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!!

Summer Reading List

Summer is here which means lounging by the pool, road trips and general relaxation. What better to complement all of those activities than a good book! From social butterflies to kids, health nuts or the not so inclined, here is a list of great stuff to flip through poolside or roadside all summer long!

For the ladies:

• Social Diva :An Essential Guide for the Girl About Town! by Peg Samuel - A fun guide to getting what you want from the VIP room in the most exclusive club to getting the perfect jeans at mega discount. A must have for any social summering diva! Also, be sure to check out the Social Diva website!
  
• Preggatinis by Natalie Bovis-Nelsen - A great book for the pregnant lady in your life! A "cookbook" on how to create delicious, non-alcoholic mocktails so you cans still feel like you're in the mix ; ) More great stuff at The Liquid Muse.
  

For health nuts and health curious:

• A Healthier Ever After by Dr. Robert Streisfield - Health and Nutrition with a Fairy Tale Twist! Useful lessons on healthy living, for both the young adult, and the young at heart.Check in with Doc Rob online!
  
• The China Study by T. Collin Campbell PhD & Thomas M. Campbell II - The China Study gives critical, life-saving nutritional information for every health-seeker in America. But, it is much more; Dr. Campbell’s exposé of the research and medical establishment makes this book a fascinating read and one that could change the future for all of us. Every health care provider and researcher in the world must read it.
  

For the dudes who need a healthy push:

• Skinny Bastard by Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin - What’s good for the bitch is good for the bastard. In Skinny Bastard, they’ll explain why the macho “meat and potatoes” diet is total crap, why having a gut is un-cool (and a turn-off), and how to get buff on the right foods. Eating well shouldn’t be a “girlie” thing—and the Bitches will whip any man into shape with their straight-talk, sound guidance, and locker room language.

For the munchkins:

• The Organic Adventures of Tucker the Tomato by Rey Ortega & Amanda Moeckel - Kids can follow Tucker through his adventures from organic farm to natural food store!
  
• Why We Don't Eat Animals by Ruby Roth - This book takes a candid, compassionate look at the plight of animals on factory farms, using gorgeous artwork and lively text to introduce vegetarianism and veganism to early readers.

For summer bbq recipes:

• The Vegan Table by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau - 200 great recipes for everyday entertaining! Follow up from The Joy of Vegan Baking, also by Goudreau
  
• Vegan Cookies Take Over The World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero - Yay! After Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, this is gonna be awesome!
  

For some funny and/or thought provoking adult reading, you can't go wrong with anything by:

• Chuck Klosterman
• Augusten Buroughs
• David Sedaris
• David Eggers

Audio books are great for road trips so check for these titles and more on Amazon.com. You can also download the Healthy Voyager blogs straight to your Kindle from here ; )

Pick some up today and have a great literary summer!!

A Memorable Memorial Day

Ah yes, Memorial Day weekend is upon us. The weekend that marks the official start of summer with blockbuster movies, cookouts and tossin' back a few drinks ; ) It's a weekend of fun and sets the tone for the next 3 wet, hot, sunny months. So with all the temptations of fatty food and alcohol filled events, here a few tips and recipes to keep you swim suit sexy all summer long!

• Make sure you wear sunscreen!! You don't want to be spending you first weeks of summer battling nasty peeling and pain, along with a lifetime fear of the big skin "C". It's so not hot ; )
• Sunglasses are key to keeping your eyes protected. Sure, be stylish but make sure they have the proper UV protection. Do you homework and you'll see that you can be chic and safe all at the same time.
• Eat lighter foods like fresh fruit and salads. The feel and taste great on hot summer days and also contain a high water content to keep you hydrated throughout the day.
  
• Be sure to have water with you at all times. Staying hydrated during the hottest months of the year keep you healthy and fresh, inside and out. It's also a great way to curb hunger and stave off "wastedness"!
• Keep up your healthy diet, vitamin taking and workout regimen. Just because you have time off doesn't mean the calories don't count or that it will be easy to get back on track. Consistency is key and you will be happier for it. Come Labor Day, you still want to look good and not have to break out sweats for your Fall wardrobe ; )
• Whether you are hosting or attending parties this weekend and throughout the summer, try some of these naughty tasting but nice feeling treats:

Carnivore Approved Big Mouth Mushroom Burger

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb mushrooms, roughly chopped (combination of crimini, shiitake, and Portobello)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 2/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup shredded soy cheese
  
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 egg replacer eggs
  
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, or 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Heat 1 tbsp oil in large saucepan. Saute the mushrooms, onions and garlic over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid boils off, and the mushrooms begin to saute.

