my wife and i are doing low carb eating (diabetes). we just got back from maine and reflect that there were very few choices for low carbers - much emphasis on "starches" (except for the lobster). we had thought about going to england but fear the same issue: lots of potatoes, few vegetables). now we have begun wondering: if we based a vacation only on low carb eating (meat, salads, vegetables), where would be the best places to go? northern california comes to mind but are there other places anyone would recommend? we know we could manage anywhere, but where would be the easiest places to visit food-wise, with lots of good low carb eating?

India where many are vegetarians and even vegans - some won't even eat bugs and wear masks to prevent inadvertently consuming them

I imagine I could maintain low carb in France. Lovely veggies...cheese, seafood, meats...and add classic french (whatever that is) with the ethnic diversity I was just reminded of...
Yeah, I could do that.

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The cities along the coasts of Italy specialize in a variety of seafood dishes. It is more expensive than pizza and pasta, but you could enjoy lovely meals of salad (insalata mista is mixed salad) and all sorts of fish, shrimp, squid, etc. You can also easily do picnic lunches from markets and grocery stores - salami and other cured meats, many cheeses to choose from, and lots of fresh produce.

Ooops. Are you looking for suggestions in Europe or did you mistakenly post on the wrong forum? I responded to your identical post on the US board. Or are you looking for European suggestions as well (I notice you do mention that you had considered England).

In London, I went for a lot of pre-made pasta salads with a lot of nice barbecued chicken from Marks and Spencer.

Economic and good.

But I'm pretty sure they have salads too, probably with chicken and other choices.

London is best for this kind of packaged takeaway food. You can get Indian food too apparently.

In Italy, if you like salads, it seems your choices are limited. You won't get the kind of salad as meals with big slabs of chicken or salmon or ham since salads seem to be strictly side dishes.

If Indian were true, then London would be the same as there are plenty of Indian restaurants. I don't know, though -- I like Indian food and eat it several times a month and I have never thought of it as low carb with the naan bread, rice, etc. Vegetarian isn't the same as low carb, in fact, the vegetarians I know eat a lot of carbs.

I've never been to a place where you couldn't find plenty of protein (meat or seafood, although you don't seem to like seafood as you specifically omit that from your wish list). So then it's really a matter of ready availability of vegetables and salads, as no one can force you to eat potatoes if you don't want to. They eat a lot of pork and potatoes in the Czech Republic, for example, but you could get by with just the pork and cabbage (I suppose, might be dull, and no beer, obviously).

I'd say Italy would be a good idea, and France.

I can't imagine having a problem w/ a low carb diet alomost anywhere.

Salads, grilled meats, fish, seafood etc. etc. That would be easy in the UK, or California, or Italy, or France or just about anywhere. If you don't want potatoes or pasta - don't order them.

there are lots of people with diabetes in europe,and lots of places that cater to them and low carb eaters and vegitarians etc.Where do you get the idea that england is lots of potatoes and few veg?

<Where do you get the idea that england is lots of potatoes and few veg?>

Chips are the usual veg in UK.

Yes Christina - you are correct that i was thinking of meat by that's fine for low carb.

Wine has no carbs, right?

I am suprised that you are on a low carb diet as a diabetic - here you are advised to eat carbs at every meal to control your blood sugar levels. Low fat is the advice here not low carb. My DIL is type 1 diabetic, my brother type2 so I know what they can eat.
But anyway, either choose to self cater - you then have total control over what you eat, or jsut don't eat the bread rice orpotatoes offered you. Order extra veg or salad. Any restaurant will be happy to oblige.

&quot;<i>Chips are the usual veg in UK.</i>&quot;

That is no more so than french fries are the &quot;usual veg&quot; in the States. If you want chips fine - but I've had just about every other vegetable known to man at one time or another in London. I was there 8 days in Feb and had chips once - because I wanted/ordered them.

&lt;That is no more so than french fries are the &quot;usual veg&quot; in the States&gt;

for the legions of Yanks who eat fast food that's perhaps accurate

and schools i understand claim french fries as one of the required veggies they serve and is probably the only veg that doesn't end up in the garbage.

I think Spain and France have a lot of protein and vegetable options. In both countries the vegetables are treated with respect and not necessarily as a side. I have swooned over sauteed mushrooms in Spain and almost fainted having mashed eggplant in France.

The seafood in Spain is to die for! Aside for bread, little sides of potatoes and dessert - I don't think that the Spanish are high-carb eaters at all.

Both countries have wonderful pork products as well as outstanding cheeses.

If you choose Germany or Austria, be aware that you can usually substitute the side dish (very often potato-based such as french fries, potato croquettes, potato salad) for another vegetable. My mom substituted these types of dishes for kraut, small salads, or cooked spinach on several occasions. The main dishes (lots of wursts, pork steaks, goulashes, etc) should be fine for a low-carb diet.

If you really want to come to England you won't actually have any problem. Lots of salad, lots of meat, lots of veggies...potatoes/chips are not compulsary if you don't eat in MacDonalds all the time.

Hi

You also have the option of staying in self catered accommodation. Food shopping in a foreign city can be just as much fun as dining in a restaurant.

hi, tedwjones,

it's not only Germany and austria where you can substitute a salad/veges for potatoes - I frequently do this in the UK. [but probably not frequently enough!]

regards, ann

Turkey?

Ba-dum tish!

sorry...

thanks for the tips! yes, i had asked the same question on the US board - we're thinking of both options. sounds quite do-able!