You have been substituting your meat meals with vegetarian options, but are still sometimes sidetracked into unhealthy choices when you stop at a café. You’ve had a busy day and feel like something more than just a drink, what to choose? Do not despair, there are healthy eating options around that will suit you.
Firstly, don’t be afraid to ask what a cake or biscuit contains, or simply to say, “I’m vegetarian/vegan. Are there any animal products in this?” This should not be a problem for the waiter to find out. Stating “animal products” should mean that they understand you do not want butter or cheese, but sometimes it is easier to say if you do not eat dairy either, if that is the case, just to be clear. If you just want to avoid eating meat, just say that you do not eat meat.
Asking if they have anything suitable for a vegetarian or vegan might sidestep a long process of asking what each option contains! There are many people around who don’t eat various ingredients these days, such as wheat, nuts, meat, dairy, so cafés generally have made allowances and have something suitable on offer.
Most café’s will have a muesli cookie, a nut cake, carrot cake or similar healthy eating option. If they don’t, don’t go back there again; find another café that is more interested in looking after their customers. Keep a healthy snack in your bag, and if there isn’t anything suitable on offer, bring it out and eat it. Not bowing to the temptation to eat something unsuitable will give the café owner a nudge to offer better options in the future.
How about the coffee or tea? For either to be vegan, they should be drunk without milk. A cup of tea contains considerably less caffeine than a cup of coffee. Tea also has a higher antioxidant content and is believed to help fight cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis. Studies also show that tea helps relax blood vessels, reduces cholesterol levels, and inhibits blood clots from forming.
With the benefits mentioned above, tea is the healthier alternative, combating many diseases and helping in the overall maintenance of health. Studies have shown that green and white teas have even greater health benefits than black tea. Green tea needs to be prepared properly to be palatable; it should only be brewed for around 90 seconds or it will taste bitter. If you are served a cup of green tea with the tea sitting in the pot or cup, remove the tea as quickly as possible. If you are new to tea drinking, try Buddhas Tears or Jasmine Dragon Pearl, which is a very mild white tea with a lovely aromatic flavour. White teas are much more forgiving as the tea can be left sitting in the pot and will not over-brew. The same tea leaves can also be re-brewed many times simply by adding more hot water. Therefore, it is good for you and ends up being inexpensive too!
Having a cup of tea and a bite to eat with a friend should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Do not over-emphasize your new eating habits, simply find something that suits you to eat and drink, and enjoy the company of a good friend!
