Flying High and Meat-free

Depending on what airline you fly and how long your trip is, your in-flight meal is likely to be a cellophane-wrapped package of crackers or a bag of pretzels. But some flights still serve meals and offer the option of a vegetarian snack. If you travel frequently and use a travel agent, you can let them know that you’re vegetarian, and they’ll make the request for you every time they book your flights. If you book your own flights, you simply need to make the request when you make your reservations or call the airline’s customer service number (you can also visit their Web site) and make the request at least twenty-four hours before you’re scheduled to fly.

If you’re unsure if your flight will serve a meal, call and ask an airline representative; if you’re vegan, make sure to specify no eggs or dairy. Once you’ve made the request, call the day before your flight just to be certain that they have you down as vegetarian. When you board the plane, let the flight attendant know as soon as you can that you’re getting a vegetarian meal—as with any bureaucracy, information is sometimes inefficiently communicated.

Occasionally, planes are changed at the last minute due to mechanical issues, and that can mean that your meal isn’t loaded on the right plane! Then the same holds true if you upgrade to first class just before you board—they may have your meal ear-marked for your original seat assignment. Requesting a vegetarian meal is no guarantee that you’ll get one, but by politely reminding the flight crew that you’ve made the request, you increase the odds that you’ll get it.

Ahoy, Captain, There’s a Vegetarian on Board!

When you are trapped on a big sailboat or cruise ship, food choices are limited. After all, you can ask the crew or the captain to pull over at the next port so that you can find some better vegetarian options. Luckily, cruises these days are all about luxury and accommodating the passengers. You are bound to find numerous vegetarian options on board for every meal. Some high-end cruises even offer a vegetarian menu for you to choose from. When you are dining on the cruise ship, you can always ask your server if a certain meat dish can be made without any meat products. Handle it just as you would if you were dining out. Ask for specifics on how the dish is made and inquire as to whether you can have your dish made vegetarian-style. The chef will most likely be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

When you are planning your cruise or boat outing, have your travel agent inquire about any specific dietary requests—such as a vegetarian meal plan. That way you will know what kind of situation you are getting into even before you step foot on the boat. Most cruise ships these days offer elaborate buffets that are piled high with calorie-rich foods and meats that vegetarians steer away from. But you are more than likely to find vegetarian options along the buffet line. Visit the salad area, fruit section, and bread table first to find vegetarian friendly foods. Then circle back around to see if there are any vegetables and pasta salads being served
along side meat selections. While other passengers fret over the amount of weight they are gaining on the ship, you will find comfort in your vegetarian
way of life once you put on your bathing suit to swim in the ocean!

Emergency Rations—The Vegetarian’s Safety Net

Anyone who has special dietary needs, vegetarian or otherwise, should know how to put together a small pack of just-in-case food for those times when you’d otherwise be unable to get a healthy meal. This is a great idea for vegetarians, but it’s vital for people with insulin problems—diabetics, prediabetics, and hypoglycemics—so they can keep their blood sugar in check.

Small, insulated lunch bags are ideal for this purpose. You want to be able to take it with you in your carry-on bag on air flights (check the current FAA rules regarding what you can, and can’t, take on a plane) or toss in the car when you’re going to be away from home all day.

Some things you can consider as emergency meal rations:

Presliced vegetables like celery, carrots, bell peppers, and jicama
Single-serve boxes of rice milk and/or fruit juice
Sliced cheese Protein bars Apple slices Trail mix
Snack packs of hummus and pita chips
Bottled water
Small container of peanut butter
Chips or pretzels
Bagels

If you’re traveling, make sure you restock your emergency pack as you go along. Pick up granola bars, nuts, and chips from convenience stores and vending machines. If your hotel has a free continental breakfast, nab a piece of fruit for the bag.

Keeping your just-in-case bag stocked will save you time looking for something to eat and the money you’d spend for a restaurant or fast-food meal, and it’ll be a life saver if you’re stuck somewhere without anything available.