Sticking to your diet while enjoying the beauty of the local cuisine!
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Sitting in a noisy, roadside taco shop in Cancun, Mexico, I’m in heaven! A huge fan is buzzing behind me. An UberEats driver is loading a delivery into the insulated box on the back of his scooter. Cars and trucks are whizzing by, and drivers are beeping their horns in an attempt to keep things moving.
I’m here with two good friends, and the mole verde (I have no idea what kind of meat) on my plate is delicious! What could be better?
I love traveling! And my favorite part of any new city is trying the local foods. I think it’s the best way to experience life.
For those of us following a special diet, traveling can be difficult. Depending on your allergies or food preferences, traveling to an unfamiliar place might even be a bit stressful. I often hear people asking about whether they’ll be able to find gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or dairy-free at their destination.
Low-Carb / Keto
A few years ago I decided I needed to make some changes to improve my health. After doing some research, I gave the keto diet an experimental 1-month trial… and lost 20 lbs. I was pretty impressed with myself. So I kept going, and ended up losing 40 which surpassed my ultimate goal. I even found it difficult to stop losing weight after I had backed-off the diet. As a middle-aged woman I have tried my share of diets, and this is the only plan that has ever worked for me…
I don’t consistently eat low-carb, but whenever I need a reset, this is an easy way for me to get my weight back on track. Low-carb eating is delicious and filling, so I never feel like I’m missing out.
You may be eating a low-carb diet for many reasons including balancing blood-sugar levels, or lowering blood pressure and triglycerides. Low-carb diets increase energy levels, improve brain function, and decrease the risk of Alhzheimer’s Disease. A healthy, low-carb diet can also lead to weight loss (which was my main motivation).
Heading to Mexico
Have I mentioned that I love travel? I’m writing this from the kitchen of my airbnb in Cancun where I’ll be for about 5 weeks. Planning my meals while traveling serves two purposes: sticking to a budget, and staying relatively healthy… All while enjoying the unique flavors of the local culture.
Eating a low-carb diet in Mexico can be a bit challenging, as traditional Mexican cuisine is known for its use of corn and beans, which are both high in carbohydrates. While the traditional Mexican dishes with tortillas and gorditas may be delicious, you may be searching for low-carb alternatives.
Grocery stores in Mexico will have plenty of low carb foods, so if you’re planning on cooking while on your trip, simply stick to the recipes you’re used to. For example, roasted cauliflower is an excellent base for carne asada rather than tortillas. Omeletes are also a great choice and can hold all kinds of delicious fillings.
From my airbnb, it’s a (rather hot) 20-minute walk to the nearest Walmart, where I can easily find what I need! I just have to be prepared for how sweaty it gets walking back… but hey, its good exercise, right?
It is possible to find low-carb options in Mexican restaurants while eating out by making a few minor modifications, and I highly recommend enjoying the local cuisine made by the experts! Here are some tips to help you stick to your low-carb diet while eating mouth-watering Mexican food:
- Go for meat-based dishes: This may be an obvious one since you’re already familiar with eating low carb… but focus on your many meat options! Mexican dishes that are primarily meat, such as grilled chicken or beef fajitas, are a great choice. They are typically lower in carbohydrates than dishes that include corn tortillas or beans. So ask for a meat dish and skip the tortilla. Your tummy will thank you!
- Ask for salads: This is a good choice for me at home, too. Salads in Mexico, such as an ensalada de nopales (cactus salad), can be a great low-carb option. Be sure to ask for the dressing on the side, as many dressings are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Feel free to add your favorite meat or seafood!
- Go for the guacamole: Guacamole is a delicious and low-carb dip. We often see it with chips, but you can enjoy this Mexican favorite without the extra carbs. Instead of chips, try dipping vegetables such as carrot sticks or celery in the guacamole. I love to spread guacamole over my meat dish, like strips of grilled chicken or steak. Guacamole is also delicious served on salad.
- Broth-based soups for the win: Many Mexican soups, such as pozole or menudo, are made with a broth base. Both Pozole and menudo contain hominy, and are estimated between 10–20 carbs per serving. So while they fit in a low-carb diet, they won’t cut it if you’re at the more strict end and following Keto. Be careful with toppings such as tortilla strips, which can add extra carbs.
- Swap tortillas for lettuce: In general, you’ll have to skip the tortillas, gorditas, and quesadillas that are common as quick and easy street foods. Corn tortillas, which are a staple in Mexican cuisine, are high in carbohydrates. Instead, try wrapping your meat and veggies in lettuce leaves to make a low-carb taco.
Eat Well on the Road
Don’t let your dietary restrictions hold you back! Travel and experience the world one plate at a time… You can experience so many wonderful little moments by finding the local shops and restaurants and tasting what the local culture has to offer. With a little creativity you can sample delicious local specialties while sticking to your low-carb diet.
And what about you? Are you an adventurous eater?
What adjustments do you make while on the road to stick to your own eating plan?
