Trying to maintain somewhat of a healthy balance in the food you eat whilst on vacation around the globe is definitely more easily said than done.  It is easy to fall into eating whatever is available, or worse not really eating at all.  Luckily, there are some useful tools to assist you in your quest for good food to satiate your body and mind.

One of the best tools is to claim lactose intolerance.  Actually, many nutritionist proclaim that after a certain age (typically within our early teens) we are no longer producing lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose (found in milk and dairy products)- which for some people produces uncomfortable bloating, not to mention potential weight gain from the calories we can’t process.  So, when you travel, opt for the lactose free meals- you will seriously cut the calories hidden in butter sautéed dishes and cream sauces.

Take it a step further, and give up meat every other day or so.  This way you ensure you are still getting a healthy helping of all the good vitamins naturally found in fruits and vegetables.

Finally, use a resource to find the food you want to put into your body.  Here is the beta on how to find a veggie-accommodating restaurant whilst travelling.  Go to www.happycow.net

It is an international site, which lists all the vegan and vegetarian restaurants first by country, then by city, then by area within the city.  It is brilliant!  They list the contact information, maps with directions and even have reviews posted.

In Paris this week, I used it to find a macrobiotique restaurant in Paris, GuenMai.  After days of explaining, in French, that I wanted my vegetables cooked in oil- not butter, or asking if the sauce or soup could be made sans cream, it was so wonderful to sit in the sweet little café surrounded by plates of fresh and balanced food! :)