READ: How to Order Vegan, Gluten Free Or Healthier Options at National Fast Food Chains

So, there are times where despite our best efforts, our only options just might be fast food, especially on vacation or a trip. On a road trip or in a podunk town with little to zero options for a healthy meal, I’ve found ways to navigate the fast food menu. I do not, I repeat, do not, advocate the consumption of fast food except for in a pinch and other compromising situations. So I suggest you print this blog in case of emergency!

Here are some of the biggies:

• Subway – This one of the most veg and health friendly places if you are in a bind. You can always go with a veggie sub on Italian bread (9 grain wheat contains honey), hold the cheese and mayo, while piling on the veggies, avocado and mustard. You can also get this wrap style or forgo the carbs and chomp on a salad ; ) They do have veggie patties however, if your vegan, it’s a no go as they contain egg. For allergy sensitive folks, stick to the salads.
• Quizno’s - These guys aren’t far behind Subway. I do love a warm sandwich but Subway has better veggie options. Here I order a veggie sub, no cheese or mayo, add guac and vinaigrette. Toasty yumminess ; ) Also, grab a salad if you’re not doing bread! Again, for allergy sensitive folks, stick to the salads.
• Taco Bell – You’d be surprised but the Taco Bell menu can be easily manipulated to bring it down to somewhat a’ight ; ) Everything is still full of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils BUT the menu can be veganized. And again, don’t make this a habit ; ) Ok so, their new Fresco Style menu is easy to change up. Order the tacos or burritos Fresco style and swap the meat for beans and voila, veganized. The crunchwrap supreme can be veganized by tossing the meat, cheese and sour cream and subbing beans and guac. You can also have a 7 layer burrito minus the layers of cheese and sour cream, BAM, vegan 5 layer burrito! So yes, the ingredients in all of these are vegan but certainly not the best thing for you. But like I said, in a bind, it’s fine ; ) Make sure, for allergy sensitive diners, to check the site as each item contains different allergens. Their site is very comprehensive regarding allergens ; )
• McDonald’s – Oh yes, the golden arches. It can be done if there is no choice. Don’t even think about the fries if you’re vegan as they contain beef and milk. Not even kosher! Although, you can go for a side salad and ask for the cilantro lime as that one, despite being chemically, is still vegan. Or opt for salt, pepper and a lemon wedge. The other salads can be veganized by picking off the croutons and cheese. And you can get their new iced coffees sans milk.
• Burger King - Well, vegans, no can do on the veggie burger as it contains egg whites but the fries are fried in a separate fryer with no animal products. Not so much for the onion rings, they a cooked in a shared fryer. So allergen diets, beware of the buns as well as the croutons in the salads. I say you’re safest here with a salad and to find out before you drown your greens, what is in the dressings they happen to have available at that store. Again, there is always, salt, pepper and a lemon wedge ; ) I have heard that the french toast sticks are vegan, good in a breakfast time pinch!
• Jack in the Box - Well, here is a place you have some ok options outside of a salad. The Teriyaki Rice Bowls are veganizable by dropping the meat out and are packed with veggies. Sugary ones, but veggies nonetheless. Sometime you just gotta take what you can get ; ) Go for a taco here by ordering it with black beans instead of meat and leaving off the cheese. Fries and hash brown sticks, while fattening, are vegan friendly and only if you must! In addition, Jack food is all made to order so you’re likely to get a fresher meal here then the burger royalty.
• Carl’s Jr/Hardee’s – Well, a side salad with no cheese and balsamic vinaigrette seems to be the safest bet here. If you are so inclined to fill your tummy, make sure you share and don’t eat the whole order of fries or hash brown nuggets as those are vegan as well. You can also grab a taco salad without the meat, cheese or sour cream.
• Wendy’s – oddly enough, they are great to gluten free diners. As for vegans, we can have their side and regular salads so long as we pick of the meat and/or cheese and choose an appropriate dressing. The baked potatoes can be ordered plain so you can add salt, pepper, chives and any other healthy toppings on your own. They also offer oranges as a combo side too so if you do happen to go for burger, grab some fruit instead of fries ; )
• Arby’s - Um, its pretty tough here. You have to pick a lot off of the salads and read the ingredients on the dressing packets to be 100% safe. The market fresh sandwich bread had honey in it but is suitable to vegetarians and calories counters as you can make a lettuce, onion and tomato sandwich if you must. The subs can be made veggie as well.
• Pizza Hut – Vegans, we are screwed here unless we order multigrain dough with no sauce and tons of veggies. All other sauces and doughs contain dairy ; ( For non vegans, go for the cheeseless veggie on multigrain ; )
• Domino’s – Crunchy thin crust is the only vegan crust (contains soy for those sensitive to it). Pizza sauce is dairy free so pile on the veggies and order up! Salads are ok without cheese and any of the Italian dressings. Skip the breadsticks as they contain dairy as well. Go ahead and get the pasta primavera but swap the alfredo for pizza sauce (not marinara as it has cheese in it).
• Papa John’s - I’m leery as they do not have ingredients listed although they do claim to be all natural. Call and ask the manager before ordering anything regarding vegan and/or allergen ingredients.
• Baja Fresh – I love Baja as everything is made fresh with no lard, msg, etc. I go for the tostada salad with no meat, cheese or sour cream and pile on salsa, guac and all their cool fixin’s from their salsa bar. It’s chock full of beans, rice and crispy veggies. You can also go for the veggie burrito or tacos with no cheese or sour cream!!
• Chipotle -Another great place in a pinch for healthy fast food. The black beans, rice, guac, and tortillas are all vegetarian so eat away people and create you dish however you choose ; )
• Del Taco - From what I can decipher, the veggie works burrito without cheese or sour cream is vegan as are their fries. Make sure you ask a manager before ordering.
• Starbucks - Soy latte, soy tea latte, soy chai latte, yum ; ) If you need the extra flavors, they use syrups for most of them and they too are vegan but chemically and high fructose sugary. Also, Frappucinos can be made with soy now so have at it for a sinful treat! If you’re hungry, go for the tofu and noodle bento box or a fruit medley. Starbucks in Canada carries vegan baked goods!
• Coffee Bean – Soy lattes and hot tea with soy milk here. No yummy flavored drinks as they use powders that all contain dairy ; (

