I had the pleasure of interviewing the entertaining traveling health "nut" Carolyn Scott. A vegan for over a decade, Carolyn has traveled all over the USA but she hasn't sacrificed her dining habits. She has found the best spots for all fellow health concious travelers-- be you vegan, vegetarian, or just up for a healthy meal-- and she documents them in her Healthy Voyager series. Just because your traveling, doesn't mean you can't stay healthy!
KF: Where did you grow up?
HV: I was born in Bogota, Colombia but I grew up in Florida.
KF: Have you always eaten healthy or were you ever a burger & fries gal?
HV: I used to be a picky, junk food gal. 12 years ago I went health nut, 10 years ago I went Vegan
KF: What inspired the healthy eating lifestyle?
HV: I read a book called Fit For Life and it advocated a healthy plant based diet and how one should not mix their carbs with their proteins. Initially I figured I’d rather eat carbs over proteins so I went vegan but immediately became interested in balancing my diet so I studied holistic nutrition.
KF: And how did this lead to the creation of The Healthy Voyager?
HV: 10 years ago, whole foods wasn’t even in LA yet so traveling was even harder to find healthy food. Most people hadn’t even heard of the word vegan let alone know what to feed me. I created the show in 2005, food network style, and launched the blog and web show in 2006 as a resource for others who have special dietary needs like me.
KF: What sources do you use to pinpoint healthy stops on your travels?
HV: The internet for sure, sites like happycow.com help a great deal. Although, I love to wing it and see what I dig up! My better half is an omnivore so I try to find spots where we both can enjoy our meal without sacrificing taste. Many people have the same problem as it’s not often a person with a special diet is traveling with a pack of the same so it’s important to me to find places that accommodate everyone.
KF: What is the most difficult food to do without in your diet?
HV: It is tough to stay away from soy based products. I do my best to eat all things in moderation but as a vegan, soy is everywhere. I try to replace soy products where I can with beans, nuts and other protein sources like whole grains.
KF: What food is surprisingly tasty, contrary to popular belief?
HV: Tofu! When prepared properly or innovatively, it can be the best chocolate pudding ever, a killer “steak” or a delectable cheesecake!
KF: Where did you find it the easiest to eat healthy? HV: Well, LA is super easy but NYC, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland and Asheville are big for vegan friendly spots ; )
KF: Where was it the most difficult?
HV: Vegas, but it's getting better
KF: Where is the best (healthy) dessert?
HV: The vegan Tiramisu at Sublime in Ft. Lauderdale is to die for as is the pumpkin cheesecake at Horizons in Philadelphia and the bananas foster at Madeleine Bistro here in LA!
KF: Any suggestions for a healthy alcoholic beverage? HV: Can’t go wrong with an organic pinot noir – heart healthy, filled with antioxidants, no sulphates and low-cal
KF: What healthy snack brands are your favorites?
HV: I dig Yogavive Apple Chips, ProBars, PopChips and ToGoBrand drinks ; )
Check out her website for more information about The Healthy Voyager
and watch one of her shows below. She can even stay healthy in Savannah, Georgia!
Congrats guys!