Eating Healthier On The Road

A Healthier Choice – Quinoa Salad with Teriyaki Tofu

Traveling can be really tough when you’re trying to eat healthy. Plane food usually isn’t very palatable to begin with. When I booked my flight online for my most recent trip, I noticed I could request a vegetarian meal on the plane, so I checked the vegetarian box for meal preference.

To my surprise, on my trip westbound, I was presented with a delicious Indian vegetarian meal, with basmati rice and dal, along with a green salad. I was off to a good start, trying to eat healthy while on vacation.

Along the way, I found healthy, but limited, choices at most restaurants. I ended up making choices, some healthier than others, after all, I was on vacation.

An Indulgent Choice – Lobster Salad on Greens (versus a roll)

On my return trip home, following one too many indulgent meals, I was already thinking about how to detox my body. I was pleasantly surprised when my vegetarian snack was delivered to my seat. This time, I found a Vegan Sandwich, German Chocolate Vegan Cookies, and a Green Salad served with Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing. Next to me sat my 8-year old son, who received a less than appetizing Beef Cheeseburger, a Cookies ‘n Cream Brownie, and the same Green Salad, accompanied by Ranch Dressing.

Request a Vegetarian Meal when you book your flight

The Vegan Sandwich consisted of a veggie patty, whose ingredients included carrots, onions, string beans, oat bran, soy beans, zucchini, peas, broccoli, spinach, and a host of other items, most of which were recognizable and pronounceable (my general test for whether a packaged food is healthy or not). The multi-grain bread had whole wheat flour listed as its first ingredient, followed by the ubiquitous enriched wheat flour. However, it also included brown rice, oats, barley, flaxseed and millet. Although there were some additives listed, I was sure it was still healthier than the alternative “mystery meat” burger to my right.

Looking at my meal compared to my son’s, I could not bear the thought of him eating the “mystery meat” burger. I promptly offered him a taste of my veggie sandwich. Since he loves beans, he took a bite without hesitation and proceeded to devour the entire thing. Although he might choose the cookies ‘n cream brownie over the vegan cookies this trip, it made me happy knowing that my son had made a healthier choice.

Next time you’re traveling on the plane and have a meal choice option, opt for the vegan or vegetarian meal. You might be pleasantly surprised with not only a healthier meal, but a tastier one too.

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