7 Healthy Vegan Travel Tips + 5 Smoothie Detox Recipes

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

It's summertime, and that means we're all running around to kids' sporting events and activities, jet-setting, road-tripping, and doing anything but eating a nutritious, home-cooked meal. Am I right?!

Dusty and I just got back from Hawaii, and it was a breeze to eat clean there--vegan restaurants, smoothie shacks, and juice shops galore, and there was no shortage of fresh tropical fruit stands! But what about when we road trip to a family member's wedding in small-town Nebraska? Or vacation somewhere that's not-so-plant-eater-friendly?! 

Over the years, Dusty and I have learned how to navigate it all (without any embarrassment, guilt, or shame), because where there's a will, there's a way--and if your will is to be happy and healthy, 24/7, 365, then you better believe there's a way to do it!

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7 Healthy Vegan Travel Tips

1. Keep Calm + Carry-on

• Bring washed and fresh-cut fruits and veggies with you no matter where you go! TSA will allow you to bring whatever fresh produce you would like onto an airplane, as long as it's clearly visible what it is. Our friend Robby, @mindfuldiabeticrobby even brings an entire box of produce as his carry-on--now that's commitment!
• Dusty and I love to bring our wide-mouth ball mason jars and fill them with berries, and then bring a container filled with greens to munch on, like romaine leaves, celery stalks, and cucumber spears. Whether we're road-tripping to Grandma and Grandpa's or out running errands, we don't leave home without our 'fast fruit' ...or, should I say, 'weapons of mass nutrition.' 
• It may sound funny, but I've been known to 'carry-on' a whole or half watermelon with me wherever I go in the summertime! It's the perfect hydrating, warm weather snack!

2. Mix It Up

• Make a trail mix! If you're on a longer flight, fresh produce may not cut it--and that's where nuts, seeds, grains, and dried fruit come in handy! We love to mix up a bag full of walnuts, almonds, hemp seeds, dried goji berries, dried mulberries, and pitted dates. These foods are more calorie-dense, and will keep much longer!
• Sometimes we make enough trail mix to last us through our entire trip. Another option is to buy a box of cereal, mixed nuts, and dried fruit when you get to your destination, and make trail mix that way!
• Our favorite option, of course, is our Raw Vegan Granola recipe!

3. Pick Sides

• Now this one's going against something we've all been told not to do growing up--but we want you to pick sides! When you're out to dinner on vacation, or you're at a small-town steakhouse with your grandparents, the panic sets in. The menu reads: beef on pork on chicken on cheddar on eggs on bacon with a generous helping of oil and grease--yikes! Have no fear--look for the sides; you're bound to find some steamed veggies, wild rice, maybe even a baked potato! If you order those 3 sides, you've got yourself a nutritious and delicious, plant-powered meal!
• Don't forget about the salads! Ask your waiter for a fresh salad with the dressing on the side--or better yet--request lemon wedges or balsamic for your 'dressing!'
• Don't care to belly up at the bar--that's okay, who needs the extra calories and the hangover anyway? If everyone around me is drinking, I order a club soda with lime--it looks like a cocktail, it's exciting to the tastebuds, and nobody will hassle you if it's got fizz and a lime wedge on the rim! ;)

4. Don’t Worry—Be Happy

• This one's a two-for-one! First, use the HappyCow app or website to find veg-friendly, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants nearby! Dusty and I even found success using this app in Italy! On one occasion, we stumbled upon a vegan restaurant that wasn't on the app, so I took the liberty of snapping some foodie photos and added it! Feel free to do the same if you stumble upon a hidden gem--it's a great way to benefit your plant-powered community!
• The second part to this tip, is to remind yourself that perfection is overrated! Maybe you go to dinner and order some rice and veggies, but the whole dish is slathered in oil. Instead of beating yourself up, just remind yourself that you're doing your best, and that you're on vacation! Travel, adventure, and exploration is meant to push you outside of our comfort zone, so be comfortable with being a bit uncomfortable, and the trip will go much more smoothly! Don't worry--be happy! ;)

5. Stock Up

• When you arrive at your final destination, get on Google Maps and find the nearest grocery store or farmers' market and stock up! Get yourself some pre-cut fruits and veggies, and fruits that are easy to throw in a beach bag or backpack, like bananas, apples, and oranges! Other great grocery store items to keep on hand are whole grain crackers, hummus, and microwavable veggie steam bags.
• Another insider tip is to check out AirBnB. Dusty and I love staying at residences instead of hotels, because you can usually get more bang for your buck, and you'll most likely get a full kitchen! We prefer to have a full-size refrigerator and stovetop so we can buy the typical grocery items we'd buy at home, and cook for ourselves! We were even crazy enough to bring our mini NutriBullet blender with us to Italy and Hawaii, and enjoyed fresh smoothies every morning on vacation--not to mention, it saved us money!

