Things to buy while I'm in USA

nomoreFA

I'm not sure what part of FL you are visiting, but I live in the Tampa Bay/Clearwater area. We have a Whole Foods store in Tampa. My favorite health food store is Palm Harbor Natural Foods in Palm Harbor, FL. (Clearwater area). You can buy pre-made healthy meals there. They also have a salad bar, which is rare in FL grocery stores. If you don't find what you need at that store, there is a Publix next door. I also think Publix is a great grocery store. Friendly, helpful employees and a wide variety of products. Don't forget all the wonderful produce markets. The mangos and tomatoes are to die for right now. Another good health food store is Richard's Foodporium. You can buy nuts and cereals in bulk. They also have a great selection of natural nut butters and dark chocolate. The owners of the one in Oldsmar are from France, so maybe they might know what you should buy in America that you can't buy in Europe. (I know it's not the UK, but I'm assuming you have similar products and brands)

I know you mentioned that you don't burn easily, but I would still recommend wearing sun screen. I know many people with dark skin who have fried just watching their kids soccer game. The sun is intense here. It's also very humid so drink lots of water. I think the tap water here tastes disgusting, so I recommend bottled water.

I agree with the person that said to try all the great seafood restaurants we have to offer. Try the local restaurants for fresh seafood and sushi. Key Lime pie is so good. ( you can also buy key lime pie at Publix. Or visit one of our many parks and BBQ your food. I like to bbq fresh pineapple with my meat.

If theTampa Bay/Clearwater area is where you will be visiting, send me a message and I will give you more detailed places to try.

Have fun!

Yardtigress

I love palm harbor, I do the art show there in Dec. Great place.

deksgrl

I can recommend bringing back flavoured Coffeemate - it's awesome! Brought back a load from my last trip and only have 1 container left

It's full of trans fat. It doesn't say that on the container though. But last week when we had problems with the refrigerator and everything in it was froze..... like block of ice frozen juice, milk, etc...... the coffee mate was the only thing not frozen. Something wrong with that picture. I'm sure as heck not putting that in my stomach any more.

To the OP: I assume you want healthy choices. For snacking in the hotel, I highly recommend fruit, any kind of fruit... and try some of the exotic ones that maybe are not available where you are. Go into a "dollar general" or "family dollar" store and buy an inexpensive mixing bowl set and a paring knife and make up a big bowl of fruit salad. Chobani Greek yogurt is my favorite. Already cooked prawns..... look for "cocktail shrimp". Of course make sure the hotel has a refrigerator in the room.

Avocado is amazing there. They just are not the same up north. That's all I can think of right now. Of course having never been to the UK, I don't know what else to recommend.

DizzyLinds

i live in south florida right outside of fort lauderdale. Whole foods is the healthy stores and some of the whole foods(boca raton) will cook foods for you and they have prepared foods. also, there is a place called josephs in palm beach and boca that has ready made dinners healthy and good. Otherwise stock up on sweet potatoes and get some healthy nuts.
Also florida has an abundance of farmers markets that you can buy stuff and lots of places you can go to barbeque since its always warm. Dont barbeque between 5-6 because that usually rain shower time
Where in florida are you going?
Jeff

Going to Saint Pete and then Orlando

predent

I live in Tampa/St. Pete, but I prefer Sweetbay over Publix because of the prices However! Publix has an awesome bakery in comparison. If you go to a Sweetbay instead, definitely go to the deli to get your meats. They are way higher in quality and only a tiny bit more money than the packaged stuff (like 30 cents more). Both grocery stores also have a natural/organic section if you are into that!

FlamingJune67

Lower calorie eating out options:

Fast Food: Chick-fil-A If you must eat FF, they have the most low cal selections and taste pretty darn good. They are also very friendly at most Chick-fil-As. If you ask, they can provide you with nutritional info on all their food. (Their small "Ice Dream Cone" is only 170 calories and is awesome

Breakfast: Both Cracker Barrel and I-Hop will cook your food as requested (egg whites, no butter etc.) Cracker Barrel will also let you eat off the children's menu, which is a great way to control calories. Both of these restaurants serve breakfast + dinner items and have a "light" menu. (less calories)

Dinner: My personal favorite is Ruby Tuesday. Their prices are reasonable, + the items on their low cal menu actually taste good. You can find nutritional info on the web.

