Eating vegan in restaurants or when traveling can sometimes feel like a challenge. Still, as veganism becomes more and more popular, there are many ways to find tasty and balanced meals, whether you're at a fancy restaurant, on an adventure, or even abroad.
This article will provide you with useful tips and tricks to maintain your vegan lifestyle when away from home.
If you have a trip or a trip to a restaurant planned in advance, it's a good idea to prepare for it.
Today, it's easy to find restaurants that offer vegan options - internet search engines, apps like HappyCow or Yelp will help you quickly find establishments that meet your requirements.
If you're going with friends or family, try to suggest a restaurant you already know or make sure there will be vegan options.
Tip: Check the menu online before you go. Some restaurants have hidden vegan dishes on the menu that you can discover in advance.
Don't be afraid to be open about your needs. When you arrive at the restaurant, feel free to ask if it is possible to modify the food to be vegan.
Many restaurants today are ready to accommodate the dietary requirements of their customers and offer flexible meal modifications.
For example, you can order vegetable stir-fry without eggs or tofu salad without cheese. The key is to be polite but firm.
If you're not sure what's in a dish, don't be afraid to ask about specific ingredients – like whether the dish contains milk, butter or eggs.
Traveling abroad can be another test for your vegan diet. If you're visiting a country where veganism isn't as common, it can be helpful to learn a few key phrases in the local language to help you describe your needs.
An example would be the sentence: "I am vegan and do not use any animal products such as milk, eggs or meat."
It's also great to have a few prepackaged vegan snacks like nuts, dried fruit, raw bars, or vegan protein bars with you to keep you full on the go if vegan food isn't easy to find.
Tip: In some countries, you can look at food creatively. For example, many traditional Mediterranean and Asian dishes are either already vegan or can be easily adapted.
In some restaurants that don't have vegan options clearly marked, you'll have to read between the lines.
For example, many salads are automatically served with a dressing that contains dairy or eggs.
Try asking for a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of the classic dressing.
Similarly, you can request that no cheese or butter be served with main courses.
If you come across foods with names like "grilled vegetables" or "stir-fry," you might wonder if it's possible to cut out all animal products.
A lot of dishes can be modified with small changes, and often it won't even affect the taste.
Nowadays, even fast food is changing and offering vegan alternatives.
Many large chains, such as McDonald's, KFC or Burger King, have introduced vegan options to their menus.
While these meals may not be the healthiest, they are a great option when you're pressed for time or on the go.
If you come across a fast food restaurant without clearly marked vegan options, try looking at simple menu items such as fries, salads (without dressing and cheese) or beans.
Again, it's better to ask if the meal can be modified.
If you have the opportunity, try to find restaurants or bistros that specialize in vegan or vegetarian cuisine.
Such establishments often offer a wide variety of tasty and healthy dishes designed to meet even the strictest vegan requirements.
Larger cities today often offer entire chains of vegan restaurants that are traveler-friendly.
You will find everything from fast food to gourmet experiences.
It's always a plus to have something small, vegan for your teeth. Not all restaurants or places you go will be ready to serve you a full vegan meal.
Vegan protein bars, nuts, dried fruit or homemade sandwiches will give you a quick source of energy and ensure you don't have to starve until you find a suitable option.
For trips longer than a few days, it pays to plan smaller purchases at local supermarkets, where you can often find at least basic vegan foods such as fruit, vegetables, tofu or beans.
In some cases, you can also prepare your own food if you have access to a kitchenette or stove.
Social situations can be difficult at times. When you go with friends or family who aren't vegan, you may feel pressured to compromise.
This is where it's important to stay firm in your values and politely but firmly explain why it's important to you to stick to a vegan diet.
Social pressure can be easily managed through open communication. Many people do not understand veganism, so you can explain to them its benefits not only for your health, but also for the environment or animals.
If you feel comfortable, offering them a taste of some of your favorite vegan dishes can be a great way to break down barriers and raise awareness about veganism.
Eating vegan in restaurants and on the go can be easy if you know how. With a little planning, open communication, and a little creativity, you can find great vegan food anywhere.
Always focus on the quality and balance of your diet while staying true to your values. Veganism is not only about food, but also about respect for yourself, the environment and other living beings.
Eating vegan in restaurants or when traveling can sometimes feel like a challenge. Still, as veganism becomes more and more popular, there are many ways to find tasty and balanced meals, whether you're at a fancy restaurant, on an adventure, or even abroad.
