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From the desk of Dr. Nandita Shah...
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I love to travel—especially to new places and cultures where there’s so much to explore. One of the questions I’m often asked is, “How do you manage your diet when you travel?”
Honestly, I don’t find it difficult at all.
These days, with platforms like Airbnb available almost everywhere, it’s become even easier. I usually stay in a place with a kitchen, visit a local supermarket, and pick up fresh, often organic produce. Having fruits, vegetables, and simple staples on hand means I’m always nourished—while still leaving plenty of room to explore local food options.
And that’s part of the joy of travel—tasting local cuisine. In some places, I find wonderful organic vegan restaurants. In others, I enjoy discovering simple vegan street food. My only guideline is to keep it plant-based and not too heavy on oil or sugar. On a recent trip to Dharamsala, I had some fabulous vegan meals at Bodhi Greens—a true delight!
When I stay with friends, I simply let them know that I eat plant-based, and I often offer to cook. It’s always rewarding to see how pleasantly surprised people are by how delicious plant-based food can be.
At the end of the day, it’s really a matter of mindset. Once you decide to eat plant-based, it becomes surprisingly easy—even in places where meat-heavy diets are the norm. I was recently speaking to my brother who had been in Montréal and Quebec City, and he shared how many amazing vegan restaurants he discovered there. A quick search confirmed just how many options exist.
And let’s not forget—most restaurants today offer at least a few vegan-friendly dishes. So why not travel… and stay healthy at the same time?
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Vegan India Conference
Travel to the Vegan India Conference in Mumbai this June and expect two days of awesome talks, sessions, products, services, food, networking & more! To get more information and a special discount for being a SHARAN member, click here.
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Travel storyteller Shivya Nath shares how she has been able to travel the world while being vegan
When I turned vegan over 10 years ago, I wasn’t sure if I could sustain my nomadic travel lifestyle and still eat well. I had been living out of two bags, often didn’t have access to a kitchen, and was completely dependent on others to feed me! Over the years however, I’ve learnt that many ancient cultures were largely plant-based, built beautiful friendships on the shared love of good (vegan) food, and had some of the most incredible food of my life. In Japan for instance, I was surprised to discover that the local cuisine was primarily vegan until Emperor Meiji publicly ate horse meat for the first time. Japanese people still say ‘itadakimasu’ before eating, to thank the sentient beings that were sacrificed for their food. In Myanmar, I was treated to elaborate local plant-based meals by asking for ‘ta-ta-lo’ – food without suffering!
In my latest book, Rootless and Restless, I write about my slow travel journeys in distant parts of the world, including Iran, Uzbekistan, Cuba and Patagonia – and the joys and misadventures of being a vegan traveller. I hope the book will inspire you to experience the world while minimizing your suffering footprint too!
Recipe - Date Nut Balls
These easy-to-make delicious balls will ensure you give in to your sugar cravings in a super healthy way! You will be truly proud of yourself for making the best decisions for your body, as we all know how detrimental sugar can be to our health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- ½ cup mixed nuts
- Ginger, as per taste
- ⅛ tsp unrefined salt
In a blender, process the dates with the nuts and ginger. Add salt and blend to a smooth paste. Roll to make small balls and serve.
Serves 3-4
Food For The Mind
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Dos & Don'ts of Healthy Travels
So, you’ve booked your destination, stay & itinerary, sorted your clothes and snacks to carry, and you’re good to go? Well to ensure a seamless experience, read on for a few more things to keep in mind…
1. Do pre-book flight meals
Most airlines today cater to different dietary requirements, making it easy to book vegan meals or even simple fruit and salad options. However, if your flight doesn’t offer these choices, carry your own food from home.
2. Do learn local phrases
Especially ‘no meat, dairy or fish’ in the local language and if they have a word for vegan.
3. Do download the HappyCow app
This contains an amazing directory of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants.
4. Do check out Travelling Spoon
This amazing service lets you experience a delightful homemade meal in a local’s home, which could also include a market tour and a cooking demo too if you like. Many vegans have opened their homes to support vegan travellers.
5. Do carry your cruelty-free toiletries and steel straws etc.
6. Do join regional social media groups
This way you will get a lot of information on different vegan restaurants and events too.
7. Don't assume vegetarian means no eggs
8. Don’t forget to check the broth in your soup - make sure it’s vegan too
9. Don't opt for tours that use animal services
10. Don't assume buffet labels are always correct
Use your common sense and reconfirm.
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All Events
Most of our events are online now, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Click to know more…
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| What is SHARAN? |
Sanctuary for Health and Reconnection to Animals
and Nature (SHARAN) is a social enterprise with
the goal of spreading awareness about holistic
health and an ecologically sustainable
compassionate lifestyle.
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| Compiled & Edited by: |
This newsletter is compiled by SHARAN Head of Mumbai, Reyna K Rupani. She facilitates the Six Weeks to Health Gain & Weight Loss program and also conducts health talks for schools, groups, corporates and more.
May 2026 | Issue: 269
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