Checking out the Healthy Side to an All Inclusive Mini Vacation
Posted on March 14th, 2018 & filed in Natural Living, Rejuvenation Vacations
Ocean Coral & Turquesa, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Many of us may have experienced the “all inclusive vacation” to the Islands in the Caribbean at least once in our lives. As we mature (or sometimes we don’t) and never think twice about the value, some of us may be thinking about the healthy as well unhealthy aspects of these trips. Of course this may depend on the stress level in your daily lives. You may just want to eat, drink and be merry in excess.
But as we get older, a little voice does occasionally whisper that we can enjoy the turquoise blue waters and mood elevating warmth of the sun’s rays in February and still not overindulge in the wrong foods and drinks.
So here is my take:
Fruits and Salsa
Papaya
The papaya was amazing and deliciously ripe and wonderful every time. Here you see the fresh figs as well and pairing with some fresh cheeses was a great nutritious appetizer or dessert.
Salsa and Guacamole
One of the main attractions for me and many diners in Mexico was the salsa and guacamole which I recall from years ago where I ate it for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still couldn’t get enough. Here you could see the salsa was excellent and always fresh but to my disappointment the guac looked like a Costco out of the tub variety with preservatives galore.
I would stick with the salsa and fresh cut avocados this time.
The unusual fruit of the vacation was this and I have tried to find it so that I could name it but no such luck. It was a cross between and apple and a pear and tart like a persimmon. Definitely a local. I’ll have to ask about this healthy option next time.
Fresh Calamari
This next dish, fresh calamari or squid is definitely a healthy option (but depends if you are also a “tripe eater”). Then you will surely choose this fresh unsaturated fat version. The health benefits are many:
- A nutritious meal – Squid is high in protein, minerals and low in calories.
- Fans of batter-fried calamari rings don’t be fooled; the calorific value goes way up if you deep fry it.
- No carbs! How great is that?
- Good source of vitamin B12 and B6 – Your body needs B12 for neural health and blood health and vitamin B6 for protecting your heart from strokes. This gives you a good reason to eat squid since it abounds in both these nutrients.
- Selenium and Vitamin E – these promote normal body growth and fertility. As an antioxidant it is believed to play a role in the fight against cancer.
Fresh Cooked Fish
There were lots of fresh cooked fish varieties that were spiced with “curry powder”, a generic term for a blend of spices includes turmeric, dried red chilies, coriander seeds, black pepper, cinnamon, to name a few.
Curry powders provide not only an array of vitamins and minerals but also a variety of health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer, protection against Alzheimer’s and aids digestion.
Here was an unusual offering that followed an offering of escargot at one of the romantic restaurants. It was a swordfish carpaccio. Some health benefit include antioxidants as well as vitamins A, B2, C & K, & magnesium, manganese, folate.
Resort Activities
The activities at the resort were many and I took the yoga class two mornings. Any way you look at it , it was a healthy option as was this quaint bike ride into the town of Porto Morelas which took all of a couple of hours yet was just enough to make you feel better about the mudslide that you had for your afternoon dessert!
Definitely a go to resort the Ocean Coral & Turquesa at Riviera Maya was a gem in February when you need to balance the dark cold with the light warmth!
Nice beach too!
