Airport Food Blows

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Waiting for our flight to take off for Chicago!  I’m getting excited for the Healthy Living Summit, but it’s also very stressful because I’m helping to organize it.  I just hope everything goes smoothly.

 

We were delayed a bit so Megan and I started to check out dining options.

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People often ask me if it’s difficult to be a vegetarian, and honestly – I think it’s hardest in the airport.  Airport food blows to begin with, but there really seems to be a lack of healthy vegetarian options.

 

However, I spied a Mexican restaurant and put together a decent meal.

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Brown rice, black beans, and pico de gallo on a bed of romaine lettuce.  Pretty delicious and filling.  Maybe airport food isn’t THAT bad – you just have to get creative.  🙂

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In other news… the Charlotte airport further redeemed itself by having a frozen yogurt place.  I got a small vanilla with strawberries.

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Healthy Living Summit

 

Maybe you’re wondering what HLS exactly is!  Well, about a year and a half ago, Kath, Tina, Meghann, Heather, Jenna, and I decided to put together a 100-person event in Boston in August 2009.  It was lots of fun to meet other bloggers + readers for the first time and explore a new city together.  Here’s last year’s recaps:

 

 

This year, we’ve expanded to 200 attendees and will offer a two-track agenda so people can attend events that interest them.  We’re offering a bigger variety of events, such as photography lessons, yoga, and discussions about issues in the blog world.  I hope people enjoy the changes!  🙂

 

Thanks to our sponsors:

 

{ 77 comments }

 

  • Bethany @ More Fruit Please August 12, 2010, 1:09 pm

    Wow… Mexican food and fro-yo! Nice food for the airport!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 12, 2010, 1:10 pm

    Every once-in-a-while I can find a very yummy place to eat. I love Paradise Bakery and Cafe when I’m in Phoenix and Boudin when I’m in California 🙂 I can’t wait for your posts on HLS this year!

  • Tina August 12, 2010, 1:10 pm

    I hope it goes smoothly for you and you get to relax and enjoy it all. I really wish I could be there. I admit to hoping you all put another one on next year. 😀

    And your meal looks really good. Airport food or not.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 12, 2010, 1:11 pm

    I’ve been to a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in an airport once that wasn’t bad.
    …until I got food poisoning.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 12, 2010, 1:11 pm

    mexican and frozen yogurt doesn’t sound too bad! beats the hot pocket i have today 😉

  • Lisa August 12, 2010, 1:12 pm

    Agreed! There are never healthy options at the airport.

  • Camille August 12, 2010, 1:13 pm

    Froyo in the airport!? Could be much worse 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 12, 2010, 1:16 pm

    You definitely have to work the food system in the airport! Frozen yogurt does help…and coffee! Have a safe flight!

  • JenATX August 12, 2010, 1:17 pm

    Denver International has the worst choices.. I was craving fresh fruit soooo bad & there were only a few small apples at some cart. Not even the coffee places had any! I had to pay $8 for granola with yogurt & strawberries at a restaurant but it was worth it 🙂 3
    have a safe flight!

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin August 12, 2010, 1:18 pm

    It definitely is tough to find healthy veggie options on the go, but Mexican is always a good choice because you can make a bowl with whatever you want. I get fajita veggies on the same bowl if they have them, too. See you tomorrow!!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 12, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Agreed on the airport food! I’m attending a fitness conference this weekend as well, but it’s definitely not a blogger conference, and I’m a little concerned about the food situation there! Last year the food offerings weren’t anything to boast about, so I plan to pack up a ton of snacks to get me through! Have an amazing weekend – I’m sure you’ve put a TON of work into this! 🙂

  • Marie August 12, 2010, 1:20 pm

    Definitely not bad for airport food! Better than the 6 dollar bagel with cream cheese I got there last year… blegh. Yay for Fro yo!

  • Rachel August 12, 2010, 1:21 pm

    Looked like a yummy airport food that time! Usually its not so great. Last time I was at the airport I had a caprese (mozzarella and tomato) sandwich one a huge white ciabatta roll. It was soggy and yucky.

  • Chelsey August 12, 2010, 1:21 pm

    Airport food sucks even more when you’re a vegetarian, gluten, dairy, and corn free. Yikes!!! 🙂 But it looks like I could have enjoyed that delicious fare.

    Have the best best time in Chicago – I am a bit biased since it is my city, but it is one of the best.