Stay tuned as next week I navigate chain restaurants!! Be safe and conscious fast fooders!!

Technorati Tags: gluten free, healthy fast food, healthy menu items, national fast food chains, ordering fast food, suggestions, tips, travel, vacation, vegan fast food, vegetarian fast food

READ: Healthy and Vegan Food Trucks Sweeping The Nation by Carolyn Scott Hamilton

Well, what was once a few trucks with crazy long lines popping up here and there has now become a nationwide phenomenon. With major metropolitan cities everywhere joining in the mobile food movement, the varieties have become as unique as the cities they are found in. And with variety, comes options for special diet diners.

So with no further a due, here is The Healthy Voyager’s Round Up of food trucks all across America that feed the hungry, veggie and health conscious masses!

Los Angeles ( and surrounding areas)

• The Kogi Truck – The truck that started it all has a number of great vegggie korean bbq options
• Sea Birds – 100% vegan and organic all the time
• FrankenStand -  100% vegan hot dogs in a horror themed cart
• Dosa Truck – Lots of vegan Indian food options
• The Nacho Truck – Great Mexican vegan options
• Organic Oasis – Eco and organic truck with a ton of raw vegan options
• Sweet E’s Bake Shop – Dessert truck with lots of vegan options and some gluten free
• The Green Truck – Eco friendly truck with all natural options and tons of veggie goodies
• Mandoline Grill – Vietnamese food with great vegan options
• Smokin’ Willie’s – BBQ with vegan options
• Frysmith – French Fry truck with vegan options

San Francisco, CA

• Sunny Vibrations -Eco-vegan awesomeness
• The Pie Truck – Has veggie pies

Portland, OR

• Homegrown Smoker – Vegan BBQ and Comfort Food
• Unicart – Vegan mythical beast food
• D.C. Vegetarian - Veggie truck with lots of vegan options
• Native Bowl – Vegan bowls
• Sneaky Kitty – Vegan Thai
• Off The Griddle – Veggie and vegan burgers
• The Biscuit Bike – Vegan biscuits and gravy
• The Pedal Kettle – Eco-vegan kettle corn

New York , NY & New Jersey

• The Cinnamon Snail – 100% vegan and organic breakfast, lunch and dessert truck
• The Desi Truck – Indian food with veggie options (Manhattan)

Miami, FL

• The Mac N’ Food Truck – 100% vegan comfort food, specializing in awesome mac n’ cheese and other yummies

Chicago, IL

• Soul Vegetarian – run by the makers of Ste. Martaen vegan cheese and Soul vegetarian East, this food truck serves up 100% vegan food

Providence, RI

• Like No Udder – 100% soft serve vegan ice cream truck

Durham, CT

• GMonkey – Eco and vegetarian, local and seasonal truck

Dallas, TX

• Good Karma Kitchen  – Organic vegetarian truck

Austin, TX

• CCV - Vegan food trailer

Washington, D.C.

