Sticking To A Plant-Based Diet When Ordering Takeout
Posted on: 7 July 2015
Eating healthy at home is one thing, but it may be hard to stick to a vegan or plant-based diet when eating out. Worse still is trying to find plant-based options when ordering takeout from neighborhood eateries and pizza places. There are a few options available that won't derail your commitment to a vegan lifestyle, while still providing the convenience of ordering in.
Try these plant-based options the next time you are thinking of takeout:
Italian restaurants.
Pasta is always a good bet when eating vegan, and whole-grain pastas may be available at some of your local establishments, which is even better. Try asking for veggies sauteed in olive oil, and skip the cheese. Keep a bit of nutritional yeast on hand to sprinkle on your meal in lieu of Parmesan cheese.
Chinese food.
There are numerous plant-based menu options found in Chinese restaurants, and typically it comes down to how the rice and vegetables are prepared. Soy sauce does not use animal products, and makes the ideal condiment for an order of steamed rice, broccoli, snow peas, and carrots. Skip fried rice, as it may contain oils, dairy, and eggs in the preparation.
Burger joints.
Many burger joints are expanding their menu to incorporate more healthy options, and some are starting to use peanut oil for french fries or fried foods. It is usually possible to get all of the trimmings that would typically go on a burger- tomato, lettuce, onion, pickle, and condiments- on a whole-grain roll. Add a side of cole slaw or baked chips and you have the perfect lunch!
Mexican food truck.
When you are getting takeout from a Mexican stand or food truck in your neighborhood, you may have the luxury of ordering exactly what you like and having it made while you wait. In these situations, enjoy a large wheat tortilla with vegetables, pico de gallo, and beans, pressed or toasted on a grill. Skip the re-fried beans, however, unless you are certain they don't include animal protein or fat.
Pizza places.
Pizza is a great way to get a lot of veggies into your meal, and it is easy to find plant-based options at a pizza place. You won't miss the meat and cheese when you load a wheat or white crust with marinara sauce, fresh veggies, sauteed mushrooms, broccoli, and even pineapple!
Don't let a quick bite sabotage your commitment to plant-based eating. There are some practical options found in most of your favorite restaurants and eateries that do not contain animal products. When in doubt, don't be afraid to ask how your foods are prepared when ordering to ensure you get what you want.
Contact a local restaurant, such as OJ's Steak & Pizza, for further assistance.
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