  • Jen @ Jen is Green August 12, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I always get froyo at the airport too! 🙂 Yum.

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman August 12, 2010, 1:29 pm

    thanks for explaining how HLS got started:) sounds like you’ve included some great classes!

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 12, 2010, 1:39 pm

    Frozen yogurt always makes the day good 🙂

    I wish I was at HLS — sounds like a great time.

  • Christina August 12, 2010, 1:45 pm

    I wish I was going to the conference, not only did last years sound amazing but it’s in my favourite city! Have an awesome time!!

    Oh, and if you’re looking for fab froyo in Chitown stop by Berry Chill!

  • Kelly August 12, 2010, 1:47 pm

    Airport food does blow. Have so much fun in Chicago, I’m hoping next year it’s somewhere closer so I can go!

  • Beth @ Will Run for Books August 12, 2010, 1:47 pm

    I love reading the recaps! I’m so excited for this weekend – I already want to help plan next year’s!

  • Amy August 12, 2010, 1:50 pm

    I don’t know if you know this, but you can take your own food through security. It doesn’t even count as a carry-on if you take it on the plane and plan to eat it all during your flight!

  • Nicole, RD August 12, 2010, 2:09 pm

    You girls are amazing for coming up with such a wonderful event! I hope to attend next year! Enjoy!

  • April @ Crazy Fabulous Life August 12, 2010, 2:12 pm

    I am so jealous! I wish I was going to HLS 🙁 How about NC next year? 😀

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing August 12, 2010, 2:12 pm

    Airport food IS severely lacking!!! Though I was in the Charlotte airport back in June and it’s not bad compared to some. I didn’t see the fro-yo though! 🙁

  • Julia August 12, 2010, 2:14 pm

    That “Mexican” food looks delicious, actually. 🙂

    I am devastated that I won’t be coming to HLS. I waited all day to buy tickets and then had a computer malfunction at check-out. When I logged back in to buy – SOLD OUT! I’ve been on the waiting list since.

    Oh, well. . . since I only live an hour away, I might drive up and catch some attendees around Chicago for some lunch and shopping! 🙂

  • Karen August 12, 2010, 2:21 pm

    I was to late to get tickets to HLS. Is there anyway to get some of the handouts from the sessions?? Thanks!

  • Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep August 12, 2010, 2:39 pm

    Can’t wait to see you and Megan there!

    That fro-yo looks delicious!

  • Teacherwoman August 12, 2010, 2:43 pm

    I agree… some aiports really stink for food options!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 12, 2010, 2:48 pm

    I LOVE the idea of HLS and would absolutely love to attend. You guys need to have an event on the West Coast! Your lunch actually looks good, unlike any airport food I normally get.

  • Lisa @ Early Morning Run August 12, 2010, 2:53 pm

    The Delta Terminal at LaGuardia is getting a total ‘food makeover’ apparently. New, great restaurants spearheaded by actual chefs. It’s kind of exciting although I have no idea how it’s all going to fit into the tiny terminal!

    Hope your flight leaves soon! Good luck with the conference -wish I could be there!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 12, 2010, 2:55 pm

    The Summit sounds like such an awesome event, I hope I can make it next year!

  • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 12, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I am sick that I’m not able to make it this year to HLS! My husband signed me up for a relay race before the date was announced for HLS. 🙁 There is always next year!

    Honestly, being gluten intolerant is really hard! Gluten is in everything!!!! It isn’t just bread that I have to avoid like the plague. It is: dressings, seasonings, couscous, beer, anything with modified food starch. 🙁 Then, I decided to go vegetarian for the most part. This sucks when I have to go out to eat!!!

    I’m glad you were able to find something to eat! I have found that mexican food is actually very gluten friendly (corn tortilla chips, beans with no flour added, rice, veggies).

    have fun!!

    • Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete August 12, 2010, 3:03 pm

      I forgot to add things that are gluten free, but are processed in plants that process gluten filled items. ie. oatmeal. ;(

  • Emily @ For Sweets Sake August 12, 2010, 3:06 pm

    Charlotte has the WORST dining options! I hate being stuck there!

  • Emily @ For Sweets Sake August 12, 2010, 3:07 pm

    Charlotte airport has the WORST dining options! I hate being stuck there!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 12, 2010, 3:10 pm

    I think it depends what airport you’re at. The one by my house has absolutely nothing but the one 45 min away has lots of good options.

