May 12, 2025

341: Say Goodbye to Dining Out Stress with These 5 Vegan Cuisines

Send us a text Are you tired of staring at a menu, wondering if there’s anything you can eat that’s whole food plant-based, healthy, and satisfying? Or worse, settling for a sad side salad while everyone else enjoys their meals? It doesn’t have to be this way! In this episode of Power on Plants, we’re uncovering the top 5 most healthy vegan-friendly global cuisines that make dining out on a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet not just possible, but absolutely delicious. From the nutrien...

Send us a text

Are you tired of staring at a menu, wondering if there’s anything you can eat that’s whole food plant-based, healthy, and satisfying? Or worse, settling for a sad side salad while everyone else enjoys their meals? It doesn’t have to be this way!

In this episode of Power on Plants , we’re uncovering the top 5 most healthy vegan-friendly global cuisines that make dining out on a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet not just possible, but absolutely delicious.

From the nutrient-packed stews of Ethiopian cuisine to the vibrant flavors of Thai dishes, we’re sharing the insider tips on what to order, how to customize your meals, and why these cuisines are natural havens for healthy vegans date night, work meetings, or family outings.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn:

The tasty ingredient at Ethiopian restaurants that doubles as a plate and utensil
How to navigate Indian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and Thai menus like a pro, with specific dishes to try and modifications to request.
The one question you must ask at Thai restaurants to avoid hidden ingredients that aren’t healthy.

Say goodbye to the stress of dining out and hello to the flavorful, satisfying meals that align with your oil free whole food plant-based lifestyle.

Whether you’re new to WFPB eating or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical tips to make your next restaurant visit a breeze!

👉 Ready to transform your dining-out experience? Listen to the full episode now!

Your plant-based journey just got a whole lot tastier! 🌱

💃🏻 Ready to learn how to actually enjoy eating whole plant foods so you can finally feel great and fully experience life ? Inside Accelerator, we'll take you by the hand & walk you step-by-step through our proven 5-Step WFPB Framework so you can heal naturally & actively live your God-given dreams. Join the Waitlist Here... the Doors are Opening Soon!

🎁 Not yet a member of our FREE plant-based community, PIE ? Once you're on the inside, every single podcast episode becomes searchable for you. 😲 Join the family to gain the plant-based encouragement, real health-changing ideas, and sustainable plant-based inspiration you've been praying for! 💕

🥣 Grab our Cookbook Bundles (and snag the incredible Bonuses today) to learn the simple way to make whole food plant-based eating quick, enjoyable, and sustainable.

🤔 Wondering what's in our new Thrive Cookbook? Click here for the inside scoop!

Please subscribe & give the show a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other podcast providers. And don’t forget to share it with a friend for inspiration!

00:00 - Podcast Introduction

01:25 - Ethiopian Cuisine Highlights

04:29 - Indian Food Plant-Based Options

05:48 - Navigating Mexican Restaurants

07:45 - Mediterranean and Thai Cuisine Tips

10:31 - Accelerator Program Announcement

WEBVTT

00:00:01.643 --> 00:00:04.592
Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast.

00:00:04.592 --> 00:00:09.952
Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better?

00:00:09.952 --> 00:00:15.352
Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health?

00:00:15.352 --> 00:00:21.612
Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do?

00:00:21.612 --> 00:00:29.291
Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, health care professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

00:00:29.291 --> 00:00:41.488
We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers the traditional route.

00:00:41.488 --> 00:00:48.746
So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living.

00:00:48.746 --> 00:00:52.560
The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods and it's not hard.

00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:54.103
You just need the way.

00:00:54.103 --> 00:00:57.692
That's realistic and delicious, so you never feel deprived.

00:00:57.692 --> 00:01:05.960
If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place.

00:01:05.960 --> 00:01:11.212
So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started.

00:01:12.740 --> 00:01:25.194
Hello sunshine, welcome to another episode of Power on Plants, where we help you to finally feel good so you're able to actively live your dreams through the incredible power of healthy, plant-based eating.

00:01:25.194 --> 00:01:35.171
We're so excited about today's episode because we're tackling one of the biggest challenges many of you face dining out while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle.

00:01:35.171 --> 00:01:42.382
Have you ever stood virtually frozen in front of a restaurant wondering is there anything that I can actually eat inside there?