• The Fojol Bros. Truck – A traveling culinary carnival with veggie options

Boston, MA

• Clover Truck – Veggie and vegan organic options

And there’s more and more popping up every day! Be sure to leave a comment if you know of one we should add to the list!

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READ: Healthy, Local and Vegan Eats in Ojai, California by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

Ah Ojai, just a hop, skip and a jump from Los Angeles, this quaint and cute town, tucked in the valley of Ventura county is a hot spot for spa goers, golfers, celebrities and all around relaxation seeking folks. With wineries and olive oil tasting outlets as well as great hikes and shopping, you’ll definitely work up an appetite hangin’ in Ojai!

For a getaway, you’ll need a cool place to stay and The Capri Hotel is just that place. Eco-friendly, hip and pleasing to the eye, the young vibe is a welcomed juxtaposition to the bed and breakfasts and spa style inns in the area. The rooms are bright and modern, the pool area and grounds are relaxing and peaceful and it has done a great job of keeping its vintage look while giving it a fun twist. You can rent DVDs and VHS tapes (yes!!) to watch in your room as well as order up indulgent spa services. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a fun place to hang with your pals, the pool cabanas and private patios welcome you!

Just steps away from the Capri, you’ll find the only fully vegan eatery in all of Ojai, Hip Vegan Cafe. Located behind a yoga studio, this cozy place serves lunch, dinner and dessert. From soups, salads and sandwiches to raw vegan desserts, come in for lunch and take some food to go to chow during a nice hike or picnic in the park! Go for the old faithful, vegan Reuben or go wild with the gluten free Indonesian wrap!

If you’re in search of a healthy brunch, quick lunch or fun dinner, The Farmer and the Cook is your place. A walk up counter, casual diner, Farmer also boasts a market with fresh deli/salad bar, soups, juices and a variety of organic grocery products for healthy homes. While the crux of the menu is Mexican, all vegetarian, with lots of vegan and raw, don’t miss their weekend pizzas! It’s a great place with a breezy vibe, great for families, kids and groups of friends or even just to sit under the canopy to enjoy your shake and a good book! My personal fave: share a kale Caesar salad and a vegan BBQ tempeh pizza under the stars!

Azu is a great place for a romantic meal and a finer dining experience. Specializing in Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, special diet diners can dine happily here. With dishes like vegetarian paella, veggie soft tacos and scrumptious patatas fritas, you won’t leave hungry. Get a glass of wine and dine by the brick fire place for lunch or dinner at Azu.

So if you’re cruisin’ the California coast or just want to getaway for a relaxing weekend, Ojai is a great choice and now you know where to eat!

Most folks are familiar with Southern Italian fare. Cheesy, tomatoey and very pasta-y. At Monte Grappa, you’ll find traditional Northern Italian food, with ingredients sourced fresh from local farms. yet another place that is very accommodating to vegans, gluten free and other special diets, you won’t be disappointing with the portions of succulent veggies. My polenta and seasonal veggie dish was light and clean along with my tasty dessert of raspberry sorbet! Dining is as great outdoors as it is indoors and if you ask for the owners either the chef or his lovely wife will come out and greet you!

Technorati Tags: Azu, California, Capri Hotel, Carolyn Scott Hamilton, dining, gluten free, gluten free options, Healthy Living, healthy restaurants, Hip Vegetarian, Monte Grappa, Ojai, restaurants, The Farmer and the Cook, travel, vegan, vegan dining, Vegetarian, vivid life, wellness

READ: Huntsville Alabama’s Healthy And Vegan Hot Spots by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

While Huntsville Alabama might not be a big tourist destination, it’s the center of some pretty impressive stuff. It’s the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Army Aviation and Missile Command. Close to the Tennessee River and not far from the state, Huntsville is a nice community filled with a ton of aerospace brainiacs, rich history and some great healthy food options!

Located in the historic 5 points area, you’ll find 1892 East Restaurant and Tavern. A hip and chic eatery that specializes in local, seasonal and organic food. And with that, you know it’s an easy leap to awesome vegan and gluten free options! With Huntsville’s widest selection of gourmet vegetarian options, coming in for brunch, lunch or dinner, they’ve got you covered. I devoured my black bean tamales and they were extra yummy as I mixed in my salad covered in delicious chimichurri. So. Freakin. Yum. Come in for drinks, share an appetizer or order a bunch of dishes. Either way, you won’t leave disappointed!