I have no idea how it is elsewhere, but in U.S. almost all "chain" restaurants have nutritional info available on the web. Local restaurants do not, but are more willing to work with you to keep your calories down.

Publix is one of the nicer supermarkets in Florida, so you can't go wrong there. They are also very helpful and there is usually someone available to help you find what you need. If you like to flavor you water, try MIO, as others suggested. Many flavors, and easy to use. If you want a quick meal replacement Clif bars are easy to carry in your purse, and taste delicious. They are also pretty easy to sneak into an amusement park They are found with the protein bars and other nutritional supplements.

Good luck in the Florida heat!

DizzyLinds

South Florida is very big on seafood. I recommend eating at any of the local seafood restaurants, particularly the shellfish based cuisine. Avoid the national chains like Red Lobster. Other things to eat:

Key Lime Pie (my favorite dessert food)
Alligator meat (some local restaurants carry it)

I love the fresh seafood! I'm staying at Saint Pete Beach where there are loads of great restaurants wi fresh fish and seafood! Oh, and I've tried 'gator' bites before....can't make out the tasks...kinda fishy pork?!

jynxxxed

i live in south florida right outside of fort lauderdale. Whole foods is the healthy stores and some of the whole foods(boca raton) will cook foods for you and they have prepared foods. also, there is a place called josephs in palm beach and boca that has ready made dinners healthy and good. Otherwise stock up on sweet potatoes and get some healthy nuts.
Also florida has an abundance of farmers markets that you can buy stuff and lots of places you can go to barbeque since its always warm. Dont barbeque between 5-6 because that usually rain shower time
Where in florida are you going?
Jeff

Going to Saint Pete and then Orlando

I live in St. Pete. If you need any help with things to do/places to go, let me know.

predent

i live in south florida right outside of fort lauderdale. Whole foods is the healthy stores and some of the whole foods(boca raton) will cook foods for you and they have prepared foods. also, there is a place called josephs in palm beach and boca that has ready made dinners healthy and good. Otherwise stock up on sweet potatoes and get some healthy nuts.
Also florida has an abundance of farmers markets that you can buy stuff and lots of places you can go to barbeque since its always warm. Dont barbeque between 5-6 because that usually rain shower time
Where in florida are you going?
Jeff

Going to Saint Pete and then Orlando

Definitely be aware of the rain then It'll rain every single day between 3-6pm here. You'll especially see it in St. Pete. My boyfriend drives home from St. Pete to Tampa and has to drive in the thunderstorms every single afternoon.

GO to the outlets in Orlando! Awesome shopping there

jynxxxed

i live in south florida right outside of fort lauderdale. Whole foods is the healthy stores and some of the whole foods(boca raton) will cook foods for you and they have prepared foods. also, there is a place called josephs in palm beach and boca that has ready made dinners healthy and good. Otherwise stock up on sweet potatoes and get some healthy nuts.
Also florida has an abundance of farmers markets that you can buy stuff and lots of places you can go to barbeque since its always warm. Dont barbeque between 5-6 because that usually rain shower time
Where in florida are you going?
Jeff

Going to Saint Pete and then Orlando

Definitely be aware of the rain then It'll rain every single day between 3-6pm here. You'll especially see it in St. Pete. My boyfriend drives home from St. Pete to Tampa and has to drive in the thunderstorms every single afternoon.

GO to the outlets in Orlando! Awesome shopping there

So true. It'll be raining in the front yard and dry in your back yard. Literally.

kellygirl324

Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt in Super Fruits. Its in the MFP database and has only 130 calories. Great breakfast or snack item. Its like a dessert to me!! Im not a big cereal eater, so I can't help you there!

postrockandcats

I really like the Publix store brand for lots of things. They also have an organic line called Greenwise that's really good depending on the store. Some of the older stores aren't as well-stocked, but Publix is a good store!