00:01:42.382 --> 00:01:49.466
Or sat at a table watching everyone else enjoy their meals while you picked at your little side salad?

00:01:49.466 --> 00:01:51.650
Well, those days are over.

00:01:51.650 --> 00:01:59.674
Today we're exploring the top five most vegan friendly cuisines around, complete with exactly what to order and why.

00:01:59.674 --> 00:02:03.486
These food traditions are natural havens for eating whole food plant-based.

00:02:03.486 --> 00:02:08.633
So if you're ready, let's dive into the delicious world of global plant-based dining.

00:02:08.633 --> 00:02:11.544
Jared, you want to start us off with the first restaurant?

00:02:11.764 --> 00:02:12.406
I would love to.

00:02:12.406 --> 00:02:17.830
First up is Ethiopian cuisine, which might be the best-kept secret in the plant-based world.

00:02:17.830 --> 00:02:26.925
Ethiopian cuisine is naturally plant-friendly due to the traditional fasting periods, during which Ethiopians avoid animal products for a significant portion of the year.

00:02:26.925 --> 00:02:32.149
This cultural practice has led to the development of numerous delicious plant-based dishes.

00:02:32.149 --> 00:02:42.883
Say that five times delicious plant-based dishes that are central to their cuisine, making Ethiopian restaurants particularly accommodating for plant-based diners.

00:02:43.082 --> 00:02:53.813
But one thing makes Ethiopian food so special, and that is the foundation of injera, a fermented sourdough flatbread made of teff grain.

00:02:53.813 --> 00:03:08.602
This nutrient-dense, naturally gluten-free bread serves as both your plate and your utensil, so you tear off pieces to scoop up the various stews or vegetables that are served on top of it.

00:03:08.602 --> 00:03:14.861
So not only can Ethiopian dining be nutritionally beneficial, but it can also be really fun.

00:03:14.861 --> 00:03:24.885
Sadly, we don't have any Ethiopian restaurants in our area and right now, finding all this out about Ethiopian food, I'm actually a little bit envious because I did some research into this because I know Ethiopian food is great for.

00:03:24.885 --> 00:03:27.925
Actually a little bit envious because I did some research into this because I know Ethiopian food is great for eating whole food, plant-based.

00:03:27.925 --> 00:03:30.903
But of course we've missed out because we don't live in a big city.

00:03:30.903 --> 00:03:38.890
But if you live somewhere even like Nashville, I looked it up and there's something like five to 10 Ethiopian restaurants just in Nashville alone.

00:03:38.890 --> 00:03:43.889
So if you live anywhere near a larger city, do not miss out on this cuisine.

00:03:44.270 --> 00:03:48.544
When you visit an Ethiopian restaurant, look for these three powerhouse dishes.

00:03:48.544 --> 00:03:55.143
First is mesir wat, a rich, spiced red lentil stew that's hearty and protein-packed.

00:03:55.143 --> 00:04:00.633
Second is gomen collard greens sauteed with aromatic spices and garlic.

00:04:00.633 --> 00:04:07.593
And the third option, shiro, a smooth sp spice stew made from ground chickpeas or split peas.

00:04:07.593 --> 00:04:14.448
Just be sure to ask for no nider kibbeh, that is, clarified butter in your dishes and get this.

00:04:14.448 --> 00:04:20.151
Most Ethiopian restaurants are very accommodating and can prepare oil-free versions upon request.

00:04:20.464 --> 00:04:23.074
I'm just impressed to hear you pronounce all of those.

00:04:23.074 --> 00:04:24.857
That's all I have to say about that.

00:04:25.045 --> 00:04:26.372
I dabble in the languages.

00:04:28.767 --> 00:04:29.651
I love it.

00:04:29.651 --> 00:04:37.312
Next, let's travel to India, where filling your plate with vegetables has deep cultural roots that go back thousands of years.

00:04:37.312 --> 00:04:44.685
Indian cuisine offers an incredible variety of legume-based dishes, vegetable curries and whole grain options.

00:04:44.685 --> 00:04:50.057
So when dining at an Indian restaurant, these three dishes are great options to consider.

00:04:50.057 --> 00:04:51.630
First is hana masala.

00:04:51.630 --> 00:04:57.357
This is chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce with warming spices.

00:04:57.357 --> 00:05:04.939
And then there's dal, which is various lentil stews that are a protein-rich and deeply satisfying dish.

