Yes! I ate pretty much what I wanted in Europe but with the walking and the cleaner ingredients (a lot of stuff used in the US is banned in the EU), the weight came off easily. I went down 2 pant sizes while in Edinburgh but with my daily routine. I didn't go to the gym there, I just walked and hiked, did some yoga, but that's it. As soon as I moved back to the US, the weight started to come back too.
Health and wellness really is a cultural. I’ve noticed that whenever I’m traveling, it doesn’t matter what I eat, but I just naturally lose weight. The States are way too sedentary, and they put all of these things in our food. But on the other hand, there’s a plethora of diets, gym memberships, weight loss drugs, etc. I’ve never seen people in other places be so obsessed about these topics, and that’s saying something.
Well said! Fitness culture seems to be born out of the need to compensate for so many barriers (processed foods, car-centric infrastructure, food deserts, fast food, lack of access to health care, etc.) to a healthy lifestyle in the U.S. There's some of that culture here in Lisbon, but it seems to be more concentrated among the ex-pat population.
Oh my gosh, I SO look forward to being able to walk out my door in France and NOT get in a car to ...Harris Teeter on Hillsborough Road in one direction, or Food Lion in the other. It was all kinds of exciting just to have an Aldi open closer to home, but even then, it's a several minute drive. We've been cutting WAY back on ultra processed foods, but it's nearly impossible when even meat in our local groceries are expensive and gassed with Carbon Dioxide so they stay bright red.
Thanks for this - every time I get pulled in by a YouTube realtor showing gorgeous little French countryside cottages, I remind myself that's not what I want anymore. I want to live in a place that is walkable to everything we need, including community night markets, etc.
Having just about everything you need within a 10-15 minute walk really is game-changer. I’m sure the French countryside is lovely, but yeah, I’d personally rather save that experience for a peaceful weekend getaway than everyday life. There are some villages with good walkability throughout Europe though. You don’t necessarily need to live in a large metro area to live that lifestyle.
Interesting. Has Ashley had the same experience? My husband’s pants are falling off him, despite an enduring love for Portuguese passionfruit cheesecake. I can’t say the same has happened to me and I am less indulgent. We are both very active and eat primarily fresh veggies and fruit. I think I’m just made differently.
Alison, chiming in here — life isn’t fair. I look entirely the same (dare I say a bit more juicy!?) post move. I’m chalking it up to those pounds you kind of gain when you first fall in love and all you do is go to cute restaurants and eat dessert all the time because it’s fun! But other things have interestingly improved: clearer skin, better sleep, shinier hair. I’ll take it!
When I’ve been to Europe, it’s usually more desirable to walk or take public transportation than to drive. Our built environment in the US caters to cars, not to humans. We’ve zoned our way into a compartmentalized existence so that we end up driving to eating destinations, by necessity. You plan around that necessity and live by its rules. But in European towns and cities you can usually find food in one form or another within a block of home. It all ‘weaves’ together nicely in Europe.
I always say that whenever I am in Portugal I eat more bread, cheese, and pastries than any other time in my life and I always somehow still manage to lose weight. It is nice for wellness to just naturally be a part of life and not something you have to put as much energy into. Glad you are having that experience!
Yes! I ate pretty much what I wanted in Europe but with the walking and the cleaner ingredients (a lot of stuff used in the US is banned in the EU), the weight came off easily. I went down 2 pant sizes while in Edinburgh but with my daily routine. I didn't go to the gym there, I just walked and hiked, did some yoga, but that's it. As soon as I moved back to the US, the weight started to come back too.
Such a common theme! Too bad the U.S. is so anti-regulation and won't ban some of the same ingredients despite the clear benefits to public health.
I share your loathing of Harris Teeter. That is one of the most difficult aspects of going back to Durham to visit. Ugh.
Ugh indeed! Durham needs a Trader Joe’s.
Yes, but rest assured, like the Trader Joe's in Chapel Hill, parking will still be a nightmare. ;)
100%! The CH location is nice once you make it inside but the parking lot is a true nightmare.
I long for this kind of lifestyle. Sigh. . .
No one should have to move across an ocean to find it. The U.S. needs to do better (in countless ways right now!).
Health and wellness really is a cultural. I’ve noticed that whenever I’m traveling, it doesn’t matter what I eat, but I just naturally lose weight. The States are way too sedentary, and they put all of these things in our food. But on the other hand, there’s a plethora of diets, gym memberships, weight loss drugs, etc. I’ve never seen people in other places be so obsessed about these topics, and that’s saying something.
Well said! Fitness culture seems to be born out of the need to compensate for so many barriers (processed foods, car-centric infrastructure, food deserts, fast food, lack of access to health care, etc.) to a healthy lifestyle in the U.S. There's some of that culture here in Lisbon, but it seems to be more concentrated among the ex-pat population.
I had a gym membership here in NC, but I never went because I had to drive there. lol
The vinho verde has become my weakness. It’s just so refreshing and tasty!!
Dangerously so! Cheers, Lani. Hope you enjoy a refreshing glass this weekend.
Oh my gosh, I SO look forward to being able to walk out my door in France and NOT get in a car to ...Harris Teeter on Hillsborough Road in one direction, or Food Lion in the other. It was all kinds of exciting just to have an Aldi open closer to home, but even then, it's a several minute drive. We've been cutting WAY back on ultra processed foods, but it's nearly impossible when even meat in our local groceries are expensive and gassed with Carbon Dioxide so they stay bright red.
Thanks for this - every time I get pulled in by a YouTube realtor showing gorgeous little French countryside cottages, I remind myself that's not what I want anymore. I want to live in a place that is walkable to everything we need, including community night markets, etc.
Having just about everything you need within a 10-15 minute walk really is game-changer. I’m sure the French countryside is lovely, but yeah, I’d personally rather save that experience for a peaceful weekend getaway than everyday life. There are some villages with good walkability throughout Europe though. You don’t necessarily need to live in a large metro area to live that lifestyle.
Yes! My hope is that we can live in a smaller place of about 30,000 people, as long as there's a train station. 😄
Interesting. Has Ashley had the same experience? My husband’s pants are falling off him, despite an enduring love for Portuguese passionfruit cheesecake. I can’t say the same has happened to me and I am less indulgent. We are both very active and eat primarily fresh veggies and fruit. I think I’m just made differently.
Alison, chiming in here — life isn’t fair. I look entirely the same (dare I say a bit more juicy!?) post move. I’m chalking it up to those pounds you kind of gain when you first fall in love and all you do is go to cute restaurants and eat dessert all the time because it’s fun! But other things have interestingly improved: clearer skin, better sleep, shinier hair. I’ll take it!
Love that! I’ll take it too!
Her changes haven't been as drastic, but she was also in better shape than I was before the move.
Just finished reading ‘ultra processed People’ by Chris van Tulleken
Fascinating read which will change your eating habits forever ( unless you’re in the USA of course and have no choice )
Thanks for the rec, Jane! I’ll check that out.
When I’ve been to Europe, it’s usually more desirable to walk or take public transportation than to drive. Our built environment in the US caters to cars, not to humans. We’ve zoned our way into a compartmentalized existence so that we end up driving to eating destinations, by necessity. You plan around that necessity and live by its rules. But in European towns and cities you can usually find food in one form or another within a block of home. It all ‘weaves’ together nicely in Europe.
I always say that whenever I am in Portugal I eat more bread, cheese, and pastries than any other time in my life and I always somehow still manage to lose weight. It is nice for wellness to just naturally be a part of life and not something you have to put as much energy into. Glad you are having that experience!