The challenge of traveling as a vegan - Vegans & Vegetarians

The challenge of traveling as a vegan

Posted January 22nd, 2013 - 1:38 pm by

from Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Permalink)

I think that every trip has its challenges and specially dietary challenges,for vegans,in distant countries where veganism is not well known.I would like very much to visit regions like Central Asia,countries like Bhutan but i dont know if i would be able to keep a vegan diet there.I definitely wouldnt compromise my vegan principles but at the same time wouldnt want to live only eating fruits.My metabolism is a little difficult and i have a thin body so i wouldnt be able to fast or eat too little.I like to have full nutritious meals always.So what you people think?Is it possible to stay and eat healthly while you are backpacking in regions where veganism is not well known?

Posted January 22nd, 2013 - 3:33 pm from Edinburgh, Scotland

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Posted January 22nd, 2013 - 9:19 pm by

from Portland, United States (Permalink)

There are many great vegan travel foods that we can use as a back-up plan / supplement to what is available locally. Nutritional shakes that you just mix with water probably offer the best value and the most complete nutrition. Many foods are available freeze dried - check at ntural foods & camping stores. And bars such as Clif Builders are a great option too.

Of course much of the world eats very simply & often rice or a similar grain is *the* staple food so something is virtually always available locally. And don't be afraid to talk with people & let them know what you want. It may take work but I am sure that we've all experienced having even friends & family who needed help understanding what we want to eat. :)

Posted January 23rd, 2013 - 4:14 am by

from Langley, United States (Permalink)

You can carry days of complete vegan nutrition in ziplock bags with dehydrated "just add water" soups and entrees (beans and grains and vegetables).

I do!

Easy to travel, ready to eat...always complete protein wherever you go!

"Instant" dehydrated fruit products (applesauce, raisins, prunes, etc.) and grains (oatmeal, quinoa, millet) just add hot water to are wonderful, too.

Vegans on the go..!!!
Nothing going to break my stride!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28KobNbbI2s

Cherie

Posted January 23rd, 2013 - 4:36 am by

from Langley, United States (Permalink)

By the way,

All of the astronauts that they're training now to go to Mars, are learning how to cook vegan cuisine.

That's right: the first Martians will be vegans!

How cool is that???

Cherie

Posted January 25th, 2013 - 4:34 am from Glasgow, Scotland

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Posted January 25th, 2013 - 9:43 am by

from Hyderabad, India (Permalink)

Yes you can miranda,

i am pure vegetarian as most of indians do when i planned my backapacking in thailand and cambodia i was not sure how i am gonna survive with food, it was adventurous hahaha i packed chia seeds and wheat grass powder for nutritional intake while it give you some good nutrients and locally i used to buy whole wheat bread with jam and soya milk its good to start but not sufficient to fill your stomach well locally they have vegetarian dishes too but i felt uncomfortable having vegetarian food made from same pans cooked non veg dishes as i am sensitive to smell and taste some times in veg dishes they use fish sauce aaargghhh then i bought a small rice cooker for (12usd) sufficient for 2 persons oh my god it saved me money and hassles just mix rice, beans or pulses, vegetables and plug in rice cooker food is ready in 15 mins its i had pickle to add spice and you can cook potatoes at same time mash them up for bread sandwich it was tasty and fun. so i had this mobile kitchen in my backpack a rice cooker with rice, beans, jam, bread, etc buy veggies cook and eat on go ;) so this was my experience of surviving as a vegetarian

Posted January 25th, 2013 - 3:02 pm by

from Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Permalink)

Thanks for the advice.The thing is that i am from Brazil and its hard to find vegan food like those you guys mentioned to take for the trip.Besides that,for instance,if i go in caravan in the Sahara or camped in Central Asian steppes for days or traveling in transiberian railway(dont have vegan options)it would be a challenge to remain vegan

Posted January 26th, 2013 - 6:24 am by

from Portland, United States (Permalink)

If you can afford to travel half way around the world just for adventure - then you can almost certainly afford to buy/bring vegan food, friend. Not to mention that you can also make your own dehydrated food, you don't have to buy specialty stuff if you don't wish to. :)