  • Danielle (Runs on Green) August 12, 2010, 3:13 pm

    I agree about airport food! Being vegan really isn’t as hard as most people think…except when you’re in the freakin airport. But as long as you can find a Mexican restaurant and/or a Starbucks, then you’ll be ok 🙂

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) August 12, 2010, 3:29 pm

    I hope yall are having a blast!

    Let’s host next’s year’s HLS in Charlotte! We have a ton of bloggers and I’d love to help put it together… LMK if that’s an option 🙂

  • Sassy Molassy August 12, 2010, 3:30 pm

    I’ll admit I’m bummed I didn’t pull the trigger on getting a ticket to HLS this year. I was going back and forth. Anywho, I know that if you do it again next year, I’m going to be there. Have fun in Chi town!

  • Beth August 12, 2010, 3:31 pm

    Do you by chance know where the HLS will be next year? My vote would be for the West Coast 🙂 I really want to go.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous August 12, 2010, 3:36 pm

    Say whaaat…I was at the Charlotte airport recently and I somehow missed that froyo place! I’m usually able to sniff ’em out whenever I am. Bummer. Good job on the healthy airport eats! 🙂

  • Jaya August 12, 2010, 3:41 pm

    Caitlin, not to sound like a party-pooper or anything, but out of genuine/sincere curiousity, how does a company like Stoneyfield (which promotes itself as a steward of organic and ethical practices) jump on board for sponsorship alongside companies like Frito Lay and Quaker (who are both owned by PepsiCo – notorious for its exploitation of people, environment, etc). I’m just scratching my head at how this all comes together…
    I’m sure that a wonderful time will be had by all and that you will have great discussions. I will look forward to the recaps!

  • Ashley August 12, 2010, 3:46 pm

    I wish I had known all these blogs last summer! 🙁 I live in Boston sad to hear I missed it!Good luck with everything in Chi Town

  • ida August 12, 2010, 4:02 pm

    eating well in the airport is hard no matter what, i think. i like to bring my own snacks, but more to save money than anything else- airport food is annoyingly overpriced.

  • Heather August 12, 2010, 4:49 pm

    good luck have a great time. Jealous I can’t go!

  • megan August 12, 2010, 5:08 pm

    Will you be posting the audio/video of the speakers on the HLS website like you did last year? It was great to tune in that way since I couldn’t make it in person!

    • caitlin August 13, 2010, 11:46 pm

      unfortunately we will not… the hotel’s internet cannot support the stream. but we will be taping and you can watch afterwards!

  • Shanna, like Banana August 12, 2010, 5:10 pm

    I pretty much agree with you…Airport food is so minimal and NOTHING tastes fresh. I usually will buy a a coffee and eat the snacks I brought along. Have tons of fun!

  • Ashley Solomon @ Nourishing the Soul August 12, 2010, 5:14 pm

    I find it incredibly difficult to eat healthfully at airports – not only for lack of options but also because I’m often extremely rushed and stressed from traveling. The combo of stress+hunger+unhealthy food often leads to bad choices. Glad you found some decent options!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 12, 2010, 5:25 pm

    Frozen yogurt always helps with the stress of flying.

  • D August 12, 2010, 5:46 pm

    you asked for healthy airport snacks/meals a while ago and got some awesome suggestions. why not pack your own?!!?

    i personally think its easy to eat at an airport (and im vegan :))…you just have to be more creative about what constitutes a “meal”. i might not find a grilled tofu sandwich (although i definitely have in the past), but i can ALWAYS find fruit, unsalted nuts, salads, pre-cut carrot sticks, bars, dark chocolate, crackers, and i can USUALLY find a store or stand with healthy/organic options. theres also always a starbucks, which means oatmeal, soy lattes, bananas, and at least one vegan sandwich option.

  • Lea @ Healthy Coconut August 12, 2010, 6:02 pm

    HLS sounds like a fun event. Hopefully next year’s summit will be nearby and hopefully I can attend. I love meeting new friends, especially new friends how have same interest.

    • Lea @ Healthy Coconut August 12, 2010, 6:04 pm

      Just wanted to ask, I’m not sure if it has been mentioned yet or announced…where is next year’s HLS?

      • Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth) August 12, 2010, 7:35 pm

        Doubt they know yet; they’ve certainly got their hands full with this one! (PS- How about New York?! ;))

        • Allie @ CookReadRun August 12, 2010, 9:09 pm

          That’s excatly what I was wondering! Hmm. I soo want to go. I’ve been seeing it on everyone’ blogs this weekend!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) August 12, 2010, 6:22 pm

    oooh Mexican AND frozen yoghurt! Much better than our local airport thats for sure hehe

  • Amber K August 12, 2010, 7:08 pm

    I don’t know why they have to make things so tough on us veggies! The last time I traveled I had to settle on the package of nuts they gave me on the plane and a banana I bought at a mini-mart type thing. It was the only healthy food they had in the whole dang place!

  • Wei-Wei August 12, 2010, 7:13 pm

    Nice airport food! Mexican and fro-yo sounds so good right now. 😀 Great fresh summery food!

    Wei-Wei

  • Laurie August 12, 2010, 7:23 pm

    That’s so cool that you guys, uhm, gave birth to this. I read all about it yesterday from your blog. There was a lot of sponsor words on the site, so I didn’t realize that you guys were really in charge. I knew you were planning it, but I thought there was a big corporation doing it or something. Girl, you are on FIRE! Have a blast!

    • caitlin August 13, 2010, 11:47 pm

      for the bloggers, by the bloggers!

  • Tania August 12, 2010, 7:55 pm

    YUM! Your airport meal looks way way better then the ones i’ve had! Good job! Much more healthy and filling then some peanuts or pretzels…lol

  • Laura (Starloz) August 12, 2010, 8:19 pm

    Why is everything in America so much better. A frozen yogurt place & a mexican place, are you kidding me? We have pizzza & chains at our airports. I’m soooooo jealous.

    It was lovely reading the recaps from last year & I’m excited to see what y’all get up to this year!

  • carolyn August 12, 2010, 8:31 pm

    Is the HLS streaming online again this year? I am sure it was mentioned but I’ve been without internet for close to a month while moving to Tucson

    . Thanks!

    • caitlin August 13, 2010, 11:48 pm

      no but we are taping so you can watch later!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) August 12, 2010, 8:32 pm

    I’m so jealous of all the fro yo I’m seeing on various blogs. They need to open one near me soon. 😀

    I think it’s interesting that you mentioned vegetarian food being a hard option in the airport. I’d love to do more research and projects on that particular area. 😀

  • tanyasdaily August 12, 2010, 8:59 pm

    I agree!

  • Rebekah @ Rebeltarian August 12, 2010, 9:07 pm

    I find mexican a really great food to make vegetarian friendly….i just get mad when certain places don’t have black beans.

  • Anne @thefitbridesmaid August 12, 2010, 9:33 pm

    Charlotte is definitely one of my favorite airports. It’s got so many food choices (of course I’m not a vegetarian) and is pretty easy to get around.
    I wish (a) HLS was back in Boston, since it’d be easy for me!:) and (b) I could go to Chicago, but alas I will be in Indiana for my grandmother’s 80th birthday!

    HAVE FUN!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie August 12, 2010, 9:48 pm

    Once I found a place that had grilled portabello mushroom sandwich with brie and roasted red peppers. Somewhat surprising!

  • kelsey@snackingsquirrel.com August 12, 2010, 9:52 pm

    YAY for mexican food being a viable option!! <3 nom nom

  • stephanie@Avocado Nation August 12, 2010, 11:31 pm

    I feel the same way about airport food! Going to a wedding this weekend so I am packing airport snacks to save money. I do love the frozen yogurt places.

  • amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler August 12, 2010, 11:42 pm

    I’m looking forward to your reports from the HLS field. Hopefully I can attend one year!

  • Cati @ crave and create August 13, 2010, 12:55 am

    The HLS sounds like it would be awesome! I was avidly reading last year during the first one, and I just started my blog this summer…we’ll see where I am in a year; I’d love to attend one day! 🙂

  • Amy August 13, 2010, 1:52 am

    Hey there, I’m a regular reader and just wanted to say that the local FOX news where I live (Portland, OR) just had a little thing about you on TV here! 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 13, 2010, 8:32 am

    I think it’s so cool that you guys have made this event. I really hope to attend next year! 😀

  • Gree August 13, 2010, 12:50 pm

    I think the Healthy Living Summit sounds amazing, what a great idea, I hope to go next year!

  • Anthony July 30, 2012, 2:21 am

    Liquid meat is still meat.

    Were you confident that the rice didn’t have chicken in it? Most tex-mex restaurants do that.

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