With all of the vegetarian options and meat substitutes today, a vegetarian lifestyle is easy to maintain…but what about in third world countries, where there are no fancy restaurants or super markets? Welcome to an outer island in the Bahamas where words like "boca burger" and "tofurky" are utterly meaningless.
Upon arriving for my vacation in the Bahamas, I could not eat anything the first meal except peas and rice. I soon realized it would be difficult for a pure vegan to have the variety and nutrition that is available in the States. However, for semi-vegetarians who still eat seafood, there was always an abundant supply of fish and conch. The selection of fruit and vegetables was passable. Bananas, pineapples, passion fruit, guava, sugar apples, sea grapes, and tomatoes are plentiful. Other vegetables have to be imported and are either non-existent or extremely expensive i.e.- one head of iceberg lettuce cost $3.95.
One lesson I learned on the islands was how to be very resourceful for my meals. For example, scramble an egg and melt cheese in leftover pasta for a delicious "fritatta" dinner. Spread peanut butter for protein on a bagel in the morning, and then have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at lunch. Bananas are a very nutritious fruit for every vitamin, so try to eat at least one every other day. Fortunately, from all of the swimming and the heat, you are hungry at every meal, so you hardly think about the taste!
Remember that just because you are on vacation, you can’t stop watching what you eat. You should be sure that you eat a good balance of veggies, fruit, grains, nuts, and beans. I’ve also learned to really appreciate what I have and to never waste food. So, if you decide to vacation on a remote island in the Caribbean, bring a cooler full of your own food, relax, and enjoy paradise.
--Read Shakira's interview with Andrew Knight on his experience and advice for ending dissection in your school!
