Green, Healthy and Volunteer Travel Adventures

Who wouldn't love to have their own, personal travel agent that customizes every detail from the destination all the way to your meals? Whether you are eco friendly, health conscious or want to do some good while you're away, there are a variety of companies that can help you create the vacation of a lifetime. From volunteer travel to adventures and excursions, here is a list to get you started on planning your dream getaway!:

• Green Earth/Vegtravel - One of the premier vegetarian/vegan/eco travel agencies in the country, Green Earth/Vegtravel caters to the discriminating traveler. Those who desire to maintain their healthy and/or green lifestyle while adventuring throughout the world. Donna Zeigfinger, President and owner of Green Earth Travel,LLC is a seasoned traveler herself and a member of the International Vegetarian Union. Vegtravel can help you book custom designed vacation trips, group departures, cruises, eco adventure, fitness, spa, family, yoga, organization fundraising trips and more! The extensive data base of trips/packages and resources contained within the site will enable those who practice a vegetarian and/or green lifestyle to travel without food being a concern. Like me!!
  
• Blisscape - Boasting romantic travel made simple. Run by a healthy and green husband and wife team, Blisscape prides itself on helping book and create luxurious vacations for their subscribers. They also help plan green and volunteer travel worldwide. In addition, the site offers tips and info on travel fashion and trends along with being your online travel agent.
  
• Real Adventures - If you want adventure, this is the place! From specialized tours for bikers, educational to eco-tourism and wildlife trips, Real Adventures is a great resource for all types of travel. Book your next airborne thrill or kayaking trip here today!
  
• One World Volunteer - At One World, they believe that explorations in travel is that there is a lot that needs to be done to make the world a better place. The projects that you'll find on their site were started by people who saw a need and acted on it, by; starting a school, creating a reserve, building an animal shelter, growing organic food, etc. Traveling is a way to discover new things about ourselves and learn to see ourselves more clearly. Volunteering abroad is a way to spend time within another culture, to become part of new community, to experience life from a different perspective. What better way to see a part of the world you may not have gone to or been able to afford to go while helping another person in need ; ) Sign up as a tour guide or just join a trip as a volunteer soon!
  
• Healthy Adventures - This site is great for healthy, pre-fixe vacations and seminars. The company offers set vacation packages that they host and you can join. Each organized vacation offers all kinds of activities in all kinds of locations. It's also a great way to meet new people. Space is limited to their trips and seminars so if you see one you like, get to it!
  

Plan your next adventure soon and get out there!! See you in a few weeks after some summer family time!!

Fork of July!

It's the middle of summer and the 4th of July is upon us. As we break out our grills and dust off our punch bowls, it's tough to believe the year is already half over! But let's celebrate while we have the sun and heat as well as swimming pools and fun friends. For great healthy and green 4th of July tips, visit last year's posting on A Foodie 4th. And here are some additions those delectable recipes, all sure hits at this year's festivities!:

*buy and use organic ingredients as much as you can ; )

Simple Red Salsa

4 large tomatoes or 2 packs of plumb tomatoes
1/2 a head of chopped cilantro
3-4 green onions/scallions (chop off the roots and use the whole onion from top to tip)
Juice of half a lime (add more to taste)
salt & pepper to taste
(if you want to add some spice, toss in 2 jalapenos or chilies)

Toss all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse. Pulse a few times to make sure the ingredients blend and chop well but not to much or it will liquefy. Add salt and pepper to taste, stir in and serve.

White Dijon Potato Salad with Dill

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
Sea or Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 celery stalks
1 cup veganaise
1 small red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (packed)
1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Put potatoes in a big pot with enough water to cover them by 1-inch. Add salt and bring the water to a boil. Cook for 25 minutes or so, just until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and return them to the uncovered pot off the heat. Let them sit until almost room temperature. Cooling in the warm pot gets rid of any excess water.

Chop the celery into 1/4-inch slices. Stir the celery, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and the remaining ingredients together in a serving bowl large enough to hold all the potatoes. Preferably a bowl that they will be served in as well.

Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces once they have cooled and add them to the bowl as you go. Stir gently until all the potatoes are coated with dressing. You can make the salad up to a couple of hours in advance. Keep covered at room temperature. Try not to refrigerate as the potatoes will lose their texture.

