Veganism in the workplace: How tough can it be?

A common misconception about veganism is that it’s difficult.  Vegans often hear people say, “I’d be vegan if it wasn’t so difficult”, or “I’d be vegan but…” followed by a host of reasons.  The truth is that veganism is not difficult at all.  It sometimes takes planning, but you can always find vegan options.  And your workplace is no exception.


Most metro areas have all kinds of resources to help us stay on track with a vegan lifestyle.  It’s easy to stop at any grocery store or natural foods store and stock up on fruits, veggies, and other healthy staples.  If you live or work near a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or Sprouts, you are especially fortunate because they tend to have a larger selection of vegan, GMO-free foods.  You should also consider growing your own organic vegetables in your backyard or on your balcony - it's cheap, fun, and tastes better than anything from the store!  There's also an increasing number of restaurants with either vegan options or completely vegan menus.  Most restaurants have a vegan option, or can slightly modify preparation. 


For the workplace, you can maintain your vegan lifestyle by bringing your lunch, going out to eat, or dining at your company’s cafeteria.  Here are some tips for success at all three options:

• Bring your lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, or leftovers are great options to bring in a lunch bag to keep at your desk.   Consult vegweb for thousands of recipes – many of which are appropriate for heating up at work.  A favorite of mine is a spinach wrap with Veganaise, avocado, fresh spinach or kale, tomatoes and bell peppers.  Rice bowls with tofu and veggies are also easy for lunch.
• Go out to eat: If you can suggest a location, you can better control your options.  But if you need to go along with someone else’s preference, try to look up the restaurant’s menu before you go.  If you can, call the restaurant and find out if they have any vegan options and what they would suggest.  If you don’t have time to do this, ask a waiter when you arrive.  If you don’t want to ask in front of coworkers, excuse yourself and ask a waiter while on your way to the restroom (but remember to be proud of your vegan choices!). 
• Dining at the corporate cafeteria: Get to know the servers in your cafeteria and let them know you’re vegan.  When they are preparing the menus for the week, hopefully they’ll keep you in mind.  Salad bars are always a good option, and if they don’t have vegan dressing, bring your own.  Grills might have a vegan burger option, and the deli counter can usually produce a veggie sandwich or wrap, as a last resort. 

Being vegan in the workplace can be very easy – you just need to know your options and plan for them.  And if you meet other vegans or vegetarians in your workplace, there’s strength in numbers when it comes to restaurant choices and cafeteria menus.  And remember being vegan isn't about being perfect - it's about a commitment to a lifestyle that practices compassionate and healthy choices.