00:05:04.939 --> 00:05:07.608
And third, aloo gobi.

00:05:07.608 --> 00:05:09.372
I love this one.

00:05:09.372 --> 00:05:15.050
This is a comforting potato and cauliflower dish with turmeric and cumin.

00:05:15.050 --> 00:05:20.749
I like it so much that I even included a recipe for this inside our cookbook.

00:05:20.749 --> 00:05:24.978
You can check that out at poweronplantscom forward slash cookbook.

00:05:24.978 --> 00:05:33.447
But here is the key to request no ghee, which is clarified butter or cream, when you're visiting an Indian restaurant.

00:05:33.447 --> 00:05:39.459
Many restaurants are happy to prepare dishes with less oil, or even oil-free, if you ask politely.

00:05:39.459 --> 00:05:46.598
So pair these dishes with some brown rice instead of naan bread for a more whole food, plant-based approach when you visit.

00:05:46.944 --> 00:05:48.225
Now our next option.

00:05:48.225 --> 00:05:57.196
Mexican food sometimes gets a bad reputation in the health world because of how it's often prepared in American restaurants, swimming in cheese and sour cream.

00:05:57.196 --> 00:06:05.432
But authentic Mexican cuisine is built around corn, beans, rice, tomatoes and avocados all plant foods.

00:06:05.432 --> 00:06:08.959
Here are three fantastic options at Mexican restaurants.

00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:11.348
First, veggie fajitas.

00:06:11.348 --> 00:06:13.151
We love veggie fajitas.

00:06:13.192 --> 00:06:16.156
This is what we order at our local restaurant when we go out to eat.

00:06:16.156 --> 00:06:21.377
We love theirs and we ask for oil-free or no butter added as well.

00:06:21.377 --> 00:06:32.713
It's just so satisfying, those sizzling fajitas that come out and they pile ours high with some type of mushroom I think they use oyster mushrooms on ours and then sweet potatoes at this one.

00:06:32.713 --> 00:06:46.112
It's amazing With the standard things as well, like your side of guacamole, and then it has the all the different sides that you get with it, like the lettuce and the tomato, pico, things like that, and then ours with ours.

00:06:46.112 --> 00:06:49.387
They include a side of rice or beans, something like that.

00:06:49.387 --> 00:06:55.875
And then, of course, you get your grilled veggies the other ones that I haven't mentioned, like the bell peppers and the onions.

00:06:55.875 --> 00:06:57.690
Yes, it's always such a treat.

00:06:57.690 --> 00:06:59.673
And then there are the tortillas.

00:06:59.673 --> 00:07:08.696
The homemade tortillas are amazing, so don't miss out on ordering the veggie fajitas when you visit your local Mexican restaurant.

00:07:09.156 --> 00:07:10.238
It never disappoints.

00:07:10.238 --> 00:07:13.994
Second, bean-based soups, like black bean soup.

00:07:13.994 --> 00:07:20.959
Number three bean burritos loaded with brown rice, beans, veggies of your choice, and salsa or pico de gallo.

00:07:20.959 --> 00:07:25.076
We do recommend asking if the beans are cooked with meat or meat fat.

00:07:25.076 --> 00:07:32.637
Many times they can contain things like pork fat and then simply request no cheese, no sour cream, butter or oil.

00:07:32.637 --> 00:07:38.940
We also recommend corn tortillas over flour ones, as butter is often used in the flour variety.

00:07:38.940 --> 00:07:44.896
And there you have it Several options for the perfectly delicious whole food plant-based Mexican meal.

00:07:45.285 --> 00:07:46.910
You are making me hungry.

00:07:46.970 --> 00:07:48.696
I know, me too, it's one of my favorites.

00:07:48.805 --> 00:07:50.331
I love, love, love Mexican.

00:07:50.331 --> 00:08:01.458
But you don't have to stop at Mexican, indian or Ethiopian cuisine, because next up we have Mediterranean food, which has gained worldwide recognition for its health benefits, and for a good reason.

00:08:01.458 --> 00:08:06.656
This cuisine emphasizes loads of vegetables, legumes, whole grains and herbs.

00:08:06.656 --> 00:08:09.971
When dining Mediterranean style, look for these tasty options.

