Traveling out of the country

Siekobilly
Siekobilly Posts: 401 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Work is sending me to France next month for a couple of weeks. I'm not really sure how I'm going to track my meals when I can't spell, much less pronounce, half of the things I'll be eating.

Does anyone have any tips for tracking that many meals you're completely unfamiliar with?

Replies

  • johnny059qn
    johnny059qn Posts: 163 Member
    I don't know how to track items you can not spell or pronounce, but when I went to Italy a few years ago I lost mad weight. I did everything the Italians did. They walk everywhere. The food was light and delicious. I had a glass of wine with each dinner.

    Find things on the menu you know are in your caloric range.

    Search the data base for the foods you see on the menu. There are bound to be simular items.

    BTW...Jealous of the France trip!! Best of luck!!
  • fcp1234
    fcp1234 Posts: 1,098 Member
    Work is sending me to France next month for a couple of weeks. I'm not really sure how I'm going to track my meals when I can't spell, much less pronounce, half of the things I'll be eating.

    Does anyone have any tips for tracking that many meals you're completely unfamiliar with?

    Have you ever been to France? They do have some of the same foods that you guys have here in US, stick with them. You dont need to pronounce anything, just point. And..dont even try to ask if they speak english, they will spit in your food:)
  • Greenrun99
    Greenrun99 Posts: 2,065 Member
    Ya walk everywhere if your in one of the major areas (or whenever possible).. you will see some of the great sights and help burn some calories..
    And I would point and try to pronounce whats there.. then when you get it you might recognize it, or atleast whats in it and make a guess as to what to count for calories..
  • photoshyY
    photoshyY Posts: 25
    From WebMD:

    Simple is the best approach in French restaurants, as it is the sauces that are usually loaded with fats and calories.

    Choose
    Broth-based soups
    Plain vegetables Vegetable salads with light vinegar-based dressing
    Wine or mustard sauces without cream
    Roasted or grilled lean meats, poultry, and fish

    Avoid
    Cream soups
    Cream or cheese sauces: au gratin, hollandaise, béarnaise, béchamel
    Caesar salads or any with creamy dressings
    Anything fried or seasoned with breadcrumbs
    Pate, fatty meats, duck, and sausages

    I do think MFP has French cuisine in the data base. Even if you cant pronounce it, just type it in. Remember to keep it simple, portion control, and plan ahead. Prepare as many foods in your new residence. Get in your exercise by walking to sites, work, shops ect... Most importantly enjoy your time there.
  • Siekobilly
    Siekobilly Posts: 401 Member
    Have you ever been to France? They do have some of the same foods that you guys have here in US, stick with them. You dont need to pronounce anything, just point. And..dont even try to ask if they speak english, they will spit in your food:)
    I was there earlier this year, but wasn't working out or watching what I ate at the time. Never ask if they speak English, and I've found it best to at least attempt to say what you're ordering (they seemed to enjoy it when I did...I probably sounded stupid and gave them a good laugh, but I got good service).

    I think lunches will be the hardest. They have a cook/cafeteria in the local office that I'll be eating out of during the week for lunch. Breakfast will be whatever the hotel has, and since I'm going to the same one I went to last time I know what I'll be getting into for that.
  • Siekobilly
    Siekobilly Posts: 401 Member
    Ya walk everywhere if your in one of the major areas (or whenever possible).. you will see some of the great sights and help burn some calories..
    And I would point and try to pronounce whats there.. then when you get it you might recognize it, or atleast whats in it and make a guess as to what to count for calories..
    I'll be a suburb of Paris (Torcy), but the hotel is right next to one of the rail lines so I can take the rail anywhere, and walk from there. That's what I did earlier this year.
  • Siekobilly
    Siekobilly Posts: 401 Member
    From WebMD:

    Simple is the best approach in French restaurants, as it is the sauces that are usually loaded with fats and calories.

    Choose
    Broth-based soups
    Plain vegetables Vegetable salads with light vinegar-based dressing
    Wine or mustard sauces without cream
    Roasted or grilled lean meats, poultry, and fish

    Avoid
    Cream soups
    Cream or cheese sauces: au gratin, hollandaise, béarnaise, béchamel
    Caesar salads or any with creamy dressings
    Anything fried or seasoned with breadcrumbs
    Pate, fatty meats, duck, and sausages

    I do think MFP has French cuisine in the data base. Even if you cant pronounce it, just type it in. Remember to keep it simple, portion control, and plan ahead. Prepare as many foods in your new residence. Get in your exercise by walking to sites, work, shops ect... Most importantly enjoy your time there.
    One thing I noticed when I was there last time was that portions are significantly different. A 10 euro meal (about $15) was satisfying, and quite filling, but unlike here in the states I didn't get 5lbs of meat and 1lb of butter. I think I'll just have to wing it, and hope for the best :D
  • Siekobilly
    Siekobilly Posts: 401 Member
    I don't know how to track items you can not spell or pronounce, but when I went to Italy a few years ago I lost mad weight. I did everything the Italians did. They walk everywhere. The food was light and delicious. I had a glass of wine with each dinner.

    Find things on the menu you know are in your caloric range.

    Search the data base for the foods you see on the menu. There are bound to be simular items.

    BTW...Jealous of the France trip!! Best of luck!!
    Yea, I think I'll do my best to stay in my caloric range, but it's gonna be a lot of guess work. Also, don't be too jealous as I'll be working most of the time I'm there.
  • photoshyY
    photoshyY Posts: 25
    From WebMD:

    Simple is the best approach in French restaurants, as it is the sauces that are usually loaded with fats and calories.

    Choose
    Broth-based soups
    Plain vegetables Vegetable salads with light vinegar-based dressing
    Wine or mustard sauces without cream
    Roasted or grilled lean meats, poultry, and fish

    Avoid
    Cream soups
    Cream or cheese sauces: au gratin, hollandaise, béarnaise, béchamel
    Caesar salads or any with creamy dressings
    Anything fried or seasoned with breadcrumbs
    Pate, fatty meats, duck, and sausages

    I do think MFP has French cuisine in the data base. Even if you cant pronounce it, just type it in. Remember to keep it simple, portion control, and plan ahead. Prepare as many foods in your new residence. Get in your exercise by walking to sites, work, shops ect... Most importantly enjoy your time there.
    One thing I noticed when I was there last time was that portions are significantly different. A 10 euro meal (about $15) was satisfying, and quite filling, but unlike here in the states I didn't get 5lbs of meat and 1lb of butter. I think I'll just have to wing it, and hope for the best :D

    I noticed that as well when I have traveled internationally. Never been to France, but portions are different. My longest stay was 15 days. I am not "crazy" about most of the cuisine. I find it normally bland in taste. Than again, I grew up eating hot spicy fatty food. I am Hispanic, with a traditional Mexican mom. LOL :)
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