Vegan Blueberry & Strawberry Cobbler

Filling:
3 16-oz bags frozen strawberries, thawed
1/3 cup organic granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 16-ounce bag frozen blueberries, thawed

Topping:
1 ½ cups organic white flour (use gluten free is you are sensitive)
1 ½ tablespoon baking powder
¼ cup confectioner's sugar (extra to sprinkle)
6 tablespoons vegan margarine, quartered
½ cup unsweetened plain soy milk

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a deep 9” pie plate or two deep soufflé dishes and set aside.

Filling: Place the strawberries and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Mix the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water until dissolved and then add this to the strawberry mixture, stirring well to combine. Stirring occasionally, cook the filling until slightly thickened, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the blueberries. Carefully, pour the filling into the prepared pie plate.

Topping: In a food processor, combine the white flour, baking powder, salt and sugar, pulsing until well incorporated. Add the vegan margarine and process until the mixture is crumbly. With the machine still running, add the soy milk gradually until the mixture just holds together and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Making the cobbler: Using your hands, pull and flatten pieces of dough between your fingers and gently lay these on top of the filling, overlapping and covering as much of the filling’s surface as possible. (The mixture will expand, so no worries if not all of the topping is covered.) Once all of the dough has been used, sprinkle the topping generously with confectioner's sugar. Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 35-45 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold.

Veggie Skewers

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
5 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 green pepper
1 large onion (red or yellow)
1 package (8 oz) mushrooms
Skewers (4-5)

In large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, oil, basil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. Cut peppers into 1-inch pieces and slice the onion into crescent shapes. Place peppers, whole mushrooms, (keep mushrooms whole - do not cut or dice), onions and marinade in sealable glass bowl. Cover. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.

When you are ready to grill, thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating vegetables. Spray your grill with olive oil spray or cover with foil so your skewers do not stick. Place the vegetable skewers on top of the grill's grid. Grill, uncovered, for about 7-11 minutes. Turn the skewers several times on the grid so that they will evenly cook. The vegetables should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

4th of July Firecracker Cocktail

1 oz Organic Vodka
2 oz Dark Rum
1/2 oz Sloe Gin
(Fill to Top) Organic Orange Juice

Pour ingredients into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Have a very healthy and happy 4th of July!!
xoxo

Conscious Camping

Adhering to the summer theme, what's more summer appropriate then camping? Whether you rough it, tent it, camper or rv it, you tend to not have all the comforts and accoutrement of home when you're sleeping under the stars. Because of that is is very easy to fall into a rut of convenience store food, cooler snacks and campfire munchies. This can lead to sleepless nights as well as fatigue. A bad combo if you will be hiking, boating or engaging in any physical activities that require you to be alert and on your toes. Below are some tips to green up, health up and make the most of your next venture into the wild!:

• Eat your veggies! Yep, that's one thing that is incredibly hard to do when you're living out of a cooler. Fruit is fairly easy to come by but getting your greens is near impossible. So, make sure you pack some Healthy To Go Go Greens! These green apple flavored packets of nutrition not only taste good but each packet gives you your recommended 6 servings of green veggies in just a few tasty gulps! Mix in with you water bottle and get your veggies while you hike or just hang out. They are vegan with no chemicals or unpronounceable stuff as well as gluten free, great for kids, etc. They also offer vitamin C packs, green tea energy packs, omega packs and more. AND if you order a big box, they send you a BPA free bottle for free ; ) Bring a pack for every day you plan to be away. You will be glad you did ; )
• Drink lots of water!! Activities in the hot sun are a killer mix for rapid dehydration. Keep liquefied and cool. Bring a bunch of water from home in reusable or recyclable gallons. Invest in a hand pump for the 5 gallon bottles as it makes it way easier to refill little bottles or wash dishes. It comes in really handy to fill a bowl to wash your face and brush your teeth you don't want to hit the community sinks or when they just aren't available ; ) Be sure to dump “gray water” in designated areas, away from fresh water sources and not in the bushes.
• Stock up on healthy snacks. Hangin' out with friends around your camp site is always great with some tasty beverages and food. Load up on organic chips and salsa or guacamole as well as hummus with chilled cucumber chips. Grill up pre-made veggie skewers that can be easily made at home and packed in foil and put on ice for the trip. When away from your site, bring bars like vega, purefit, goodonyas or laras to keep your hunger at bay without killing your insulin levels. Lots of great snack options can be found on the Healthy Voyager Approved directory ; )
• Pack as much as you can in reusable bags or storage. This way you decrease disposable food packaging.
  
