1. DON'T TRY TO FOOL THEM
It's not a good plan to feed meat-eaters those fake meats and cheese and then compare it to the real thing. We all know that black bean and veggie burgers are delicious, but a meat-eaters mindset will not allow them to admit it. Always explain your food for what it really is. Call your food by its real name, like soy cheese. It's not real cheese, but it is still yummy. Better yet, just stay away from all the substitute products to begin with and cook them a truly vegan meal. Something they will remember.
2. FILL 'EM UP
Meat eaters do not want to be dine on light "hippie" food. Don't put a salad in front of them, cause they may never want to come back. It's not that salad is bad, but it falls into the stereotype that most people place vegans. Your friends will think you are just another one of those people that "eat rabbit food" everyday. Whip out some hearty dishes, like pasta, stir fry or chili. You want them to leave stuffed to the gills, just like they downed a 6 ounces steak.
3. SERVE SIDE DISHES
The common dinner plate consists of a hunk of some meat with other choices around it. While the meat may seem like the center of attention, most people really enjoy a variety of side items. Most of the time, those sides are not even meat or dairy based. Grilled veggies, rice, baked potatoes, garlic bread, etc. Be creative...and again fill up the entire plate!
4. DESSERT DOES WONDERS
Vegan desserts are hands down delicious! Find a simple cake, brownie or raw recipe. Since the calories have been cut by eliminating meat & dairy, feel free to splurge on the sweet stuff! Your friends will be won over (hopefully). Pinterest is your friend.
5. DON'T PUSH THE ISSUE
Simple not making a big deal about the type of food you are serving will go a long way. Just let them tell you how delicious everything is without blabbing that it is meat and dairy free. The food should speak for itself. Nobody likes to be preached to. If they have questions, of course answer them, but less is more in this instance.
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