Traveling Abroad Concerns!

stephelan

In less than a week, I'm going to be in Barcelona, Spain for an entire month perusing a certification in teaching. I'm very excited but I'm also very nervous about my eating (and drinking) once I get there! I won't know how to log 99% of what I eat because I probably won't know what it is. When I went to Japan, I had no idea if I was eating something that was healthy or unhealthy.

How do you keep track of foods and continue to eat healthily when it's all a mystery?

Teeladog

I lived in Spain for 6 months. I promise that food wise it is not going to be as foreign as you think. Just be mindful of your portions and how full you are and track as best you can. But you will be in Spain! Enjoy yourself and try not to worry about it too much. Just pay attention to what you are eating and you will be fine. We all get into trouble when we start eating mindlessly.

michlingle

Ah yes!!! I've been to Barcelona, such an awesome city! Let's see. They say the Mediterranean diet is very healthy, so try to stick with authentic Spanish dishes. There are plenty of salads to start with, it's really hot there right now so it's hard to overeat. I went in July/August a couple of years ago. Plus, you'll be walking around a lot, definitely check out Parque Guell....beautiful and a great workout! Have a blast, and chances are you will come back thinner due to the heat and all the walking you'll be doing. And don't worry about not knowing what it is you're eating, it's very similar to the food here. I could see how Japan would be challenging though...

stephelan

Okay, so it's not going to be like Japan where they would hand me a plate of something and I couldn't even name ONE thing on it? Good to know!

I won't be on total food-restraint but I also don't want to fall off the wagon while I'm there.

stephelan

Ah yes!!! I've been to Barcelona, such an awesome city! Let's see. They say the Mediterranean diet is very healthy, so try to stick with authentic Spanish dishes. There are plenty of salads to start with, it's really hot there right now so it's hard to overeat. I went in July/August a couple of years ago. Plus, you'll be walking around a lot, definitely check out Parque Guell....beautiful and a great workout! Have a blast, and chances are you will come back thinner due to the heat and all the walking you'll be doing. And don't worry about not knowing what it is you're eating, it's very similar to the food here. I could see how Japan would be challenging though...

That's actually very encouraging! Wouldn't it be great to say you went on vacation and came back THINNER?

Really really hot, though? Definitely not looking forward to that. Hopefully there will be air conditioning everywhere.

nickiog

i know they eat a lot of rice and meat...like chicken , pork, beef etc. its just the seasoning that will be different.

kitinboots

Oh it's easy to know what you're eating, it's just getting it balanced that's difficult while away. I'm in Norway right now and my diet is 80% fruit because its so goddam difficult to eat healthily (and fairly cheaply) while travelling
I can't wait to get home!!

srp2011

Barcelona should be fairly easy - lots of fresh seafood, paella, tapas (small appetizers). I usually lose weight when I travel to Europe because I spend so much time walking and sightseeing (although I did gain in Barcelona - stay away from the gelato stands and you'll be fine, LOL). The one thing I've found challenging in Europe is getting enough water - I take an empty plastic bottle with me so I can fill it in the room - they usually serve bottled water in restaurants, rather than constantly refilling water glasses with tap water like they do here, so I do the plastic bottle thing to save money and stay hydrated.

kitinboots

Barcelona should be fairly easy - lots of fresh seafood, paella, tapas (small appetizers). I usually lose weight when I travel to Europe because I spend so much time walking and sightseeing (although I did gain in Barcelona - stay away from the gelato stands and you'll be fine, LOL). The one thing I've found challenging in Europe is getting enough water - I take an empty plastic bottle with me so I can fill it in the room - they usually serve bottled water in restaurants, rather than constantly refilling water glasses with tap water like they do here, so I do the plastic bottle thing to save money and stay hydrated.

You can ask for a jug of water anywhere. I think they legally have to give it to you.