Any tips on sticking to a somewhat healthy diet while on vacation? We're going to Mexico (fatty food capital of the world!) this week and while I want to have a good time, I feel I am often an enabler when it comes to my boyfriend straying from his diet. =/ Any insight on how to stay on track, especially while eating/drinking out?

It depends on where you plan on doing most of your eating and drinking. It never hurts to push the fruits and vegitables, especially when there are fresh varieties that you can get there you might not be able to at home. Also on vacation there is the constant temptation of eating lots of desserts.

If your going to consume alcohol wine is your best bet. Beer is not terrible, either. There is a good forum on drinking here you can look at.

Last, go for long walks on the beach or hike in the hills. Might not seem like a work out but it is still physical activity.

JAU

Try to drink as much water as you can (but don't drink their water :-p) and make sure you only eat during meal times (snack times if you have them). Try to load yourself with fruits and veggies.

I went on vacation and decided that i was going to have a good time and not have my deit on my mind all of the time. So i did the above, and i only gained a little bit. It then came off so easily the next week because my body liked going back on the normal foods.

Where in Mexico?

If it's Mexico City there are street markets all over the place. These markets contain a tremendous variety of food. My wife's favorite was the grilled peppers stuffed with other grilled veggies and shrimp (very good, we ate one every day!).

If you're going to the beach front resort places (Mazatlan, Cancun, etc ...) and you like seafood, definitely eat all the grilled shrimp you want (My favorite). There are shrimp carts that will grill you huge scrumptious ones for 25 cents a piece. There is a ton of seafood to be had at these places.

If you're going to the border towns, wait until you get back to the states to eat!

We spent a week in Mazatlan , one in Mexico City, and a week in Puerto Vallarta and didn't get sick once (just don't drink tap water, drink bottled water and wine).

Have a good trip. -- B

I'm not sure why you think Mexico is fatty food capital of the world? Maybe you are mixing it up with the Tex-Mex crap that gets served up as Mexican food.

Real Mexican food is absolutely excellent with plenty of opportunity to eat healthily.

Have an indulgent meal per day (not too indulgent....) but try and stick to as low calories as possible elsewhere. This way the day's net calories is unlikely to be that much higher than a normal day ! Drink shed loads of water too. Snack on beef jerky

I'm from El Paso. There's a huge difference between that kind of Mexican and Interior Mexican. We are going to Baja Norte and don't know which of the two cuisines it more closely resembles. Hence my trepidation...

Even though fast food is a weakness of mine, I have been making great strides when eating out. Basically, if you have established rules for yourself when eating out at home, you can do it abroad. Even in Mexico, the land of cheese and lard! =D

For instance, when I go out, I don't allow cheese on ANY of my meals. All dressings are on the side. Look for grilled items not battered and fried. In Mexico you can ask for whole pinto beans instead of refried beans. Be sure to avoid the skin on chicken and shy away from the chips.

But most importantly, have fun!

I'd say have fun.... Unless you're training for an event (like a marathon or a body building competition) how bad can you really screw yourself up in a week?

Though that said, I usually at least stick to some kind of exercise routine while on vacation. I mean if you get the chance to jog on the beach, or hike someplace cool, why not do it, as opposed to just sit at the hotel bar and slab all day?

Thanks to all! We've packed our running shoes...and hopefully we can manage to exercise a little self-control when it comes to the food!

Try to entertain yourself with some other stuff. There is so much fun out there! Just enjoy all the other great activities and don't concentrate on eating. But don't deprive yourself eather. It's your vacation and you should enjoy it! I never stop my jogging on vacation. It's even more fun than doing it home. You'll enjoy the new scenery and burn all the excess calories you let yourself eat the other night. Have a great trip!