During my years of competitive skating, traveling to competition was always a struggle to eat properly. And it only became that much harder when I decided to switch to a vegetarian diet. Kermit the frog was right... it's sure not easy being "green!"
Sit-Down Restaurants
Some restaurants are beginning to cater to their health conscious clientele by offering to substitute veggie burgers (such as Boca or Gardenburgers) for beef patties in their burgers--- sometimes free of charge, sometimes for a small fee. Still, you don't need a "meat substitute" to make a good meatless meal.
If you like Chinese, Thai, or Indian food, and can convince those you are traveling with to go along with it, meatless fare is almost always a breeze at these places (whether you prefer aloo gobhi, Buddha's delight, vegetarian pad thai, masala uttapam, or just want a vegetable stir fry).
At other restaurants, first scan the menu for items that appear to be free of your unwanted ingredients. But don't immediately rule out meat-containing dishes which seem otherwise appealing: most places are very accomodating to special orders. Never be afraid to ask the waiter if a particular dish can be prepared without the meat or the cheese or whatever it is you would like to avoid. (Applebee's -- what one friend has deemed "vegetarian Hell" -- for their part, has never balked at my asking for the stir-fry without the meat, and even lowers the price of the dish.) Although, do be prepared for thoughtless comments from less-than-enlightened waitstaff. Sometimes they're just trying to be funny, but other times they can be just downright rude.
Fast Food and "Fast Casual"
There is a wonderful chain coming out called "Mr. Goodburger's" which offers an entirely vegan menu. Unfortunately, it is not widely available just yet. So, we're going to have to make do with the standard fast food and the growing "fast casual" restaurants.
Some will offer items such as a baked potato with toppings, grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit bowls (with or without yogurt on the side), or salads. Vegan fare can be a little bit tougher, so it's important to be a little bit flexible and imaginitive. I've found that cashiers at McDonalds look at you funny if you ask them to make you a garden salad without cheese, but some will do it just the same. And workers at Wendy's usually have to "ask the manager," but are willing to give you a plain baked potato and broccoli on the side.
Most sandwich shops will offer a "veggie" option, usually with avocadoes, cheese, and other vegetables. Again, if you are vegan, ask if they can prepare something for you without cheese, mayonnaise, et cetera. If getting a soup, remember that even "vegetable" soups are often prepared with beef or chicken broth; it's always a good idea to ask.
Packing your own
Fellow skaters make fun of me for this, but sometimes the best way to ensure you'll have ample nutritious food that suits your needs is to bring it yourself.
TVP in baggies (not the most palatable, but useful if you have access to a microwave at the hotel)
Veg friendly energy bars (see eating on the run)
Individual boxes of soy milk (similar to juice boxes)
Tofu jerky if you can stomach the stuff
Cheese-and-crackers or PB-and-crackers
Nuts and seeds
Dried fruits
Store-bought or homemade trail mix
Granola bars
Nut butters and bread. For those concerned about hydrogenated oils, the Whole Foods "Whole Kids" brand of peanut butter is a "natural" peanut butter which doesn't require refrigeration after opening.
Fresh (not too perishable) fruits or veggies
Other Links and Resources
Vegetarian USA travel guide
Vegdining.com travel tips
VRG.org Travel guide
"Vegetarian" in (almost) any language
E-mail ekeraminas@hotmail.com
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