6. Pit Stop Quickies

• If you're on a road trip and nobody else wants to stop where you want to stop, and they're in a hurry to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible *cough* Dusty on the annual Canada fishing trip with my dad, G-pa, and uncles *cough,* then you've got to think quick! Gas stations almost always have fresh bananas, apples, and oranges, and if not, your next best bet is to opt for nuts and/or pretzels--that is, if you haven't equipped yourself with our Raw Vegan Granola! ;)
• If you're lucky enough to be traveling with the ladies, they'll probably want to stop for coffee, and/or a nicer restroom facility--hello Starbucks! If you make a pitstop at a coffee shop, opt for herbal tea, instead of something caffeinated, which contributes to jet lag. If you're hungry, try the oatmeal, some pre-cut fruit or veggies, or a bag of nuts!
• Annnd, if you're extra lucky, your pit stop might sell fresh-cracked coconuts to sip on! ;)

7. Ask And You Shall Receive

• This one's a biggie! When Dusty and I flew to Italy last year, we asked the flight attendant if they had a vegan dinner option, and they actually did! They brought us an entire vegan Indian meal--our favorite! She did go on to warn us, though, that it was rare to get that lucky, and she advised us to always specify under 'dietary preferences, restrictions, and/or allergies' when booking your plane tickets, and to call ahead to the airline to see if they can accommodate.
• Finally, when you go out to dinner on vacation, simply ask and you shall receive! This one's easier said than done. For the longest time, Dusty and I both felt extremely uncomfortable placing our 'special orders' in front of our family and friends, but to our surprise, most of the time, they end up asking what we got and say something like, 'I wish I would have gotten that, too!' Now, both of our moms simply let us order and then they say, 'I'll have what they're having!' You've got to be bold, be brave, walk the walk, and fearlessly lead by example! You will gain respect, and what's more, you'll get exactly what you wanted to eat, and your body will thank you for it!

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As Seen On YouTube

Be sure to watch our Top 7 Healthy Vegan Travel Tips on YouTube to catch a glimpse at some of our recent and past travels! If you haven't already, join the EatMoveRest Fam and Subscribe to our channel, turn on Notifications to get alerts when we post new content, Like our videos if you enjoy them, leave us some love in the Comments, and Share with family and friends!

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Whether you're about to go on holiday, or you're just getting home, a detox is always a good idea, in order to look and feel your very best!

If you follow me on Instagram, then you may know that I recently teamed up with Omega, the popular juicer brand, to develop 5 Detox Smoothie Recipes--yes--smoothies! Omega also has an amazing lineup of blenders, that in my humble opinion, blend nice cream and smoothies better than none other! While they are an investment, their pricing is far more reasonable than some of their competitors'.

Here is the blender I've been using and recommend!

**If you're interested in a more intense detox option, try my Juice Feast below!

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Remember Tomorrow

Two words that have helped me to make the best possible choices for my health and happiness are, Remember Tomorrow. If you're battling temptation, think about how you will feel tomorrow. On the same token, if you don't make the best decision, remember that tomorrow is a new day to start fresh and be a better you!

Whether you've got a trip planned, or you're keeping busy close to home this summer, be sure to #EatMoveRest Your Best! Use the hashtag on Instagram and share you're experiences with us!

One last thing--be sure to check out our upcoming March 2019 7-Day Costa Rica Retreat for the ultimate healthy vegan getaway!

Designed For Your Lifestyle,

Erin

Vegan Grawnola: Easy Raw (or Baked) Granola

Travel Trouble

I am the world's worst packer. I typically wait until the very last minute to dig the suitcase out of storage and gather my countless outfits and unnecessary "necessities."  Before you know it, it looks like a tornado came through the bedroom. Enter: Dusty. This is usually the point when he's ready for bed because we've got an early flight to catch and I still haven't figured out how many pairs of underwear to pack for a 3-day trip! He's already had his bags packed for at least 3 days, and serves as the voice of reason for all of my silly "what-ifs." It actually works out kind of great, because he tells me exactly what compliments me best, and I throw it in the suitcase...But wait! Step back. There's an "optimal way to pack your carry-on to maximize space!" The hubs seriously has it all figured our when it comes to travel, and I really love him for it!

Gone Fishin'

A few weeks ago, Dusty was getting geared up for the annual guys' fishing trip in Canada. Like, hop on a tiny float-plane and land in the middle of nowhere, sleep in cabins, poop in the woods, eat, drink, and fish all day, every day kind of fishing trip. But where's Whole Foods?! I kid. I really actually love the great outdoors, but I was pumped for my week at home, hanging poolside with Mom and getting some much-needed girl time. I was feeling like the hubs had it all under control and didn't need my help, but I wanted to do something to prove that I too was capable of being a grown-up/good spouse in helping him prepare this time. 

