It takes a ton of self-discipline to eat healthy food on a daily basis and it’s even harder at an all-inclusive resort because of all the tempting treats waiting for you at the buffet. I was determined to eat healthy during my stay at the all-inclusive Luxury Bahia Principe Sian-Kaan in Mexico. I had heard the stories about the 24×7 availability of food, and I didn’t want to fall into the trap of eating huge piles of food around the clock to make sure I got my money’s worth. Before I left I committed to keeping my eating in check. Like anything else, if you’re committed and conscientious about what and how much you’re eating, you’ll be able to go home feeling good about how you kept your diet on track during vacation.
Table of Contents
How To Eat Healthy
Commit Before You Leave
We all know that healthy eating is a habit and way of life, versus a “diet” that only lasts a few weeks or months. If you’re like me, maintaining the commitment to healthy food can be challenging because we’re surrounded by junk food in the form of sugary desserts, processed foods, soft drinks and fried food. The best way to ensure you keep your nutrition on track is to commit ahead of time to not eating those foods. If you’re not self-aware of what you want to and don’t want to eat you will have a much harder time avoiding unhealthy foods.
Fruits and Veggies
One of the cardinal rules to eating healthy everyday is to fill your plate with fresh vegetables and fruits. When staying at an all-inclusive resort, be sure to incorporate fruits and vegetables into each meal. These should be the first two items you put on your plate. Start with dark, leafy greens and add other vegetables like red peppers, onions, broccoli and cucumbers. Roasted potatoes and black beans are also good options and will help you feel full because of their higher calorie content and, in the case of black beans, fiber content.
Be careful when choosing fruit from the buffet. I noticed the fruit cups were on the same table as the desserts. They were in the dessert area because there was sugary syrup added to them. Instead, look for fresh fruit slices and cups of fresh berries.
The Small Plate Trick
When trying to limit your caloric intake while eating from the buffet, look for a small plate to use. If you’re like most people, when you pick up a large dinner plate you will likely fill the space on the plate. Instead of a dinner plate, check for smaller plates near the children’s menu area or the dessert area. If there is only one size, don’t feel as though you have to fill the plate. In case your can’t resist the urge to fill your plate, make sure you first choose vegetables and then add healthy proteins and fats.
For lunch and dinner fill your plate with chicken, salmon (ideally wild caught), sweet potatoes and greens topped with olive oil. The good thing about an all-inclusive resort buffet is you have a lot of options so get creative in your search for healthy food. If you’re in Mexico, take inspiration from the local cuisine. Beans mixed with chicken and vegetables is a delicious and satisfying meal. I also like simple salads consisting of cucumbers, tomatoes and avocado dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Avoid Refined Sugar and Flour
This one is easy to say and we all know we should stay away from the empty calories in breads, pastries and desserts. What makes this so hard is the delicious looking array of these that is constantly tempting us at the buffet, the snack bar or even in the lobby. On top of that, sugar is truly addictive so once we have a bite it is doubly hard to resist having another bite. Be aware that if you have a little sugar, whether it’s in a glass of wine, fruity rum drink, or a pastry, your body will scream for more. If you decide ahead of time to limit your sugar intake and constantly remind yourself of the addictive nature of sugar you will be successful in keeping those cravings at bay.
For breakfast, skip the bagels, pancakes and french toast and instead opt for scrambled eggs with peppers, onions and black beans. Plain yogurt with fruit and nuts is another healthy food option that will provide you the necessary energy for a day of sightseeing, swimming or scuba diving.
Healthy Snacking
Afternoon or mid-morning snacks at all-inclusives are very tempting and easily accessible. Your best bet is to eat a full meal so you’re not tempted to snack. But if you would like a little something to munch on between meals your best options are fruits, such as watermelon and berries, nuts for a little crunch and salt, or a few small cheese slices. Resist the temptation to bring food back to your room for a late night snack. Unless you are being very strict about your calorie intake, you won’t be hungry and the sneaky calories from those small late night snacks will add up quickly.
Don’t Deprive Yourself
My philosophy is to never deprive yourself. We all have a food vice and it’s okay to give into it. I freely admit my vice is chocolate and I definitely gave into it multiple times during my stay in Mexico. After dinner, the resort provided chocolates in the outdoor lounge area and I couldn’t resist the dark chocolates. Chocolates filled with raspberry? Yup, you got me. I also discovered I love coconut ice cream! I treated myself to a small bowl during a few afternoon snack breaks. If only there were dark chocolate chips to top that ice cream…
Focus on the Healthy Foods
As you can see, there are many healthy foods at all-inclusive resorts, despite all the tempting sugary treats. Staying focused on what you can eat will point you in the healthy food direction. If you are constantly thinking about what you can’t eat, those items will always be on your mind, making it even more difficult to avoid them. Remain positive, don’t give in to peer pressure and know that while others are constantly indulging you are fueling your body with the nutrients you need to have a fit and fun vacation.
