Maintaining your diet while travelling can be quite challenging- even more so for a vegan. Most places abroad do not offer a very wholesome variety of vegan food items, which makes it quite tough for vegans to sustain a healthy and balanced diet.
Here are some vegan foods that you can carry on your trip in order to avoid the hassle of looking for good vegan food outlets, while sticking to a balanced and nutritional diet:
Cucumber and Avocado Sandwich
All you need is cucumbers, avocados and your choice of bread; put them together and- voila- you have a healthy and tasty breakfast to start off your day. Cucumbers and avocados are both known for a number of health benefits and they can be carried easily as well. While cucumbers will keep you hydrated and improve your digestive health, avocados will aid in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
You can also add some vegan cheese or vegan mayonnaise to your sandwich in order to please your taste buds, but if you’re watching your weight and want to avoid the few extra calories- it’s best to avoid the same.
Baked Beans
A bowl of baked beans can not only serve as a wholesome meal in itself, but can also be combined with other things to make for an interesting meal. Baked beans can be served on a toast, rolled up in a tortilla with salsa and some veggies to make a burrito or simply eaten with chips.
Apart from their versatility, baked beans are known for being rich in fiber, protein and iron. They are also easily available and can be stored in cool places with simplicity. The best part about baked beans is that they can be enjoyed at any time of the day- from breakfast to dinner.
Leafy greens
It’s time you grow out of your aversion towards green veggies because they can be the greatest source of energy for your body. They are the best kind of carbohydrates available, as they are not only high in nutrients but also low in calories. So, yes, good carbohydrates do exist.
These vegetables are available almost everywhere- canned or fresh, and do not perish easily. There couldn’t be a meal more nutritious than a bowl of leafy greens such as, kale, lettuce, spinach- with a dash of your favorite seasoning or sauce. To make things more interesting, you can also stir fry your veggies in creamy coconut milk or add some hummus to the mix. Since they are widely available, you don’t need to bother yourself with storing up in advance.
Chickpeas
Like baked beans, chickpeas are also available in cans and like the former can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Packs of dry chickpeas are also sold in the market; which don’t perish as long as they are stored in airtight containers.
Chickpeas are most commonly used in salads and can be combined with just about anything- from lettuce to tomatoes, olives, corn and more. Another fun way to have chickpeas is to roast them and add a dash of olive oil and your favorite spices. Chickpeas are also helpful in weight loss as they improve digestion and at the same time serve as a great source of protein.
Berries
Let’s face it- the hardest part about staying on a healthy vegan diet is staying off the sweets. Strawberries, blueberries and the like may not be as delicious as chocolates and cakes, but they are a close second. They can be found anywhere so they won’t take up your luggage space and are also great sources of vitamins and minerals. Sweet and juicy- they make for refreshing and healthy snacks. They can also be added to oatmeal to make your breakfast more colorful. Apart from aiding in weight management, berries are also believed to prevent the risk of diabetes as well as cancer. So next time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, you know where to go.
Being a vegan traveler is not a cakewalk; not only are you faced with the challenge of finding wholesome vegan meals while in a foreign location, but are also tempted by mouth watering dishes wherever you go.
A simple tip is to not be afraid to experiment with the local cuisines- vegan ones that is. Talk to the locals and find out about the specialties of that region; take a note of all the ingredients used and who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself another dish to add to your list of favorites.
Author Bio: Sara O Brown is a working mom, lives with her dentist husband and her adorable dog, Casper. She is passionate about traveling and cooking. She has been a regular contributor for https://remedyliquor.com/blog/. Follow her on twitter or FB.