South American Food-spiration
One of my favorite aspects of traveling is discovering food-centric cultural traditions of the native land! Yesterday I shared some of the touring highlights from my recent trip to Argentina & Brazil, but I’d be lying if I said our trip didn’t revolve around the FOOD! For the first time traveling with a vegan, a nutrition-focused flexitarian, and some carnivores, we had to ensure there was always something for everyone. Luckily, it wasn’t too difficult!
Here’s how I C (saw) it Nutritionally while on vacation:
Mate in the mornin’. This traditional Argentinian TEA, from yerba mate leaves, is a social sipping experience. The dried leaves are steeped in hot water providing a potent, highly caffeinated, green tea-like (high in antioxidants!) drink.
Fresh produce is EVERYWHERE. In these meat-centric countries, one could think fruits & veggies take a backseat, but this couldn’t be further from reality! I started every morning with a huge fruit plate and continued to snack on tropical favorites throughout the day.
*Travel tip: Always grab an extra piece of fruit in the morning! You never know when you’ll be too busy sight-seeing to stop for a leisurely lunch…having a piece of fruit to hold you over is hydrating and filling!
*Try produce native to the region. This sugar apple, or “Annona Squamosa,” was a unique fruit I’d never even heard of before!
Empanada-me please! Fried dough filled with cheese does NOT scream nutritious…but I was on vacation!!! My brothers tried chicken or meat-filled varieties while I opted for plain cheese types. 
*Travel tip: When’s the next time I’ll be in South America??? I don’t know! That’s why I HAD to try the native fare! Do I spoil my body fried foods on a regular basis? No! But when away? OF COURSE!!!! Go ahead and eat what you want when you’re away, but when the plane lands back home get back on track!
Meat in moderation. Churrascarias are Brazilian barbecues rampant in Brazil (duh!). Servers circulate the restaurant slicing various cuts of meat off a skewer for any takers. In this setting (like most), moderation is key! As a vegetarian I still had plenty to eat because every churrascaria has a HUGE salad bar filled with fresh produce, grilled veggies, and even SUSHI! It’s quite the varied spread, but delicious nonetheless!
All you have to do is ASK! On Christmas Eve my family frequented a great steak house in Buenos Aires. Three out of six of us don’t eat meat…so we spoke up and dined on delicious grilled vegetables! Speak up and you’ll be pleasantly surprised what a restaurant will do for you!
Stay hydrated! Whenever you’re touring (in a hot or cold climate) it’s essential to replenish fluids. Always grab a water bottle…or sip like a local…
*Health tip: Coconut water is a high-electrolyte carbohydrate drink that naturally comes from the coconut fruit. It’s marketed in the US as a “natural sports drink” because of it’s high levels of potassium (more an a banana!) and (natural) sugar. It’s known to help cure a hangover and help athletes recover from a tough workout. With just under 50 calories per cup (unflavored), if you like the nutty taste, I say go for it…just don’t think it’s a miracle cure-all!
On a different health note, the South American culture may be food-heavy, but they also focus on EXERCISE. My family spent time tango-ing and samba-ing in Argentina and Brazil, respectively…it’s no wonder South Americans are in great shape!
Do you have a favorite foodie find from a trip you’ve taken that’s followed you home? Share below in the comments section!
As always, follow @ChelsAmer on Twitter and @citnutritionally on Instagram for more tips, tricks, and blog updates!