Although eating well might seem to be a challenge for vegetarians while traveling, it will be less stressful if there is advance planning. With a little creativity and research before traveling, following a vegetarian diet will not be a problem.
What food items should vegetarians pack for a trip?
Vegetarians should pack snacks including: raisins, prunes, dried fruits such as figs, apricots, dates and cherries, sunflower and sesame seeds and nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans and pine nuts.
Great beverage ideas include: soy milk, rice milk and juices which come in packaging that does not require refrigeration. In a new environment, one's eating habits may be irregular so it may be advisable to pack a box of herb teas which are good for the stomach, such as: chamomile, peppermint, ginger and/or tinctures of separate herbs (e.g. green tea) or a combination of herbs. Small cans of prune juice can be packed since they will be helpful to prevent constipation.
Energy and protein bars are both light to carry and are satisfying in case there is a delay in getting to one’s destination. These bars also provide a good snack while sightseeing.
Seaweeds are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Seaweed, such as nori sheets and dulse, can be eaten out of the package or added to any food.
Instant cereals, such as packets of oatmeal, and instant soups, are easy to pack. These just require the addition of boiling water. Some soups are packaged so that the boiled water is poured directly into the pouch. The pouches are easy to pack, since they are lightweight and flat.
Since high quality vegetables and fruits may be the most difficult to find in certain locations, one suggestion would be to pack a container of a powdered green drink or green drink concentrate in capsule form, which supplies the essential green vegetables. Several varieties are available today. There are powdered red drinks that provide fruits. There are also some which combine both fruits and vegetables. One can also obtain packets of powdered asparagus, which you just pour into a glass of water.
A great protein product to pack for a trip are packages of Mori-Nu’s tofu which is hermetically sealed. It requires no refrigeration. Vegetarians can also take along protein powders which one mixes with water and protein drinks which are ready-to-drink. Be sure to pack vitamins and herbs. If one cannot eat well while traveling, at least the vitamins and herbs will provide the essential nutrients needed to keep the immune system functioning at the optimal level. At the very least, vegetarians should take along a good multi vitamin and mineral supplement, Co-enzyme Q10 and royal jelly which provide energy. One should also consider taking along supplements such as: propolis, astragalus and olive leaf extract which strengthen the immune system and protect it against viruses and bacteria. It is a good idea to pack a fiber supplement, such as psyllium husks. Extra Vitamin C is a good substance to pack to prevent colds. A non-refrigerated, non-dairy form of acidophilus which help restore friendly bacteria, is also essential.
What should one pack when traveling by car?
Non-messy food is the best option when traveling by car. Rest stops found along major highways in the United States may offer a different combination of fast food restaurants. One can usually find salad and a baked potato. Vegetables may be difficult to find. Look for rest stops which have a salad bar with vegetables such as broccoli and beets on their buffet.
What advice should a vegetarian follow when traveling by plane?
When traveling by plane, request the vegetarian meal in advance. This would apply to arlines which still supply meals. Another option would be to arrive early and pick up some food at one of the restaurants at the airport. In addition, one can pack a bag with non-perishable food. Note that the bag might be subject to being examined by the security personnel.
How can a vegetarian manage during a hotel stay?
In hotels which have room service, there are various options. Commonly served foods found on a breakfast menu include: oatmeal and fruit such as: bananas and seasonal berries like strawberries and blueberries. Eggs can be prepared to order for those people who eat eggs. Diced tomatoes, onions, green peppers and mushrooms, which are usually available to fill an omelet, can be requested as a side dish. For lunch and dinner, there are usually garden salads on the menu. Many hotels can be very accommodating when informed of special dietary needs. One can request a vegetable plate.
Ask the hotel for a small refrigerator in the room. This will come in handy when bringing back food from a restaurant or from a local health food store. The food can be enjoyed the next day.
Gift shops sometimes carry nuts and dried fruits and bottled water. Some resorts and timeshares may have convenience or grocery stores on the property. These stores may have some essentials such as yogurt and juices.
Vegetarians can usually enjoy eating at the hotel’s restaurant. The best practice to follow, if the menu seems limited, is to notify the chef in advance at the hotel restaurant of one’s dietary needs.
What options does a vegetarian have at restaurants?
Ethnic restaurants serve a variety of vegetarian dishes. In a typical Indian restaurant, one might find an extensive use of fruits, vegetables, lentils and basmati rice. Some of the flavorings in the dishes may include: dill, bay leaf, almonds, saffron, etc. Commonly-used vegetables on an Indian menu include: cauliflower, mustard greens, spinach, carrots and okra.
Chinese restaurants usually have a variety of vegetarian dishes including such standard items as mixed vegetables and bean curd dishes. Steamed diet dishes can be ordered with sauce on the side. Some typical vegetarian items served in a Chinese restaurant may include: broccoli, asparagus, snow peas, water chestnuts mushrooms and bean sprouts. Request that ginger and/or garlic be added to the dish that is ordered. Soups may include: miso soup, egg drop, and tofu and vegetables soup. Brown rice is also available now at some Chinese restaurants.
Italian restaurants serve broccoli, spinach, garlic, beans, vegetarian pizza and varieties of pasta and beans.
Turkish, Mexican, Thai and Japanese restaurants are also good choices for vegetarians.
Vegetarians should look for a macrobiotic restaurant, where there will be a variety of whole grains, soy products such as tempeh, miso, tofu and condiments such as umeboshi (plums pickled in brine) and gomasio (sesame seeds and sea salt).
What research should a vegetarian do before traveling?
There are various guidebooks available which list vegetarian restaurants. The Internet is also a good source to find places to dine as well. Researching the location of local health food stores at the vacation or business destination will be a big timesaver. If there is no time before traveling to look up this information, one can use a laptop, or a computer in a hotel’s business center or ask the concierge for recommendations.
Enjoy your trip. Bring back memories of an exciting culinary adventure.
