It cold outside and so icy, you might consider it glacial. Winter starts to get a little old in February and I begin to long to see something green – something living. And I long for warmth. So we’re escaping winter and heading to the ocean. Our vacation was a very generous and kind gift, and it’s all-inclusive.
Usually, when we travel we rent an apartment and shop locally at farmers markets where we can speak directly with growers and producers about their wares. This enables us to not only get a better feel for the local culture, but also make sure that we’re nourishing ourselves with the best quality food we can find. On this trip where relaxation is the only goal (and what a worthwhile goal it is), we’ll be relying on cooks instead.
So, I need you to offer some tips on eating healthfully and traditionally while on vacation?
Got any tips for me?
If you will be eating out only (and it sounds like you will), here’s a couple of thoughts:
*Pack snacks that don’t require preparation: crispy nuts, dried fruit, raw fruit and veggies, yogurt, sourdough bread & butter, jerky. This way you can have healthy snacks or even meals amongst the eating out.
*When ordering out choose meals that don’t involve grains. I find that if I must choose something the best thing is a protein and veggies. Improperly prepared grains make me feel much worse than inorganic veggies.
Shannon´s last post: Roasted Cauliflower.
If you are a restaurant with an actual chef you will find most of them are willing to discuss options with you. When we have vacationed like this in the past, I make a point of asking what my best option would be in a meal. I explain that we are trying to avoid refined sugars, grains, and any preservative. They are usually able to suggest a dish or two that is prepared fresh and completely from scratch. These dishes are usually very good as they are the chef’s own creations. They also will likely change things up a bit to suit your needs. You just need to figure out a clear way to communicate your needs.
Bringing snacks along is a wonderful idea as well.
Deanne´s last post: sew what.
Hmmm . . . good question!
I’m envious about your trip! May I ask where you’re going? That might affect my answer!
I’m always of the opinion that you should embrace the culture of where you’re going. If you’re going out of the country, eat things that the local culture eats (the nourishing, traditional foods, that is!
For example, when we visited Mexico in January a few years ago, we ate tons of fresh fruit, fresh fish tacos in homemade corn tortillas, bean dishes cooked with lard, etc. We didn’t eat perfectly all the time, but if we started to feel sluggish or “out of it” and we knew it was food based, the next meal would be something like a fresh, plain yogurt and fruit plate with a fresh limeade – just to get the good bacteria and acids flowing again.
Since you’re heading to a warm place on the ocean, I recommend lots of fresh caught fish, whatever fruits or vegetables are in season there, and, like the other commenters mentioned, some good, packed, portable snacks like roasted nuts, dried fruit, etc. But, whatever you do, don’t pack half of your suitcase with foods from home (maybe just a 1/4 of it!
– just embrace and enjoy what you find there! 
Have a wonderful vacation!
Best,
Sarah
Sarah´s last post: My little hometown is on cnn.com!.
I haven’t tried it yet, but you can take your sprouter with you! Last couple times we went on vacation, we had a condo type unit, so I did a lot of cooking to save $$ eating out… but if you don’t have that, I don’t see why you couldn’t bring some sprouts to the buffet with you..;)
Have a fantastic time!
Erin´s last post: Kombucha 4.
I do. Visit me!
The Runaway Lawyer´s last post: For Bonnie (Moron-Proof Noodley Stuff in a Pan).
Uh..I meant to say visit me it’s warm here too. I’m all out of healthy food and vacay tips. And reading comprehension skillz. :uh
The Runaway Lawyer´s last post: For Bonnie (Moron-Proof Noodley Stuff in a Pan).
Sounds like people left you some great tips. I actually eat healthier when on vacation, cuz I’m not at my computer to munch
Happy V Day!