m doing. Every now and then I have to remind myself that I could not force change.

I’m sure I’m not the only one in this situation. In fact, I just met a fellow vegan at the Vida Vegan Con who has omnivore husband and children.

When I met Stephanie Dreyer of Veegmama.com, she was beaming with enthusiasm and warmth. She was genuinely interested and engaging in conversations and had so much to contribute about her experience being a vegan wife and mom living with omnivore family members.

I thought if there’s someone I need to seek advice from, it would have to be Stephanie. Not so surprisingly, she was more than happy to share her knowledge.

Below are her five tips to harmoniously coexisting with omnivore family members.

Top 5 Tips: Being Vegan Among Family of Omnivores

by Stephanie Dreyer, founder of Veegmama

1. Accept that you cannot force your family to change.

I accepted that I could not force my husband to change (or my children) and could only hope that over time, they will come to the same conclusion and choice that I have in adopting a vegan lifestyle. I feel strongly that it should be their choice made with full awareness and information.

Once I was able to accept that I could not force my family to change, I got to work on what I could control – like sharing delicious vegan meals, making easy switch-outs like butter and mayonnaise with vegan versions, and veganizing favorite baked treats.

2. Coordinate ground rules.

I figured out what I could live with, without giving up my vegan values. Ground rules are key. These are a few of the ground rules that work in my home: worldofvegan.com/vegan-omni-family/

I suggest making a list of things that are deal breakers and others with which you are more flexible. As a family, set up some ground rules that respect everyone’s needs and values.

3. Lead by example.

I lead by example and use every mealtime or social situation where vegan comes up as an opportunity to teach and model.

I engage my children in discussions about the origin of their food. I teach them how to be mindful of their choices and acknowledge the process it goes through to get to their plate. I share stories of animal abuse and let them catch me crying as I read stores of animal slaughter in vegan publications so they become curious, ask me questions, and become more compassionate. I cook delicious vegan food for them every day.

Kids are naturally curious so I get asked a lot of questions and do my best to answer without preaching, but objectively with facts and information so they can come to their own conclusions and choices.

4. Cook delicious and kid-friendly vegan dishes

Taco Tuesday is a mainstay in our house! I make several fillings to choose from: refried beans, tons of veggies, guacamole, this black bean and corn mixture, and this Beyond Meat Fiesta “Ground Beef” mix. Everyone can fill their taco shell (or romaine leaf!) as they please. It’s a family favorite.

We also love vegan sushi bowls and soba noodle bowls. I love to serve all the ingredients on the table family style and let everyone make their bowl to their liking!

5. Don’t compare your family to other families.

Every family is different. What feels comfortable for yours will differ from another. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Do what works best for you and your family and realize it is a journey.

For more tips and strategies on navigating a vegan lifestyle, check out Stephanie’s eBook, VeegMama’s Guide To Going Vegan.

Stephanie Dreyer is the founder of VeegMama, a lifestyle brand sharing new approaches to healthy living, and the host of YouTube’s The Good Life With VeegMama. She encourages her readers to live their best life every day through food, wellness, and personal fulfillment. She is also a children’s book writer and mom of three. You can visit her at VeegMama.com.

Thank you Stephanie for the advice, motivation, and words of wisdom. The top 5 tips are great, helpful reminders when the going gets tough.

Hopefully through leading by example and education, omnivores will warm up to a cruelty-free lifestyle. It could get tough but it takes courage and a lot of heart. Cheers Stephanie, more power to you!

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