In large bowl, add mushroom mixture to oats, soy cheese, breadcrumbs, egg replacers, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well. Allow to sit for 15 minutes to develop the flavors. Shape into patties. Heat 2 tbsp oil in large non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Fry patties, cooking about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Serve on a toasted bun and top with grilled onions, avocado, lettuce, pickle and tomato.

Crispy Sumi Salad

1/3 cup tamari (wheat free for gluten sensitive folks)
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp fresh maple syrup
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 head red cabbage – shredded
1/2 head white cabbage – shredded
4 large pieces of your protein of choice (tofu, tempeh, faux chix, etc) - chopped
1 tsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1/2 cup sliced almonds – toasted
2 tbsp sesame seeds – toasted
2 tbsp canola oil
1/2 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

In a small mixing bowl, combine your tamari, rice wine vinegar, maple syrup and whisk in your sesame oil. set aside.

Add your canola oil to a pan and bring to about 350 degrees. Add your chopped up protein choice and 1 tsp soy sauce. Stir fry until crispy on the outer edges. Set aside to cool.

Shred your cabbage into thin strips in a large mixing bowl.

Toast almonds and sesame seeds in a small pan. Then toss seeds, almonds and protein into the the cabbage bowl. Toss in the tamari/maple dressing, salt and pepper. Squeeze in 1/2 of the lemon and stir together. Set in the fridge to cool for approximately 1 hour.

Almond Strawberry Spinach Salad

• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup sliced honey-roasted almonds
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons raw sugar
  

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, agave and sugar; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Vegan Colada

• 1/3 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (lowfat if you like)
  
• ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 oz organic rum
  
• 4 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve in a chilled glass and garnish with cherry garnish and umbrella ;)

Gooey Vegan Brownies

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

My folders:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day and welcome to Summer!!

Mexic-Angeles

Growing up in South Florida, Cuban food was my vice (even though I'm Colombian). When I go home, it still is even though I have found some pretty good Cuban fare here in town to quench my fix. But in LA, Mexican is the way to go because nothing beats killer guac and a big ass marg! Oddly enough I'm probably as close to Mexico where I live now as I was to Cuba in when I lived in Miami, haha! So whether you're a local or planning a visit to the city of Angels, I've compiled a list of my favorite taco, burrito and enchilada spots in town that are not only boss, but healthy too! Get your GPS's ready and map out your taco crawl!

In no special order (as they all have rockin' choices):

• The Taco Spot in Eagle Rock - offering a bunch of veggie and vegan options, the Taco Spot has choices like soyrizo, tofu, sauteed veggies and/or potato filling for their tacos, burritos, enchiladas and breakfast items. The rice and beans are all vegan as they do not use lard and everything is veganizable if you just ask for no cheese or sour cream. They've got traditional food as well so it's a great place for a mixed crowd as no one will be left out and no one will leave hungry!
  
• Hugo's Tacos (2 locations) - Not your typical taco stand, Hugo's boasts fresh, organic food for all types of hungry folk. For the greenies, we have a few delish options of fillings such as veggie or soy chorizo with potatoes. The Torta Ahogada can be veganized and at the Atwater Village location, they've got soy cheese for quesadillas, etc. You get a choice of heat on your meal, from wimpy to the flames of hell! oh, and the Atwater location has soy soft serve ice cream!!!
  
• Mexicali in Studio City - This place is great for a night out with a group of pals for fun, celeb watching and margatinis. Yeah, I said it right ; ) Those are awesome and their regular margs are pretty close to perfection too. They too are very veggie friendly with veggie burritos and potato tacos along with some large, veganizable salads. The best night to go is Monday for their 30% off the entire menu and bar happy hour, all night long. Find them at 12161 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 (818) 985-1744
• Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks - Best margs in town and they are great for the long waits to get in this joint. It's a fun vibe and the secret yum dish here is their vegetarian Mexican pizza (veganizable by holding the cheese and then slathering on a ton of guac). With a little vegan manipulation, their spinach enchiladas are incredible with green sauce. I ask for no cheese or sour cream, extra everything else. This, like Mexicali, is a place to see and be seen but the food and libations are what draw out the Angelenos ; )
  
• Tacos at Real Food Daily (2 locations) - Some of the first vegan tacos I ever had, were these. They are a vegan classic in my book. Melt in your mouth seitan taco meat with fresh veggies, vegan cheese, stuffed into an extra crispy hard shell and a side of their ridiculous guac - dude! I dare you to just eat 1. I don't think you can ; )
  
• Machos Tacos in Los Feliz - Another taco stand to be reckoned with. The veggie taco and burrito are pretty standard and veganizable but the sweet potato taco will knock you off your feet for sure. Check them out at 1670 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (323) 665-6677
• Pure Luck Cafe in Hollywood - Ok, the whole damn menu is fantastic here but since we're chatting Mexican food, the picks here are obvious. The jackfruit carnitas or tofu tacos are phenomenal but man can they do a great faux fish taco, their baja taco is to die for. All of these can be made as burritos as well so get over to Pure Luck with an empty belly!
  
