Vince-atarian Eating : An Altenate Lifestyle On-The-Run

Becoming a Vince-atarian

About 4 years ago I decided not to eat any red meat in order to maintain a healthier-lifestyle. I thought I would make the job as easy as possible so I set a list of guidelines. To make it easier, I decided Sunday would be my "cheat" day and I would only be able to consume red-meat on that day; the rest of the week I would eat healthy fare and limit my total meat intake to chicken or fish once-a-week, otherwise, no meat. Well I have ADD and forgot to eat chicken during the week and/or "cheat" on Sundays. So here I am today, I will eat fish about once or twice a month, however, no meat of any kind enters my body. Some call it an altered vegetarian, some call it being a pescatarian, I call myself a Vince-atarian. However, eating no meat and traveling frequently can be taxing if you don't know all of your options.

Tips for Life on the Go

Always plan ahead. The majority of my friends (and my entire family) eat meat. This might be difficult for some people to continue a healthy lifestyle around, however, the first thing you will learn is to plan ahead. I always bring along healthy vegetarian snacks so that if meat-alternatives are not available I am not left out of the feasting traditions. I highly recommend Cliff Bars; they are high in protein, vitamins and are made of all healthy-natural ingredients not to mention they are super tasty :) I recommend the "Blueberry Crisp" or "Peanut Butter Toffee." Hummus; also very high protein content as well as a good supply of lean fat and oil (simply mashed garbanzo-beans/chick-peas with garlic, lemon and a key ingredient (my favorite is the roasted red-pepper) compose this spread or dip-type food) and it can be placed in pita-bread, on sandwiches, in salads or bring along some veggie sticks to dip into the hummus for a healthy and quick snack. Crackers, mixed nuts or peanut butter spread on apples are other wonderful ways to collect nutrients through healthy snacks while being mobile. There are also websites to help you get a plan-of-attack on the road.

Keep an Eye Out For

Visit the Happy Cow website. The helpful website lists vegetarian and vegan resources; including restaurants by locality. Before your hitting the road, spend some time researching the various vegetarian places to eat on the road so you'll be prepared when hunger strikes. Otherwise, most cities have Natural Food Markets (i.e. Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc.) and/or coops that supply fresh fruit, veggies and other tasty delights for those of us who have nixed meat from our diet. If you are in an even bigger rush for fast healthy, or at least, meat-free food, you still have some really good options.

Burger King. Believe it or not I have eaten a lot of Burger King on the road. They offer a veggie burger which I pair with some onion rings and a drink (I also recommend asking for "Zesty Sauce" it has changed my life) for a very-fast, affordable, meat-free meal. Subway has been my savior for quite some time now, I love Subway. You can snag a Veggie-Delight (I prefer mine w/ lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, green pepper, banana pepper, giardiniera peppers, sweet-onion sauce, light-mayo on honey-oat bread) and they even have protein patty's if you'd like; the patty's are composed of soy beans & veggies and look/taste like a chicken patty. Other options can be found at Quizno's, Taco Bell, Blimpie's, however, these options are not as healthy (more preservatives) and I recommend these (and Burger King) in dispersed moderation. Otherwise, there's always the ethnic restaurants.

Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants always have good vegetarian cuisine and help to recharge those batteries. Mexican: grab a quesadilla with some mushrooms followed by a chile-rellenos (stuffed with rice, cheese and veggies) for a good meal. Chinese: I'm a sucker for Kung Pao tofu with rice. Thai: I could eat anything from a Thai place like Pad Thai, Pad Se Ewe, Crazy Noodles, etc. They always have a lengthy and tasty menu for those of you looking for good meals that do not contain meat. Indian: peas paneer are my favorite paired with curried tofu. Italian: pasta, pizza and eggplant are great avenues at these restaurants. So if you really choose to embrace this lifestyle it is indeed possible to find tasty-healthy options anywhere.

Ask Around

I prefer to find one-of-a-kind restaurants and eateries along the road that aren't franchised out. You can always find a good diner or grill that will serve of fresh food and allow you to maintain your regimen. You should also talk with the locals and find a good place for your diet. While Model Stranger was in Lawrence, KS I spoke with a very nice man and women in their store, 3rd Planet; they referred me to Dempsey's Irish Pub. I know, this doesn't sound like vegetarian friendly place, but it was and all of Model Stranger agreed it was the best burger (or veggie-burger) that they have had. These tasty burger were paired with delicious fries that had been tossed in truffle-butter and parmesan cheese; it also didn't hurt that they had a nice beer selection :) You can read my full review of Dempsey's and other restaurants at Model Stranger's Yelp! page HERE.

Don't Try To Change Your Friends - Just Share With Them

Eating as a Vince-atarian I try to not impose my views or lifestyle onto anyone else, however, if they ask me about it I will inform them of the extreme health benefits and overall lifestyle improvements that come along with this diet. I have more energy, I have a clean and healthy body, I VERY rarely get sick, and it even affects my mental health and gives a positive outlook on life. I even got Kevin James to enjoy some hummus & avocado spread with me and I got Stephen Francis hooked on Veggie-delights from Subway & Sesame-Seaweed Balls from Trader Joes. However, this diet is not for everyone, some people just love their meat :) But whether you eat meat or not, we should all be concerned with maintaining a healthy diet. Especially while traveling!

Love,

Vincent Joseph