00:08:09.971 --> 00:08:20.168
Falafel is a great option, which is a chickpea patty that can be enjoyed with a whole wheat pita or on top of a salad, if you want to omit the bread.

00:08:20.168 --> 00:08:21.774
And then there's lentil soup.

00:08:21.774 --> 00:08:27.394
This dish is especially hearty, it's comforting and it's typically made with very simple ingredients.

00:08:27.394 --> 00:08:31.014
Also, consider trying stuffed grape leaves.

00:08:31.014 --> 00:08:36.498
These are made with rice and herbs on the inside that are wrapped in tender grape leaves.

00:08:36.498 --> 00:08:53.677
Simply request no oil in your hummus or on your salad and ask if dishes can be prepared without added oils, because many Mediterranean restaurants now offer oil-free options, as this cuisine has become very popular among health-conscious diners.

00:08:54.044 --> 00:09:04.413
And finally consider enjoying some delicious Thai cuisine, which offers an explosion of flavors through their herbs, spices and vegetables, rather than relying heavily on animal products.

00:09:04.413 --> 00:09:07.490
These three dishes are typically easy to make plant-based.

00:09:07.490 --> 00:09:09.735
First, vegetable pad thai.

00:09:09.735 --> 00:09:13.268
This is made with rice noodles, vegetables and tofu.

00:09:13.268 --> 00:09:15.932
Just ask for no egg or fish sauce.

00:09:15.932 --> 00:09:21.611
Then there are vegetable spring rolls, a simple dish of vegetables that are wrapped in rice paper.

00:09:21.611 --> 00:09:27.509
And, last but certainly not least, vegetable curry, which is a coconut-based meal that's filled with vegetables.

00:09:27.509 --> 00:09:30.496
You can ask that it be prepared with light coconut milk.

00:09:30.496 --> 00:09:35.136
The key with Thai food is to request no fish sauce, oyster sauce or eggs.

00:09:35.746 --> 00:09:40.201
I would say, also ask if they use MSG Thai or Asian restaurants.

00:09:40.201 --> 00:09:42.408
That's another thing you might want to ask as well.

00:09:42.668 --> 00:09:53.955
That's actually a great point, because sometimes they don't advertise that on menus and then we've had times when we've enjoyed that but then maybe didn't feel the best afterwards and later learned that they did utilize MSG yes.

00:09:53.955 --> 00:09:59.256
So you want to ask about that or just simply say, hey, no MSG please, because I'm a little sensitive to it.

00:09:59.256 --> 00:10:01.607
I think most restaurants are accommodating.

00:10:01.607 --> 00:10:07.615
Yes, Most Thai restaurants are very familiar with vegan modifications and can accommodate requests easily.

00:10:07.917 --> 00:10:15.655
So there you have it Five global cuisines that make plant-based dining not just possible but absolutely delicious and enjoyable.

00:10:15.655 --> 00:10:24.068
Remember, the key to successful dining out is clear communication, so don't be afraid to ask questions and make special requests.

00:10:24.068 --> 00:10:31.333
Most chefs are happy to accommodate dietary preferences, especially when you approach them with kindness and appreciation.

00:10:31.333 --> 00:10:40.239
And now that you're armed with these global plant-based dining secrets, imagine transforming not just your restaurant experiences but your entire life.

00:10:40.239 --> 00:10:56.320
Inside our one-of-a-kind Accelerator course and coaching program that is opening soon In accelerator, we'll lead you step by step through our signature five step framework for the simple and enjoyable way to heal your body naturally with whole plant foods.

00:10:56.725 --> 00:11:00.255
And the bonuses we're offering this time around are exceptional.

00:11:00.255 --> 00:11:13.032
We're including our entire brand new weight loss revolution video course, as well as our cholesterol course, absolutely free, to secure your spot on the wait list and ensure you don't miss out.

00:11:13.032 --> 00:11:30.732
Head to poweronplantscom forward slash accelerator today, friend, we cannot wait to show you exactly how to make whole food, plant-based eating quick, enjoyable and delicious, so that it works for you and you can finally feel great, to fully enjoy living your best years.

00:11:30.732 --> 00:11:33.504
Yet We've enjoyed spending time with you today.

00:11:33.504 --> 00:11:38.548
Know that you're loved, you are prayed for and we look forward to seeing you very soon.

00:11:38.548 --> 00:11:38.788
Thank you.