• For some of us it's tough to completely fall off the grid! Keep you cell phones, ipods and computers charged with the sun! Use solar panels instead of generators, crank or shakable flashlights and crank radios. Replace disposable batteries with rechargeable, whenever possible. A great stop for your portable solar needs is Sundance Solar.
  
• Bring enough receptacles to keep your trash separate from your recyclables. Some camp sites aren't equipped with separate dumpsters so haul your own trash to the closest place that can take recycling.
• Be green and bring you own dishes. Invest in some camping kitchen and dishware. Do your best to avoid using disposable stuff. Plus it's way cheaper on your wallet.
• Bring your own firewood. It would seem that using timber from around your campsite may seem eco-friendly, but it actually threatens the forest's future. When fallen trees and branches decompose, they return nutrients to the soil, feeding the surrounding trees and vegetation.
• Stay within your site's boundaries and on paths. Venturing into the forest threatens fragile plants and disrupts the homes of animals living there. And every time you veer off a path, you create an opening for others to follow - which will eventually widen the trampled area and reduce wildlife. Traveling off the path leads to soil erosion and the trampling of native plant life. Also avoid the temptation to throw rocks and remove brush while you’re on the trail.
• Keep campfires small and contained to a pit. Don't burn plastic, metals or woods that have been treated with chemicals. If you use an outdoor grill, dump the ashes in your fire pit or dispose of them in designated areas.
• Follow the rules of the campsite. Especially the bathroom rules as some sites may be on a septic system and anything other then what is supposed to go in toilets or drains can harm it. Be a mindful guest and courteous camper. Your fellow campers will thank you!

Camping with friends, family or venturing on your own can be incredibly fun. Even more so during the summer months with all the outdoor activities available near campsites. Just make sure you are prepared for the area you will be visiting and be a very cautious as well as conscious camper ; )

Theme Park Points & Plates

There's nothing like hitting up theme park during the summer. Families, couples and groups of friends all make time to let out their inner child and splurge on a theme park day-cation or full on vacation. Of course, nothing rounds out a day at the park like overpriced churros, popcorn, soda and fries. Right? Well, not only does this kill your wallet, it kills your day. All that walking, standing and hangin' out in the park requires energy and stamina. Through in some kids, purses, bags of souvenirs and you're ready to keel over by mid day. Yes, have a treat but don't make the whole day a throw away as you will be paying for it hard later. Below are some tips on making your magical day everything it should be as well as specific eateries at some of the most popular parks across the country!:

• Drink water!!! Skip the sodas as that will only dehydrate you and wear you out quicker then you can say Mickey Mouse.
• Pack snacks like trail mix and healthy bars like vega, lara, purefit and goodonya's. They will curb your sweet tooth and munchies, save you money, and save you from the mountains of sodium, sugar and preservatives found in the low grade park food.
• If you can swing it, pack your own lunches. Most parks have lockers available somewhere near the entrance of the park so bring a squishy type cooler and pack some delicious sandwiches, fruit and sides. You and your group will save a TON of money and will actually be full after picnicking with your own meal. Most park food is small, expensive and quite frankly, bland. It keeps you grazing all day and before you know it, you just blew next month's rent!
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses ad light clothing. The heat that emanates from the sidewalks and pavement can give you a heat stroke in no time. You may want to wear a swimsuit underneath your clothes for those water rides as well. This way, you won't be caught in the chilly breezes of the night as that is terribly uncomfortable.
• Don't carry to much stuff. Ladies, a small, sling over purse or satchel with the essentials is fine. If you over stuff your bags, you can really do some damage to your shoulders and back leaving you motionless by the end of the day. If you need more stuff like a sweater for the evening, food, etc, leave it in a locker and get it later.