If you’re looking for the flavors of the Caribbean when deep in the south, Curry in a Hurry is the place for you. With food prepped with no butter, low oil and the owner herself being vegetarian, this fun joint is full of delicious and healthy choices. The sides are a plenty with curry veggies, brown rice, steamed veggies, plantains and all go well with the mock chicken curry or curry tofu and potato. Full of flavor with none of the guilt, get a taste of the islands in the heart of the south, be sure to get some curry in a hurry!

I really had a lot of fun at Happy Tummy. A cute restaurant specializing in a plethora of sandwiches, many of them veggie. My favorite was the Voltron, packed with BBQ Tofu, jerk tofu, lettuce, tomato and onion. It’s spicy, it tasty and you might not want to kiss anyone directly afterward ; ) Happy is the perfect spot to pick up sandwiches for a road trip, picnic or just a great lunch time spot. It’s not wonder their tagline is “gastronomic delights”!

Mediterranean is always an easy choice for veggies and other special diet travelers. Jamo’s Cafe not only has the usual falafels and hummus but they even have veggie blt’s, pitas and more. I always get really excited when restaurants have more then just the usual 1 or 2 veggie choices. Close to the University, it’s a good choice for a quick meal.

So that’s a wrap on Huntsville! If you happen to be driving through or going to space camp, now you know where to go. And knowing is half the battle, G.I. Jooooooooooooooooooe! ; )

Technorati Tags: 1892 East, Alabama, Curry in a Hurry, gluten free dining, Happy Tummy, healthy, Huntsville, Jamo's, space program, travel, vegan dining, vegetarian dining

READ: Chowin’ Healthy in Chattanooga by Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

I had the good fortune of spending some time in Chattanooga, Tennessee recently. One of the greenest cities in America (surprised?) Chattanooga is home to quite a bit of history what with the trail of tears, the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo and its placement on the Tennessee River. It’s a beautiful scenic city with places like Lookout Mountain and its proximity to the Appalachians, there is a lot to do and see in and around the Dynamo of Dixie. But most importantly, there is some awesome vegan, gluten free and overall healthy grub!

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants experiences ever was at Taco Mamacita. A super hip joint just across the river from downtown, in North Shore, they offer local organic Mexican “street’ food along withe a full blown vegan menu! There were so many delicious options I couldn’t choose just one. So I started with an incredible tortilla soup (an absolute must!) and shared the freakin’ vegan taco (yeah, that’s the name). The margaritas are made from freshly squeezed lime juice and everything is insanely good and a ton is gluten free. So if you pop in to Chattanooga, Nashville or Sullivan’s island, you now know where to get kickin’ fresh mex!

I was very excited to stumble across Sluggo’s North. Having frequented their original location in Pensacola, Florida, it was fun to check out a familiar place. A fun bar and vegetarian hot spot, Sluggo’s is known best for their indie entertainment. A great basement level stage and concert area, they are a fun place to hang, drink and eat too! Awesome pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and yummy apps, come for the foo and stay for the tunes!

If a hearty breakfast or brunch is what you’re in search of, The Bluegrass Grill might be your choice. With dishes like tofu hash, vegan granola bowl and black bean chili, you’re sure to start your day on the right foot!

Now if you’re looking for a juicy burger to fill you up, make a beeline to Urban Stack. A trendy burger palace, they take care of non-meat eaters quite nicely. The vegan on shrooms is terrific with its homemade mushroom patty, tomato, roasted red pepper, balsamic onions, lettuce and vegan garlic mayo. Add a simply southern side of sweet potato fries, pickled beets or tomato blueberry salad and you are in for a treat!

Another all-American treat is the hot dog and Good Dog is the place for veggies to indulge. Being able to make virtually any version of their hot dogs veg and gluten free friendly, it’s tough to make a decision. I fell in love with the BBQ dog that comes complete with fakin’ bacon! Oh yeah!

I was only in town for a short while but was so happy to soak in some local flavor! I’d love to visit again soon and take in more of their green attractions and tasty veggie food!

Technorati Tags: Chattanooga, dining, gluten free, healthy restaurants, Sluggo's, Taco mamacita, Tennesee, travel, vegan, Vegetarian

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