Foods to go
 

I'm off to Europe next month and, for health reasons (heart disease/diabetes), I'd like to take some convenient, non-perishable, pre-packaged foods with me. I usually bring along soy nuts, Trail mix, and one or two utterly tasteless things that I'd prefer not to mention. (I long ago gave up on "tasty" things, and eat to live, rather than the reverse.) Any suggestions?<BR><BR>Many thanks,<BR><BR>Luci

Lucinda: There are some good sports bars out now, I like the Luna bars and they are pretty nutritious so should suit your diet. Check at some outdoor or sports stores.

Maybe tiny cans of tuna that pop open?<BR><BR>Once you are there... don't overlook shopping at local health food stores, farmers markets, or grocery stores. (I'm assuming restaurants is where you run into problems.) Even without a frig you can set up a quicky-kitchen on any hotel dresser with a bit of plastic utensils, napkins, etc.<BR><BR>I found some amazing food to go recently in Amsterdam, both from a health food store (heavy sprouted dark breads, tomatoes, fresh fruit) & an Italian catering style deli (they had tomato salads, brocolli with onions, eggplant casserole, roast chicken, etc.)

I always travel with a Boost or Ensure in my bag because I get cranky when I get hungry (my fav flavor is chocolate)

Luci,<BR><BR>Tuna can now be bought in very thin, easily transportable packages, and Ensure now makes a product for diabetics called, I believe, Glucerna.<BR>They're bars or drinks.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Gerry K

You do not need to carry food with you to the UK. We have great health food shops and you can buy diabetic foods in the supermarkets. Boots the Chemist is a large chain of drugstores who will also stock diabetic foods. Trail mix etc. can be purchased in the specialist nut and dried fruit stores you will find in many shopping centres or malls.

Any other suggestions regarding Lucinda's question would help me also.<BR><BR>Many thanks,<BR><BR>Gerry K

Gerry, I think the main thing is to shop for yourself at a any grocery (or natural foods store if you find one). In grocery stores you will find similar to whatever you usually eat at home, just look for prepared item or packaged & portable things.<BR><BR>It's the restaurants that'll kill ya!

I am also diabetic (non insulin dependent) and usually carry one of the small plastic jars of peanut butter in my suitcase. It seems that it's always easy to find "carbs" but not protein. Unless it's really hot, the peanut butter should hold up without refrigeration for the duration of your trip.<BR><BR>One thing I noticed in Europe is that it's very difficult to find diet soft drinks. They have "lite" Coke but its not as good as diet Coke and is not calorie free. And forget finding anything that's decaf AND diet. I usually just end up drinking water. I know it's better for me anyway, especially when flying, etc.

Lucinda<BR>It depends where in Europe you are going. I can only speak for the UK, well really I can only speak for the SE of England.<BR>In the SE of England every supermarket I have ever been into has peanut butter and it's also possible to get diabetic prepackaged foods. As mentioned above, Boots stocks a range of items including both savoury and sweet snack bars. I have bought them for diabetic family members in the past.<BR>A lot depends on the kind of trip you are making.<BR>If it's a short trip full of sightseeing, perhaps bring along a few items.<BR>If it's a long trip staying in one destination, you should have time to shop locally for the items you need.<BR>If it's a long trip but you're always on the move, try and bring some with you incase you aren't able to find a suitable store on any given day.<BR>Kavey

Don't forget you can take the separate components that usually go into trail mix -- nuts (for fat and protein) and dried fruits (for energy). There are so many different types, I usually travel with dried apricots, almonds, and pecans.<BR><BR>As others have said, such foods are readily available in many places. But better to be safe than sorry during the trip over!

Bring paper-packaged products that require only hot water: oatmeal, chicken broths or soups, etc. (perhaps someone can add the etceteras) and Kool-Aid packages to which you can add cold water and sweetner.<BR><BR>MB

It Italy you should have little problems. Basic Italian nutrition is already up to the stanrds of a non too severe diabetes problem (lots of greens, olive oil and fish). In most supermarkets you will find huge amounts of foods fit for a diabetic. Moreover, consider that Italian food usually has less sugar than in the Usa. Bar sand restaurants will have dietetic sweetener available at request: when you order cofee or cappuccino or anything else, ask for "dolcificante".