Here are some of the best places to dine at major parks across the country. Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself so make sure you make smart choices:

• Disneyland - Blue Bayou in Frontier land offers a great veggie option. It is super expensive, tough to get into but is really a treat as you dine and overlook the pirates ride.The portobello mushroom cous couse dish was very tasty, easily veganizable, and came with a yummy salad. River Belle Terrace, across from Pirates, offers a veggie po boy. Bengal bbq, across from Indiana Jones, has some delish veggie skewers (good for a snack). The Tomorrowland Terrace has a veggie burger as does the Village Haus Restaurant by the Pinocchio ride. The Plaza Inn has kosher and veggie selections and you can veganize your pizzas and salads at the Redd Rocket Pizza Port. Grab some veggie gumbo at the Royal Street Veranda and quench your thirst with some tasty and fresh pineapple juice at the Tiki Juice Bar.
• Disney's California Adventure - The Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill boasts great veggie salads, tacos and burritos. The Wine Country Trattoria is sit down Italian which is easy navigate from salads to pastas and pizzas. They are very accommodating to all special diets. The Taste Pilots' Grill has a veggie burger and Studio Catering Co has a grilled veggie sandwich. Stop at Schmoozie's for a refreshing smoothie, make sure you ask for non-dairy ingredients if your vegan. Pizzas and salads aer easily made to order per your requests at Pizza Oom Mow Mow. Find a lot of healthy choices at the Pacific Wharf Cafe and by some fresh fruit at the Fairfax Market.
  
• Disney's Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Royal Table, in the castle, has a hidden secret. If you make your reservation and call ahead, they will prepare a great vegan or special diet meal for you so make sure to plan ahead. The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station has great veggie options as Asian is quite simple to healthify. The Plaza is a great stop as they specialize in accommodating special diets. Get a veggie panini at Tony's Town Square on Main Street. Veganize a wrap at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe in Frontierland as well as some Mexican grub at El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurant. In Tomorrow and Fantasyland you have Cool Ship and Scuttles Landing have veggie burgers.
  
• Epcot Center - Great options here as you get to pick your country of dining choice! Easily healthified and veganized are San Angel Inn in Mexico and Teppan Edo in Japan. Nine Dragons in China is very accommodating as is the Tangierine in Morroco as they serve Mediterranean cuisine. TuttoItalia in Italy and Tokyo Dining in Japan are fine dining and if you call ahead, they will be more then happy to accommodate your special dietary needs. The Electric Umbrella has salads and veggie wraps while the Garden Grill in Future World has veggie burgers and more.
  
• Knot's Berry Farm - They have a TGIFriday's on site so pop in for a salad. If there isn't time for a sit down, grab a veggie burger from Viva La Coasters.
  
• Universal Studios Hollywood - Get a veggie burger at the Hollywood Grill or have a full on meal at Mel's Diner. Here you can get a salad, veggie sandwich, veggie burger or wrap ; ) Modify a pizza or salad and have it your way at Louie's Pizza and Pasta. Eat at a number of different eateries before or after your day ta the park at Universal Citywalk.
  
• Universal Studios Orlando - Starbuck's is there for coffee junkies to grab their pick me up soy latte. A Louie's Pizza and Mel's Diner can be found here just like the Hollywood location. Order up a salad or veggie burger at the Cafe La Bamba.
  
• Islands of Adventure - The Confisco Grill has grilled veggie sandwiches and salads. You can find a variety of foods at the Comic Strip Cafe so getting what you need here won't be to bad. Get a custom sandwich at Blondie's or a veggie wrap at the Thunder Falls Terrace. Have a nice sit down meal at the Mythos restaurant or quench your thirst with some juice at Moose Juice Goose Juice.
  
• Six Flags Magic Mountain - On a hot day, treat yourself with a sorbet at Coldstone Creamery. Have a veggie burger at Johnny Rocket's or veganize a taco salad or burrito at Los Cuates Mexican Grill or Eduardo's Grill.
• Six Flags Over Georgia - Coldstone and Johnny Rockets just like Magic Mountain can accommodate healthy options. As will Los Banderas for some easily modifiable Mexican fare.
  
• Six Flags Great America - Same chains as the above, add in salads at the Pink Flamingo Cafe or a veggie sandwich at Saltwater Sal's Seaside Bar.
  
• Six Flags Great Adventure - Veganize salads and pasta at Mama Flore's. Same goes for Mexican at La Cocina and big sandwiches at The Carnegie Deli.
  
• Six Flags Over Texas - Stick to the chains here as there are not to many options at this park.
  
• Sea World San Diego - The Shipwreck Reef Cafe has a veggie burger and a veggie salad. the Calypso Bay Restaurant has a nice veggie wrap as does the Rocky Point and Mango Joe's beach cafe.
  
• Sea World Orlando - Have a salad and bruschetta at Shark's Underwater grill. Indulge in some veggie chili or a garden burger at the Spice Mill. Or grab a veggie wrap at Mango Joe's or the Antarctic Market.
• Sea World San Antonio - The least health friendly of the Sea World parks, veganize some side salads and snack on fruit ; (
  
• Legoland, CA - The food court called the FunTown Market boasts a great selection of foods. I found some veggie stir fry and noticed veggie sandwiches, baked potatoes and veggie burgers for future reference.The Garden restaurant in Miniland is also very helpful to special diet diners.
  
• Busch Gardens Tampa - The Crown Colony Restaurant is a nice sit down experience. They offer a nice veggie platter you can chow on while you overlook the Serengeti Plain. Find a veggie wrap at the Bengal Bistro or the Zagora cafe.
  

Let the kid in you go wild but let the adult in you keep your health on track this summer!!

Navigating National Chains

Expanding on last week's post on healthier fast food finds, I've compiled a list of popular restaurant chains that can be found nationwide. You never know when you are heading out for a meal with a group and need to do the best you can with the menu you are given. No matter where you may be in the U.S. (and Canada), you should have no problem finding a decent meal at any of the places on the list below. So fear not my little health conscious foodies, you may eat, drink and be merry in mainstream dining establishments!!! In no particular order:

• P.F. Chang's - 3 words, veggie lettuce wraps! OMG, I LOVE these darn things. Tofu sauteed in a delicious soy sauce (gluten free people, have them sautee the tofu in rice vinegar and lemon) served with crunchy rice noodles and crisp lettuce "tortillas". They are great about offering steaming vs frying, brown rice and lots of veggie dishes. Tofu can be substituted for most of the meat entrees as well. Chow down guilt free at PF Chang's!
  
• Chili's - I want my veggie meal, veggie meal, veggie meal....Yeah, order up the portobello & steak fajitas and have them hold the steak. They will add extra mushrooms and veggies like broccoli, onions, peppers and more!! Make sure, vegans, to ask for extra fixin's to make up for the loss of the cheese and sour cream. Don't forget extra chimichurri! Their black bean burger is also a great veggie and healthy hit. Pile on the onions, mushrooms and guac for a mouth watering meal. Their salads are all modifiable but be sure to ask about the dressings as that's where the naughty ingredients like to hide ; )
  
• California Pizza Kitchen -This place roccks for vegans, veggies, gluten free peeps and more! Vegan split pea soup, asparagus soup with no croutons and their grilled veggie salad are to die for!! Their hummus (with neopolitan crust instead of pita) is a winner for any diet type and the lettuce wraps can be ordered with veggies only. Salads can be modified to fit your special diet, the balsamic vinaigrette is vegan. Pizzas made on neopolitan dough are veganizable when ordered without cheese. I kill for their veggie or tricolor salad pizza!
  
• Houston's -I know, what can you get at a ateak house that's healthy or even vegan? How about the best damn veggie burger ever!! A homemade black bean and brown rice patty smothered in a sweet soy bbq sauce. Order it without cheese and check out one of their vegan sides like steamed veggies or black beans with brown rice. You can also opt for a soy latte, a veggie sushi roll and a side salad. Insane!
• The Cheesecake Factory - This catalog for a menu always has something for all discerning orderers ; ) Tons of veganizable salads (choose a balsamic or citrus vinaigrette and nix the black beans as they are soaked in beef juice). Naughty fried zuchhini, crsip artichoke heartsand the best, avocado egg rolls. A healthier fire roasted artichoke dip is a great start choice as well edemame and guacamole. That dang bread the serve will come in handy for satiating the carb demon as the pastas and sauces are not vegan. And lastly, the grilled portobella on a bun is yummalicious without cheese and mayo!
  
• The Olive Garden - Italian is usually simple enough for a health nut ; ) Their minestrone is vegetarian, make sure they do not garnish it with cheese or throw in to many pasta shells. It's hearty and tasty when paired with the all you can eat salad. Ask for oil and vinegar as the dressing as the house Italina contains parmesean. The bruschetta appetizer with no cheese is a doozy too. Gluten free folks can ask for a separate menu that lists acceptable items as it is part of their new garden fare menu for those looking for the lighter side of the garden ; )
  
• Applebee's - Try the veggie patch pizza appetizer with no cheese or spinach (it's creamy). Change up any salad by omitting unwanted items and tossing it in their balsamic dressing. Go for the chicken portobello sandwich without the chicken with a nice side salad. Those of you on weight watcher's, they've got the ponts values of everything on their menu so you don't have to guess!
  