There's a local chain called Tijuana Flats that *can* be scary calorie wise, but they have a lot of decent healthy options, too.

If you're a wine drinker and you're coming to Central Florida, try some Lakeridge Southern Red- it's a sweet, simple local wine that's quite refreshing in the summer! it's in the local Publixes near me.

DizzyLinds

This is probably my 30th trip to Saint Pete and Orlando but I'm going alone. I absolutely love it there. I'm expecting the rain! I'm thinking that could be a good time of day to hit the gym!

spoonful

Mio is a good drink. You squirt a little into some water. I think it is zero cal.

Chipmunk222

Luther burger.

^People think I'm crazy when I tell them about this ^ .... I think it looks so good

WendyTerry420

A Luther Burger, or doughnut burger (among several naming variations), is a hamburger or cheeseburger with one or more glazed doughnuts in place of the bun. These sandwiches have a disputed origin, and tend to run between approximately 800 and 1,500 calories (3,300 and 6,300 kJ).

That sounds absolutely disgusting.

ellenxmariex3

Going to Saint Pete and then Orlando

I go to college in Tampa but I live off campus more towards St. Pete.

Publix has excellent produce but is a little expensive on my college budget. So I buy my produce either there, Winn Dixie, Sweetbay, or at a farmers market and then I run over to Aldi. Their prices are excellent. I stock up on frozen chicken, cereal, yogurt, ect there. The Aldi I go to is a little on the small side but the money I save makes it worth it.

Definitely have Chik-fil-A. I'm from New Jersey and when I came down to school, one of my friends made me try it. I'm now hooked. It's so good! It's closed on Sundays though.

cmp04d

If you're going to be going to Publix, I'd definitely recommend getting a sub at the deli counter. Publix subs put Subway to shame.

monicalosesweight

They carry pretty much just about everything. I'd go for the fresh produce. If you want Deli meats - go for the Boar's Head meats. Publix carries them and they are really good. My favorites are the Golden Classic Chicken (tastes like fresh roasted chicken sliced), lemon pepper chicken, Rosemary and Sundried Tomato Ham, and Hard Salami but EVERYTHING they make is good. If you're unsure, just ask for a sample piece first. Publix will give you a slice so you can make sure it's what you want. The majority of their meats (I think all) are gluten free which is good too.

sunshinesquared

Luther burger.

OMG....these look AWESOME!!!!!!!

jcstanton

Try to find a Whole Foods; it was the highlight of my trip to NYC this year. (Unhelpful in terms of brands, but have an awesome time!)

Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. I will say, though, that Publix usually does have a pretty good selection of organic produce. Kashi brand cereals, granola bars, and waffles are pretty good. I like to use Arnold Sandwich Thins with Flax Seed for my sandwiches (can be found on the bread aisle). Skippy Natural peanut butter. Eggland's Best eggs. Sargento Reduced Sodium cheese sticks. Smart Balance non-hydrogenated spreads with Olive Oil/Flax Oil. Simply Orange or Simply Apple juices. Dannon Activia Vanilla Yogurt (tastes great over peaches, mango, apples, bananas, etc...). Star Kist Very Low Sodium Chunk Light Tuna Fish in Water.

Another idea might be to look for a local famer's market for your produce.

jcstanton

Luther burger.

That's totally disgusting, that is. It's a cheeseburger with a Krispy Kreme doughnut for a bun. :sick: :noway: As bad or worse than the chocolate covered bacon, bacon cupcake, bacon milkshake, and bacon ice cream sunday ideas.

contingencyplan

If you're going to be going to Publix, I'd definitely recommend getting a sub at the deli counter. Publix subs put Subway to shame.

Agreed. The deli counter at Publix Supermarkets is known for making better subs than any of the known sub sandwich restaurants. Picking up a sub from the deli is a must.

takehimaway

Sunflower seeds! They have different flavours, and plenty of protein and good fat.

Erisad

Chik-fil-A

Their food is okay but I don't think it's worth it. Then again, I just don't agree with their politics. But I won't get into that into depth here as that'll get this good thread locked fast. :flowerforyou: