How can I stay healthy while traveling overseas for 3 weeks?
October 7, 2014 8:14 PM Subscribe
I'll be travelling in the Middle East this December, visiting relatives (and relatives friends, I suppose) for three weeks. How can I maintain a healthy diet in a country where turning down food (even politely) is considered very rude?
Over the past month, I've switched to a healthier/cleaner diet and lifestyle that includes daily exercise, eating organic, homecooked food as much as possible and entirely avoiding soda, artificial sweeteners, junk food, most sweets/desserts (I'm trying to cut refined sugar out of my diet). I live in the US and while we have our own issues with the food industry, at least most things are reasonably labeled and I can stock my pantry with healthier alternatives like unrefined sugar, coconut oil and flour, etc.
At home, I can control what I eat. I cook and pack lunches for work myself and I'm friends with people who also follow "special" diets, like vegan/vegetarian/no carbs. So to them, the idea of turning down food isn't really a big deal. Overseas, it's more complicated, because in the Middle East, where hospitality is a point of pride, turning down food is considered very, very rude. A lot of Middle Eastern food isn't unhealthy--they cook with a lot of vegetables, humanely-raised meat, olive oil, etc. But some commonly eaten foods are pretty unhealthy--falafel, for example is super popular but super deep fried... Desserts are worse--they are often deep fried AND soaked in syrup.
I know it's okay to "splurge" a little once in a while, but changing my lifestyle and diet have helped me so much in terms of getting rid of my depression and giving me more mental clarity and emotional stability. I was someone who didn't exercise AT ALL, ate fast food often, drank soda, and honestly didn't really pay much attention to what I was eating because I thought "I'm skinny, so I must be okay." I've seen such a huge difference in my quality of life since starting to exercise and eat better that I'd really hate to lose some of that progress by reintroducing "bad" foods into my diet again, especially over an extended period of time. But at the same time, I don't want to be rude or offend anyone!
I'd appreciate any advice you guys have to offer.
Thank you!
Over the past month, I've switched to a healthier/cleaner diet and lifestyle that includes daily exercise, eating organic, homecooked food as much as possible and entirely avoiding soda, artificial sweeteners, junk food, most sweets/desserts (I'm trying to cut refined sugar out of my diet). I live in the US and while we have our own issues with the food industry, at least most things are reasonably labeled and I can stock my pantry with healthier alternatives like unrefined sugar, coconut oil and flour, etc.
At home, I can control what I eat. I cook and pack lunches for work myself and I'm friends with people who also follow "special" diets, like vegan/vegetarian/no carbs. So to them, the idea of turning down food isn't really a big deal. Overseas, it's more complicated, because in the Middle East, where hospitality is a point of pride, turning down food is considered very, very rude. A lot of Middle Eastern food isn't unhealthy--they cook with a lot of vegetables, humanely-raised meat, olive oil, etc. But some commonly eaten foods are pretty unhealthy--falafel, for example is super popular but super deep fried... Desserts are worse--they are often deep fried AND soaked in syrup.
I know it's okay to "splurge" a little once in a while, but changing my lifestyle and diet have helped me so much in terms of getting rid of my depression and giving me more mental clarity and emotional stability. I was someone who didn't exercise AT ALL, ate fast food often, drank soda, and honestly didn't really pay much attention to what I was eating because I thought "I'm skinny, so I must be okay." I've seen such a huge difference in my quality of life since starting to exercise and eat better that I'd really hate to lose some of that progress by reintroducing "bad" foods into my diet again, especially over an extended period of time. But at the same time, I don't want to be rude or offend anyone!
I'd appreciate any advice you guys have to offer.
Thank you!
It is not impolite to refuse food for medical reasons. You can say your doctor has you on a very strict diet. Be genuinely sorry about refusing it and say how delicious it looks and smells and how much you wish you could eat it (or eat more of it, if you sample a bit of it).
posted by erst at 8:18 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by erst at 8:18 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
I agree that missing out on trying all these foods would be far worse than maintaining a diet centered around this or that. Take running shoes and work it off if it bugs you that much.
posted by kcm at 8:24 PM on October 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by kcm at 8:24 PM on October 7, 2014 [5 favorites]
I recently travelled to the Balkans, where refusing food is very insulting behavior.
What really worked for me was to happily fill up my plate (before anyone else does and believe me they will) to the brim with a little bit of everything but a very high proportion of salads, pickles and the top healthiest choicest, and then eat slooooooowly.
Because of my job (Afghani and Iraqi clients) I also have to regularly use this approach when doing home visits, and it works pretty well. At least people seem pleased and I look like I am stuffing my face with the massive feasts people prepare in no time when in reality I'm having a good amount of really healthy food.
I have to do this because people will not trust me unless I eat with them, but at the same time I dont want to have five lunches a day. I wish I could, though because the food is fantastic.
posted by Tarumba at 8:31 PM on October 7, 2014 [20 favorites]
What really worked for me was to happily fill up my plate (before anyone else does and believe me they will) to the brim with a little bit of everything but a very high proportion of salads, pickles and the top healthiest choicest, and then eat slooooooowly.
Because of my job (Afghani and Iraqi clients) I also have to regularly use this approach when doing home visits, and it works pretty well. At least people seem pleased and I look like I am stuffing my face with the massive feasts people prepare in no time when in reality I'm having a good amount of really healthy food.
I have to do this because people will not trust me unless I eat with them, but at the same time I dont want to have five lunches a day. I wish I could, though because the food is fantastic.
posted by Tarumba at 8:31 PM on October 7, 2014 [20 favorites]
I haven't been in an identical situation, but I hear you about the "can't refuse food because it's rude," and here's what has worked for me:
-- Always praise the cook (right away, so that your plate is still full and she can't heap more food on it to thank you for the praise!)
-- Pace yourself and, if possible, take very small portions in the first place. (Oh, but don't do it in a way that makes your plate look empty! My parents STILL talk about a guest who did that like...10, 15 years ago? *eyeroll* Cover the plate, but try to make it look like you're taking a lot more food than you are).
-- Serve others before you serve yourself. In general, I find that it works well to deflect people trying to get you to eat more by insisting they should eat more and enjoy themselves, and even serving them something you know is a favorite of theirs (in a playful way).
-- Try to ask for seconds/extra of one of the dishes at the meal, so that you don't have a whole second round after you've finally finished your first plateful!
-- Heap lots of praise on foods that are local/fresh in the area. For example, if any fruit/vegetable/fish/meat is in season, say how wonderful they are fresh, that you can't get anything like that back [wherever you live], you can't believe how flavorful they are, etc. That will hopefully mean that your relatives and their friends buy lots of that fresh stuff because you obviously like it.
-- Drink lots and lots of (bottled) water. It'll keep everything moving and keep you feeling fresh. Also, I don't know if this will actually be a problem, but avoid drinking much alcohol if possible.
-- Bring along vitamins and some kind of fiber-rich snack (like good quality granola bars or something) that you can munch if too much rich food gets you feeling uncomfortable.
-- Don't worry about it too much. It's only three weeks, and middle eastern food is generally healthy anyway.
-- Personally, I would avoid the medical explanation. Unless your family is American, ime it's likely to just freak everyone out and get them gossiping and acting like you're on your deathbed (and then they REALLY will get on your case to eat everything and everything!).
posted by rue72 at 8:33 PM on October 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
-- Always praise the cook (right away, so that your plate is still full and she can't heap more food on it to thank you for the praise!)
-- Pace yourself and, if possible, take very small portions in the first place. (Oh, but don't do it in a way that makes your plate look empty! My parents STILL talk about a guest who did that like...10, 15 years ago? *eyeroll* Cover the plate, but try to make it look like you're taking a lot more food than you are).
-- Serve others before you serve yourself. In general, I find that it works well to deflect people trying to get you to eat more by insisting they should eat more and enjoy themselves, and even serving them something you know is a favorite of theirs (in a playful way).
-- Try to ask for seconds/extra of one of the dishes at the meal, so that you don't have a whole second round after you've finally finished your first plateful!
-- Heap lots of praise on foods that are local/fresh in the area. For example, if any fruit/vegetable/fish/meat is in season, say how wonderful they are fresh, that you can't get anything like that back [wherever you live], you can't believe how flavorful they are, etc. That will hopefully mean that your relatives and their friends buy lots of that fresh stuff because you obviously like it.
-- Drink lots and lots of (bottled) water. It'll keep everything moving and keep you feeling fresh. Also, I don't know if this will actually be a problem, but avoid drinking much alcohol if possible.
-- Bring along vitamins and some kind of fiber-rich snack (like good quality granola bars or something) that you can munch if too much rich food gets you feeling uncomfortable.
-- Don't worry about it too much. It's only three weeks, and middle eastern food is generally healthy anyway.
-- Personally, I would avoid the medical explanation. Unless your family is American, ime it's likely to just freak everyone out and get them gossiping and acting like you're on your deathbed (and then they REALLY will get on your case to eat everything and everything!).
posted by rue72 at 8:33 PM on October 7, 2014 [6 favorites]
Make most of what you eat the healthiest choices. And show genuine curiosity and enthusiasm about the food. Get the recipes, and their history. Write them down. Ask to help in the kitchen. All of this will help. Three weeks will pass. This opportunity to connect with your family will last forever. Good luck!
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 8:34 PM on October 7, 2014
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 8:34 PM on October 7, 2014
Response by poster: Thank you for all the answers so far!
About missing out on the foods...to be honest, I lived with my family for my entire life until very recently and Middle Eastern food was pretty mucch all we ate (I am part Middle Eastern). So aside from a few instances, it's very unlikley that I'd be actually missing out on anything I'd have a chance to eat there.
posted by joyeuxamelie at 8:36 PM on October 7, 2014
About missing out on the foods...to be honest, I lived with my family for my entire life until very recently and Middle Eastern food was pretty mucch all we ate (I am part Middle Eastern). So aside from a few instances, it's very unlikley that I'd be actually missing out on anything I'd have a chance to eat there.
posted by joyeuxamelie at 8:36 PM on October 7, 2014
I second the idea that the medical excuse will not go over well.
And as I am sure you know, it will result in more pushiness and very likely an extra helping of some particularly carby dish that is supposedly very healthy for you.
posted by Tarumba at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
And as I am sure you know, it will result in more pushiness and very likely an extra helping of some particularly carby dish that is supposedly very healthy for you.
posted by Tarumba at 8:41 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
Figure out the common denominator of most of the bad food, and explain you can't have x, & maybe y.
In this case, I kinda hate to say this, because I have a mild wheat allergy and people often think I'm doing it as a diet thing, but what the hell, as people say that anyway, go ahead and say you won't be eating wheat, which knocks out a HELL of a lot of fast-food (thanks be for iskender!), as well as most baklava, breads, pita etc. Although, also knocks out tabouli? Which would probably be in your ok food category. Eh.
Please come up with a list of what you CAN eat, that hosts will commonly have available.
Anytime you say what you can't eat, explain in the same breath what you can eat.
I can't have bread, but I can have meat, salad and rice.
I can't have baklava, but I can have dried figs etc. Take some of your own safe snacks/desserts to share, should they be out. Ask for water BEFORE someone offers you sweet tea.
Enjoy iskendar without pita, and with some salad!
Once you've decided on NO MORE than one, or two no-no's, please be as flexible with everything else as possible.
Felafel is pretty fine really - a bit of oil with the other veges, especially when combined with something with protein in it rather than sugars (which does do something bad to my blood sugar levels too) is generally pretty ok.
Worst case, try and dish for yourself, and just put only a bites worth on it. Eat a bite, and leave the rest. I'm constitutionally incapable of not finishing my plate, but I understand other people and cultures find this less rude, so use this depending on environment.
posted by Elysum at 8:46 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
In this case, I kinda hate to say this, because I have a mild wheat allergy and people often think I'm doing it as a diet thing, but what the hell, as people say that anyway, go ahead and say you won't be eating wheat, which knocks out a HELL of a lot of fast-food (thanks be for iskender!), as well as most baklava, breads, pita etc. Although, also knocks out tabouli? Which would probably be in your ok food category. Eh.
Please come up with a list of what you CAN eat, that hosts will commonly have available.
Anytime you say what you can't eat, explain in the same breath what you can eat.
I can't have bread, but I can have meat, salad and rice.
I can't have baklava, but I can have dried figs etc. Take some of your own safe snacks/desserts to share, should they be out. Ask for water BEFORE someone offers you sweet tea.
Enjoy iskendar without pita, and with some salad!
Once you've decided on NO MORE than one, or two no-no's, please be as flexible with everything else as possible.
Felafel is pretty fine really - a bit of oil with the other veges, especially when combined with something with protein in it rather than sugars (which does do something bad to my blood sugar levels too) is generally pretty ok.
Worst case, try and dish for yourself, and just put only a bites worth on it. Eat a bite, and leave the rest. I'm constitutionally incapable of not finishing my plate, but I understand other people and cultures find this less rude, so use this depending on environment.
posted by Elysum at 8:46 PM on October 7, 2014 [1 favorite]
It's all smoke and mirrors so the tips and tricks above are right on.
As for Falafel...it's a wonderful food! The oils are unsaturated, it's chick peas! And it's served with fresh veggies and sauces made of seeds and yogurt and all good things.
aaaarrrrghhh.....falafel....
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:34 AM on October 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
As for Falafel...it's a wonderful food! The oils are unsaturated, it's chick peas! And it's served with fresh veggies and sauces made of seeds and yogurt and all good things.
aaaarrrrghhh.....falafel....
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:34 AM on October 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ah, you can use my Chinese Buffet technique.
1. fill plate with healthy options. Have leafy things hanging over edge, plates full!
2. add tiny smidgens of everything else that you want to taste, but not eat (2 candied nuts, 1 jello square, the smallest chicken wing, etc)
3. Eat slow, real slow.
Is taking food you can't finish on your plate home an option, or using it to snack later?
posted by WeekendJen at 5:35 AM on October 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
1. fill plate with healthy options. Have leafy things hanging over edge, plates full!
2. add tiny smidgens of everything else that you want to taste, but not eat (2 candied nuts, 1 jello square, the smallest chicken wing, etc)
3. Eat slow, real slow.
Is taking food you can't finish on your plate home an option, or using it to snack later?
posted by WeekendJen at 5:35 AM on October 8, 2014 [1 favorite]
"Oh wow, I love HealthyFood! So delicious. Could I have lots of that?"
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 10:05 AM on October 8, 2014
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 10:05 AM on October 8, 2014
This doesn't answer your question directly, but...
Ginger is used to help nausea because it's affect on the body is to cause the stomach to empty. You could take some ginger tea along with you, in the event that you are feeling too full and things aren't moving along in your system.
posted by vignettist at 5:16 PM on October 8, 2014
Ginger is used to help nausea because it's affect on the body is to cause the stomach to empty. You could take some ginger tea along with you, in the event that you are feeling too full and things aren't moving along in your system.
posted by vignettist at 5:16 PM on October 8, 2014
Is there a diet more healthy than the middle eastern one? I am confused.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:26 PM on October 8, 2014
posted by oceanjesse at 8:26 PM on October 8, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by zadcat at 8:15 PM on October 7, 2014 [5 favorites]