• TGIFriday's - You are pretty much subject to ordering a salad without meat or cheese and going with a vinaigrette. You can indulge in a basket of sweet potato fries though ; )
  
• Panera Bread - This is one of my all time favorite spots. Fresh salads, soups and breads that work well on any diet. I always go for the pick 2 and get a vegan soup with the classic cafe salad. Go for an apple as your side and you are good to go! The sandwiches can be veganized with proper direction and its worth it as their bread selections are awesome. Soy lattes and healthy meals are the perfect combo!
  
• Ruby Tuesday - Gluten and peanut allergy sufferers can dine happily here along with us greenies. They have detailed menus of what special diets can order without worry. For me, I can chow on a guacamole dip starter. Then I can move on to a salad I make on my own at their salad bar. Perhaps a homemade veggie burger and some brown rice pilaf or steamed broccoli and I've just had one vegtastic feast!
  
• Fuddrucker's - If you must, a veggie burger with all of the fixin's can hold you over. I normally order it protein style, no bread, wrapped in lettuce ; )
  
• Chevy's - I've said it before and I'll say it again. Mexican is a great way to go for all kinds of special diets. Always make sure of the chips and tortillas are made with lard but usually one or the other is ok! Chevy's has some kick ass guac and salsa! Their veggie fajitas rock as does their veggie burrito. Just save the sour cream and cheese and you are golden! AT achevy's the black beans are vegan and the both tortillas are lard free (with the exception of the El Machino flour tortillas) The salsa vinegarette and Mexican rice are also perfecto!!
  
• Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation -You can't go wrong when you make your own salad at a salad bar! Some of the tossed salads are also vegan such as the mandarin spinach with carmelized walnuts, strawberry fields with carmelized walnuts, thai peanut & red pepper, and the thai udon & peanut. Vegan friendly prepped salads are white bean, arugula citrus, red pepper slaw, asian pepper salad, bean & cilantro, dijon potato & garlic dill, mandarin noodles w/brocoli, mandarin shells w/almonds, green bean & potato, roasted potato & chiplote chili, southwest pasta, summer barley w/ black beans, tabouleh, citurs & brown rice, tomato cucumber marinde & 3 bean marinade. gain, it's safe to stick to the vinaigrettes. Lots of soups tochoose from as well, provoding they are available on the day you pop in like the tomato onion, ratatouille, black bean, veggie harvest, minestrone and lentil. The bakery and pasta bars don't have much for vegans but you may get lucky with some of the bread or sauteed veggies ; )
  
• Hard Rock Cafe - Yep, depending on where you are or who you are with, you just might find yourself at one of these ; ) Fear not as you can grab a tried and true HRC veggie burger, with no cheese or mayo. Have a side salad unless you want to be naugty, then order the fries!
• Boston Market - Love their market salad with no cheese. It is super fresh and tasty! You can also order a veggie carver and indluge in the apple cobler, cinammon applesauce or fruit bowl.
  
• Denny's - You know you might end up here one night after a show or a long drive! So if and when you do, know that you can consume a veggie burger and a side salad. Or for breakfast, oatmeal with no milk, a veggie patty with dry toast along with some oj and coffee ; )
  
• Macaroni Grill - My favorite thing to order here is the create your own pasta in which I ditch the pasta all together and have them sautee all of the veggies they have in a garlic and olive oil! Goes down great with a glass of red wine and some of their peasant bread ; ) Vegans can't do the pasta, pizza crusts or even the red sauce. They are great with food allergies and special diets so don't fret if you don't know before you go!
  
• Buca di Beppo - Start with some bruschetta (hold any sprinkled cheese) and then split a big ol' mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. I mess with the menu by ordering the gnocchi with plain marinara and veggies and I'm sure you can dothe same with any pasta dish.
• Pick Up Stix - You can't go wrong with Asian cuisine as you can always get some sort of stir fried veggie dish. Here you can do tofu lettuce cups, tofu and veggies, rice bowls and whole slew of lighter fare. Go for the steamed, not fried items if you can swing it, have some salad, and watch out for the soy and teryaki of you are wheat and gluten sensitive.
  
