Air travel can be a stressful ordeal, and when you’re adhering to a Sattvic diet, the options might seem even more limited if you are in the Western Hemisphere. Sattvic foods are typically fresh, organic, and devoid of preservatives, onions, garlic and mushrooms which can be a tall order at an airport. However, there’s a silver lining: with a little planning, your travel experience can be as serene as your diet and lifestyle.
My Instagram followers and YouTube subscribers already know that I had a Cincinnati calling me. Hence, I took a American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to attend my dear cousin’s engagement ceremony. Initially, the flight was from Terminal C but it suddenly changed few hours before departure to Terminal A. Abrupt schedule changes in aviation are new normal now-a-days.
Being on a Sattvic diet doesn't mean you need to compromise convenience or taste while traveling. The key is preparation and making mindful choices.
Pre-Flight Brunch Options
Let’s start with the all-important pre-flight meal. A brunch before a mid-morning flight is ideal to keep you fueled and comfortable until you reach your destination.
Hash brown patties are a great Sattvic option. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes and minimal spices, they provide the energy you need without upsetting your digestive system. Pair them with a side of fresh fruits and herbal tea, and you’re good to go. Most restaurants can cater to dietary restrictions if you request.
Even better, make your hash brown patty at home and carry it along in a reusable container. It’ll be fresh, organic, and Sattvic to boot. That’s what I did and clubbed it with pair of wheat breads with some fresh vegetables and light chaat masala to make a quick, nutritious pre-flight brunch.
Sattvic, Vegan and Lacto-Vegetarian Options at Airports
Almost all airports in United States have well-known chain restaurant outlets and quick food locations. These household names offer at least 2 to 3 items that are vegetarian and can be customized to suit vegan or sattvic diets.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Airport has some solid options for the Sattvic traveler. Located in Terminal A, Qdoba offers the customizable impossible bowl where you can choose organic brown rice, black beans, and a plethora of fresh veggies. Just avoid the onion and garlic if you have a Sattvic meal by asking them to add a crushed avocado with lime instead of standard guacamole, and removing onions from Fajitas. Another Mexican option is namesake salad from Pappasito’s Cantina, crafted with fresh greens, tortilla chips, avocado, tomato & cheese. Removing onions make it suitable for Sattvic diet. California Pizza Kitchen has some great options for vegetarians, vegans and sattvic-eaters. For those with a sweet tooth, Pinkberry offer fruit and veggie-based smoothies with no added sugar. It also offers dairy-free flavors with multiple vegan-friendly toppings.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG) Airport also offers some vegan options that can be customized to fit a Sattvic diet. Blaze Pizza, for an instance, has a range of cheese, sauce and topping options. The pizza chain also offers vegan cheese and plant-based protein options to create vegan and sattvic pizza. Subway is a famous fast food chain and all-time great option for Sattvic lovers, but it became even better in 2023. Subway updated its Veggie Patty to remove the egg whites and calcium caseinate to make it pure vegan. However, you can order just a veggie delight sub without onions and mushrooms along with mustard sauce, oil and vinegar to make it sattvic and skip veggie patty. Salad with veggie and simple sauces is also a great option. Keep it simple at Subway… order a sub or salad with veggies and a sauce.
Remember to stay hydrated with bottled spring water or fresh coconut water, or fresh fruit smoothies when available.
A Peaceful Journey with Mindful Choices
Being on a Sattvic diet doesn’t mean you need to compromise convenience or taste while traveling. Many chain restaurants now offer vegan options, and with a little customization, these can be adapted to a Sattvic diet. The key is preparation and making mindful choices. So the next time you find yourself at Dallas-Fort Worth or CVG Airport, remember that Sattvic options are just a menu away. Your journey is what you make of it—why not make it peaceful?
