Discussion Board

So I have an upcoming 3 week trip to a hotel for business...I will have in my room at least a small fridge and a micro. I've been told lunch is in the cafeteria at the plant, and I'll be on my own for breakfast and dinner. I'm slightly terrified at what options there are in Missouri, close the the airport in what looks from google earth, like nothing more than an industrial park. I plan on taking in my checked baggage, a pyrex (microwavable) bowl and lid, some rice and lentils, and spices. I figure if I soak the rice and beans while I'm at work, they will be able to be cooked in the micro no problem. I did a version of that when I was in Afghanistan. But as I'm more picky now (not in the middle of a war zone) and I'd really like to eat more than rice and beans. I haven't been able to find any farmers markets nearby through any quick searches, and I really don't know what kind of organic offerings any of the local supermarkets might have. I don't always eat organic, I just prefer to if I have the option. I welcome any suggestions as to what to take, look for and how to maneuver through a work cafeteria line while making MCD choices.

Have you had any of the McD packaged soups? They are yummy and would travel well too.

I have tried the soups and they are great!, I have several in the pantry right now, I just don't know about the liquid and flying, the TSA is no joke about what you pack. The dried foods (kapow noodles, etc. ) I've tried and however really tasty I try to limit cause they have a good bit of salt which I like to keep low.

First, consider this: it's the veggies, fruits, starches that get you healthy. Not eating organic. Organic is nice, but not essential. So focus on eating veggies, fruits, and starches, without added oils...that will be challenge enough!

Second, you are in luck: Jeff Novick just started a permanent thread in the Jeff Novick forum devoted specifically to travel tips! Check it out. It's called "Travel Tips and Tricks."

Thanks for the heads up I'll check out Jeff's tips.

Maybe call the hotel and tell them what you are looking for in terms of food sources and see if they have any suggestions?

On my recent trips I've found walmarts and Targets have frozen vegetable offerings including frozen potatoes and brown rice. Those combined with fresh fruits have been helpful.

Wow, three weeks. That's a long time to be in a hotel by the airport. If I were you, I would try to do the following:

When you arrive, take a cab or bus to the nearest grocery store and buy the following:
--Rolled oats
--Potatoes
--Canned black beans
--Canned chickpeas
--Canned diced tomatoes
--Lentils
--Salsa
--Pre-cooked or frozen brown rice (if possible; Trader Joe's carries this, other markets might also)
--Frozen veggies
--Canned vegan chili (if you can find any that's super low in fat)
--Any and all fruit and fresh veggies that look good.

Bring with you:
Can opener
Spoons
Ziplock bags
Spices (including chili powder, curry powder, etc.), nutritional yeast (if you use/like it)

Potatoes cook very well in the microwave and then keep well in the fridge in ziplock bags. They make really good snacks.

I would make oatmeal every morning and eat some fruit.
For lunch I would do the best I could at the cafeteria to have a big salad and whatever else looked decent. (I'd probably bring a cold cooked potato with me as well.)
For dinner you could make the following things:
--Curried lentils over rice w/ veggies
--Black beans and salsa over baked potatoes w/ veggies
--Chickpeas and tomatoes (possibly curried?) over rice or potatoes
--Steamed veggies with noochy-mashed potatoes

Good luck!

where in missouri? if its St. Louis you'll be fine, there are Whole Foods / Clovers Natural Markets / Trader Joes & tons of restaurants we've already paved the way for oil-free vegan eating! Just PM me and lmk!