Yeah, I just bring my own stuff and put it on the grill without a big speech. Last time I said "I'm trying these new black bean burgers, they're actually really good" and a couple people asked to try one. Making it about the food itself, not the reason, seems to work better.
Bro you brought up veggies at a temple of meat, what did you expect? That's like asking for a salad at a monster truck rally. Next time just quietly grill your own weird bean patty and let people wonder. You might as well have announced the cows are causing climate change right before they bit into their ribs. Deadass though, maybe lead with "hey I brought these for myself" instead of making it a group talk.
Honestly, I see this kind of thing happen all the time where any talk of changing habits gets shut down fast. Tbh, it's like people take it as a personal attack if you mention even small swaps, not just at BBQs but in offices or parties too. Ngl, you almost have to frame it as just your own quirk to avoid setting off that defensive vibe.