• Sky's Gourmet Tacos in West LA - Their newly added veggie menu is also vegan. No lard, vegan cheese, 100% tasty goodness. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas and burgers with all of the fixin's, Sky's is one of the best choices in town for South of the Border scrumptiousness!
  
• Alegria in Silver Lake - A full on healthy Mexian restaurant, Alegria is a cute diner with an innovative menu. I'm a sucker for the vegan tostada; prickly pear cactus sauteed in cilantro, garlic, onions and tomatoes served on crispy tortillas, vegan beans and salad. Soooo yummy! The tacos and burritos can all be veganized and the veggies there a mega fresh as is every dish that comes out of Alegria's kitchen ; )
  
• Leonor's Vegetarian (3 valley locations) -Leonor's is a great place but if you're vegan, you need to let them know as their soy cheese is not vegan and some of their soy meat dishes aren't either. But you can still have awesome meals there like their burgers and tacos, the broccoli or spinach empanadas are great and their pizzas are delectable. You can visit them at 1 or all of their valley locations and make sure to ask before you order if you're vegan ; ) You'll be very happy you did!
  
• El Torito (various locations)- I know, it's sacrilege to do chain Mexican in LA but sometimes you gotta go and it ain't so bad. I happen to think the fresh, table side guacamole is some of the best in town. And their veggie burrito is no joke as it is fully stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, squash, zucchini, and avocado and served with vegetarian pinto beans. That all goes down really well with one of their icy margaritas ; )
  
• El Cholo (several locations) - Somewhat of a chain, El Cholo is an LA staple. ANother place with yummy table side guac, they have a yummy veggie fajita plate (veganizable when you hold the cheese and sour cream). Not a sizzling heap of filler veggies either, it's quite the harvest on a smokin' skillet. Not to be missed!!

Love, Peace ad Taco Grease - and a happy belated Cinco de Mayo!!

Los Angeles On The Go

One of the coolest things about living in LA is the access to unique services and just plain old cool stuff. People visiting LA normally hit up tourist spots and restaurants mentioned in their guide books. But to really experience LA, it's best to follow the advice of a local, as they've got the skinny on the secret spots and things to do. For instance, LA boasts some rockin' mobile food and I've got all of the info for you be you a tourist or an Angeleno!

One of the newest, coolest and biggest things to hit the LA scene is The Kogi Taco Truck. It's not your typical roach coach and nothing comes close. Be prepared to stand in mega long lines at their secret locations that are shared with salivating customers via twitter. You can also find their weekly stops on the Kogi BBQ website if you want a leg up on the crowds. This Korean BBQ Mexican fusion phenom has taken LA by storm and there's no sign of it slowing down. And it's not just hype cuase the food kicks ass! For the vegan, no need to fret, they've got Kogi Tofu tacos and Kogi Tofu Burritos. They are kogified in the marinade that the tofu is prepped in and they are filled with delicious kimchee. They are definitely worth the wait but plan your day and get to the locations early so you are sure to get a taste of killer Kogi!

Another boss mobile eatery is Franken's (also lovingly referred to as The Frankenstand). A 100%, horror themed, vegan hot dog stand with selections like The Wolf, The Witch and the Franken. From vegan beer brats to tomato basil awesomeness, there is something for everyone at this gouhlishly great wiener cart! They got all the fixin's and sauces too that will turn your dog into carnival in your mouth. Check out the Franken's site to find out where it will materialize next, oooooooooooohhhhh!!!

Tourist or not, The Melting Pot Food Tours are a fun way to spend an afternoon. With a route starting at the famous Farmer's Market on Third and Fairfax and coming soon, an Old Town Pasadena tour, this is a great way to taste the different flavors of LA in a neat fashion. It's super neat as your tour guide tells you all about the history of each place you visit and you are able to sample items from each of the locations. Another great aspect of the tours is that they are all on foot so you really get to savor being in each place as well as walking off all of the goodies you taste so you can make room for more. It's a great treat for a local as well as anyone blowing through town. Make your reservations today and hop on the next Melting Pot Food Tour!

The New HealthyVoyager.com is Here!

Hi everyone!! Just wanted to to take this week to invite you to visit the new HealthyVoyager.com!! There are still a few tweaks and additions that need to be made but it's almost there and I invite you to check back often for new recipes, videos, info and more.

I so look forward to all the new things coming in 2009. I'm very excited to officially launch the new site and hope you and your friends bookmark it and check in frequently!!

Thank you Gina from Jamhouse Design, Michael Borys and my honey Dan for hooking it way up!