How to eat healthy in Europe?

uwhuskygirl

I leave for Spain and Portugal a week from today and I really want to continue eating healthy while I'm traveling. (I'm so close to my goal and can't have this trip derail me!) I think that Portugal will be easier because they're really big into seafood, but I just need some tips and tricks for eating healthy while traveling.

My challenges are that I don't speak Spanish or Portuguese so these menus might be a bit of a mystery and also I can't really make special requests to the restaurants.

We should be doing lots of walking and sightseeing, but I just don't know if it's going to be enough to off set all of the food that I eat.

Any advice?

Thanks!

uwhuskygirl

I leave for Spain and Portugal a week from today and I really want to continue eating healthy while I'm traveling. (I'm so close to my goal and can't have this trip derail me!) I think that Portugal will be easier because they're really big into seafood, but I just need some tips and tricks for eating healthy while traveling.

My challenges are that I don't speak Spanish or Portuguese so these menus might be a bit of a mystery and also I can't really make special requests to the restaurants.

We should be doing lots of walking and sightseeing, but I just don't know if it's going to be enough to off set all of the food that I eat.

Any advice?

Thanks!

gabi_ele

I have never been to Portugal or Spain , I have been to the Canary Islands. They had lots of seafood,, great soups and salads. I would stay away from Paella since that is mostly white rice. I would go with 1/2 plate of veggies or salad, 1/4 of pasta or rice or other starches and 1/4 with lean protein. I think , if I'm not mistaken they are very much like the medditeranian diet. On the other hand I wouldn't worry about it too much , who knows when you will ever get another chance like that. Most of the younger Europeans speak English so you shouldn't have too much of a problem.
I hope you'll have a great trip:drinker:

uwhuskygirl

I have never been to Portugal or Spain , I have been to the Canary Islands. They had lots of seafood,, great soups and salads. I would stay away from Paella since that is mostly white rice. I would go with 1/2 plate of veggies or salad, 1/4 of pasta or rice or other starches and 1/4 with lean protein. I think , if I'm not mistaken they are very much like the medditeranian diet. On the other hand I wouldn't worry about it too much , who knows when you will ever get another chance like that. Most of the younger Europeans speak English so you shouldn't have too much of a problem.
I hope you'll have a great trip:drinker:

Awww. I was hoping that you wouldn't tell me to stay away from Paella. Last time I was in Spain I lived off of Paella. omg, I think I'm drooling a little just thinking about it.

ali106

oooo lucky you!!!

I think you'll be okay...usually Europeans have a healthier diet than we do...usually....at least my relatives in Italy do...lol...I had this discussion w/ my cousins when they visited a few years ago....there they eat a big meal in the middle of the day and a lite dinner at night...fruit cheese things like that...here we eat our big meal at night....plus they eat barely any junk food.

I'd go for what you know...maybe stay away from too much rice, pasta or bread....just like you do here! lol...if you do that here that is LOL But enjoy yourself and taste the local flavors...oo I bet they are going to be fantastic!!!

I hope you have a wonderful time....big hugs and safe trip!!!
Ali :drinker:

astridfeline

I spent a couple of weeks in Spain once and could not figure out what to order...there was lots of ham, and I had a steak with a fried egg. Hmm. I wish I could help. I'm going to be in France for 2 weeks this summer, I think that will be easier since we're going to make most of our own meals. I just have to develop a blind eye to the pastry shops!