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Lori Osterberg's avatar

Beautifully said! And oh, can I relate. Having been on my plant-based journey for three decades, it's the best time to travel and stick to any dietary needs you may have. There are so many options! I always do research before going to a new town, finding restaurants I want to try, and adding them to my travel plans. They become a part of the anticipation. Love your advice, and thanks for sharing!

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Melissa Norman's avatar

That's so true Lori!

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Betty Williams's avatar

So good, Mel! I love your compassion and agree it is a type of grieving, but a shift in perspective really changes things.

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Thank you Betty - yes perspective is everything.

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Kerry Faber's avatar

Really appreciate this positive perspective!

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Thanks Kerry!

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Sophia Wronsky's avatar

What an inspiring way to look at this! Thank you for sharing.

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Thank you xx

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Lucy Williams's avatar

My sister became vegan a few years ago so that my vegan nephew didn’t feel excluded eating out or at other people’s homes. I completely agree that the moments and the company are what truly enriches food memories.

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Thank you for your comment. What a lovely thing your sister did! Did your nephew go vegan by choice or because of intolerances?

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Lucy Williams's avatar

He went vegan for environmental reasons rather than intolerances.

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Melissa Norman's avatar

That is so lovely. x

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Sophia Real | Real Simple Food's avatar

Thanks Melissa. I feel for that old gentleman - making these changes can be really hard. And I think it’s also ok to grieve for a bit. But when friends have been in similar situations I always tell them to try and have an abundance mindset - focus on what is still possible, what you can still eat, vs what you can’t have anymore. Eg with being dairyfree for now I love the fact that lots of Asian food, maybe even the majority, I can enjoy without any substitutions - much better than thinking about all the dairy-laden pasta dishes, gratins etc I can no longer have (vegan cheese has come a long way in the last few years but it’s still fairly terrible).

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Exactly. Focusing on what you can still eat and what flavour adventures you can go on is the best way to navigate it.

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Annada D. Rathi's avatar

I’m going to file this important post for intolerances to come.

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