• Jason's Deli - This is a nice spot to pick up fod for a trip or day at the park. Sandwiches and sides for all. Go for the spinach veggie wrap with no cheese or the mediterranean wrap with no mods.
• Bennigan's - The usual american fare can be health-ified by veganizing the salads and keeping an eye on the dressings. Same for the veggie burger ; )
• Outback Steakhouse - haha, ok. For non veggies, get your meat grilled and get a side salad instead of that damn bloomin onion! For veg heads, get a salad with the tomato dressing, no cheese. You can also pull out all the stops and get a steamed sweet potato! Their veggies are drowned in butter but you can ask for them steamed and dry. No mushrooms eitehr as they are swimming in beef broth ; (
  
• Johnny Rockets -Boca burger is your friend here and is customizable to be as fat or as plain as you want it. Fries here are a-ok as thet are fried in soy oil. Vegan but not to healthy ; )
  
• Z Pizza - This organic pizza joint is a hit! Organic crusts, topppings and even soy cheese(sorry vegans, it has casein). Pizzas, salads and sandwiches are all made fresh and taste freakin' great!!
  
• The Habit - It can't be healthy and again, these places are supposed to be had once in a blue moon. However, if you find yourself here, get the veggie burger, no cheese, on grilled sourdough with cucumber, sprouts, avocado and grilled onions. OMG!!! oh, and they have salads too ; )
  
• Pizza Fusion - This is what heaven must be like!! Organic salads, sandwiches and VEGAN PIZZA!! Yes!! Gluten free crusts, vegan cheese, a gajillion awesome toppings...Word.
  
• Daphne's - Mediterranean rocks for healthy choices. I love their veggie combo plate with hummus and pita, dolmas, falafel and salad. Filling, tasty and no guilt to wasty ; ) I hold the spanikopitas (cheese) and add more of everything else. falafel pitas and salads are good too!
  
• Pomodoro - I really like the selection here. I go light with a mixed green salad and minestrone. Sometimes I do the melanzane penne pasta primavera ; ) They also have some great side veggies, some even organic!
• Louise's Trattoria - This place wins for the best minestrone! Ask for it with no sprinkly cheese or crusty cheese bread and it's still mega tasty! I pair this with a huge Louise's chopped salad with no cheese and I am elated ; )
  
• Mimi's Cafe -A large menu always has some good options for alternative meals. The salads are veganizable with balsamic dressing as is the veggie ciabata with no cheese or pesto. The vegetarian vegetable is a good choice as is veggie burger.
  
• El Torito - oh yeah, tableside guac - the best in the biz! Go for that and some salsa but make room for their veggie burrito as it is chock full of great veggies. Order it with the vegetarian beans and you will be a happy camper! And if you drop the dairy on the veggie enchiladas, you will be full for days!!
  
• Acapulco - Similar to el torito, their appetizerguac is pretty good. Check out the veggie fajitas with no cheesey or creamy condiments.
  
• Chin Chin - Veggie potstickers and minced veggie lettuce cups every time!! But they do have some great veggie noodle and rice dishes as well as being able to sub tofu for meat on most of the menu items.
  
• Claim Jumper - mmm, fire roasted artichoke (ask for it with ponzu sauce) or avocado rolls to start! Veganize any salad by nixing meat and dairy items and sticking to citrus or balsamic vinaigrettes. Also try to produce bar! For a heartier meal grab a veggie sandwish sans cheese with a veggie stuffed baked potato with no cheese ; )
  
• El Pollo Loco - I forgot these last 2 guys last week so here they are! If you catch yourself around here, sides are alright. Like a side salad with no cheese, pinto beans and some veggies with no margarine. Slather all your stuff in salsa!
  
• Pollo Tropical - I am a sucker for Cuban food so the sides here make me very happy! Bolied yucca in garlic sauce, plantains, and some rice with black beans. They also offer the veggie tropichop which is like a cuban veggie rice bowl. Oh so good!
  

Next week, hunting for healthy options at theme parks!!!

Finagling Fast Food

So, there are times where despite our best efforts, our only options just might be fast food. 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 ; )
  
• 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 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. Sorry vegans, no Frappucinos for us as they won't make them with soy milk ; ( *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!!