Roughin' it

All of a sudden it dawned on him, what am I gonna eat for 11+ hours in a car with your dad and uncles and grandpa? Let me put it in a nutshell for you: These guys don't mess around--McDonalds or starve. If you have to pee, hold it. Let's just say there aren't a whole lot of fantastic options along the way, let alone in backwoods Canada where there's no civilization for miles. Trail mix and granola immediately entered my mind. Instead of going and buying a big expensive bag full of roasted, toasted, sugar-and-salted junk, though, I decided to make my own whole foods version that could help get Dusty through the week without starving or coming home feeling awful.

Anytime Anywhere

Breakfast, afternoon snack, hiking trail mix, road trip, long flight, you name it, granola is one of the easiest and tastiest foods to bring with you anywhere. First, the bad news: most granola contains far too much sodium, refined sugar, and gluten, due to the use of oats. Now, the good news: you can make this completely raw, (or baked) version, using buckwheat instead of oats, date paste as an all-natural sweetener, and a few spices that will give your munchies plenty of flavor without the added sodium!

Buckwheat Basics

Contrary to what the name might suggest, buckwheat is not actually part of the wheat family, nor is it a whole grain--it's actually a seed! Buckwheat is wheat-free, gluten-free, and it's packed full of protein and fiber. These seeds, also called 'groats' deliver a satisfyingly crispy crunch, raw or baked.

Buckwheat can help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels and may also aid in preventing diabetes. It contains a handful of disease-fighting antioxidants, nourishing vitamins and minerals, and its nutrients are much easier for the body to digest than that of gluten-containing grains.

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Vegan Grawnola: Easy Raw (or Baked) Granola

gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, oil-free, low sodium

Start your morning with it, throw it in a duffel and pitch a tent, sneak it into the movies, this trusty granola is always by your side, and makes the perfect on-the-go companion. My all-natural, whole-food plant-based version is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied, with plenty of protein thanks to the crunchy buckwheat groats. It's held together by an ooey, gooey, sweet date paste, with an added bit of healthy fat from almond butter. Coconut shreds, cinnamon, maca, and vanilla add the perfectly classic flavor to the mix, with an added dose of antioxidants and nutrients that other granolas just can't match! Check out all of the amazing health benefits of maca on my Top 10 Superfood Favorites blog post!

ingredients:

• 10 dates, pitted
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (salt-free, oil-free)
• splash of water
• 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
• 3/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1/2 tablespoon maca powder
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

method:

raw version

1. Blend pitted dates, nut butter, and splash of water in mini processor or blender until smooth and thick
2. Place buckwheat, coconut, cinnamon, maca, and vanilla in bowl and mix thoroughly
3. Add date sauce and mix with hands
4. Crumble granola onto parchment or wax paper and place in freezer for a couple of hours
5. Store leftovers in container in freezer 

baked version

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Crumble granola onto parchment paper and place in oven for 15-20 minutes
3. Toss and mix granola once or twice half-way through, keeping a close eye to achieve crispy but not burnt granola

Notes

• Allow to sit on stovetop to cool and harden for 15 minutes before eating

Options

• Place in mason jar in refrigerator or freezer for a grab-and-go snack
• Crumble on top of cereal, oatmeal, “nice” cream, or a smoothie bowl for a crunchy twist!

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Banana Bonus!

You might be wondering what type of "milk" my grawnola is floating in. It's actually just blended up bananas, dates, vanilla bean, and water...also known as Banana Milk!

Quick & Easy Grawnola Cereal w/ Banana Milk

Simply add one ripe, speckled banana, 2 pitted dates, a teaspoon of vanilla bean powder (or a tiny bit of vanilla extract), and a cup of water into a blender and there you have it! You can even chill it in the refrigerator overnight if you like! Then, pour into a bowl and sprinkle your freshly-made grawnola on top!

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On-The-Go

Part of the fun of traveling is getting out of your element and trying new things--including new foods! But when the options aren't all that great, or there are no options (like in a cabin in the woods in Canada), healthy, homemade granola makes the perfect travel snack. Some other favorites of mine are dates, dried mango, dried goji berries, and dried white mulberries. These options are all calorie-dense and satiating, yet clean, whole-food options that won't quickly spoil or hold you up at airport security. Check them all out on Amazon if you're not familiar!

Join The Club!

Until next time, stay tuned for the August issue of my In The Raw newsletter, coming very soon! Be sure to visit the EatMoveRest shop and get your #EatMoveRest tank, tee, and sweat! Email subscribers get a 10% discount, so be sure to sign-up at the bottom of the site! 

Designed For Your Lifestyle,

Erin