Waffles, Beer, and Other Health Food

Written on October 4, 2024 - 12:34 am | by Terra

Last night, after sampling some Jenever (a Dutch alcohol) at a 200-year old bar, walking through the Red Light district, and dodging stoners on bikes, I had a Belgian waffle covered in powdered sugar and warm chocolate. It was decadent, sweet, and delicious. It was not, obviously, “healthy.”

“Did You Bring Protein Powder?”

I’ve received a lot of questions on how I’m eating and training while I’m on my month-long Europe trip. My answer: however I want.

I’m not on a diet. In fact, I really despise that word; I find it constricting and too focused on the short term. So I guess I’m on the “anti-diet” – let’s call it the healthy lifestyle plan.

I know how to eat healthy to build and maintain a muscular body for the rest of my life. And more than 90% of the time, I choose foods and eating strategies that help me gain muscle, burn fat, and provide me with energy.

But don’t think for a second I’m going forgo a Belgian waffle while I’m enjoying my time overseas because it’s “not healthy.” (That goes for any traditional dish or drink in any country, by the way.) I know it’s blasphemy, but I did not bring protein powder, fish oil, or a workout drink. It’s extra stuff I didn’t want to carry or worry about.

Does that mean my healthy lifestyle is going out the window for this whole month? Not at all. In fact, I’m not even taking a break. I’m just choosing to enjoy things I’ve never tried, while making “healthy” decisions most of the time. You don’t have to make it either/or.

I do have a few “rules” I abide by on the road, though.

Nate’s “On the Road” Nutritional Plan

1. Eat a high-quality breakfast of protein and carbs.

The last few days it’s been three eggs (hardboiled or scrambled), whole-wheat toast, and fresh fruit.

2. Drink lots of water.

3. Choose lean meat and veggies whenever possible or when a “must-have” item is not on the menu.

(A “must-have item”, by the way, is any food or drink that locals tell me I must try before leaving their country.)

I’ve had some amazing grass-fed steaks with roasted peppers and chicken with mixed vegetables the past few days. I’ve also had my share of French fries dipped in mayonnaise (weird but good), beer, waffles, and chocolate.

The Rules Don’t Change

Whether I’m in Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, or back home in Montana, I still follow the above rules. But I always leave some wiggle room like sharing cheesecake with my girlfriend after a fancy dinner or eating cinnamon-raisin swirl peanut butter sandwiches with vanilla cream cheese and sliced Granny smith apples with saboteur John Romaniello.

The simple fact is you can eat healthy and stay in shape while traveling. All it takes is a bit of planning and following a few set rules. The point isn’t to restrict yourself from everything or drop every single healthy habit, but rather to pick and choose your battles.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I hear some Belgian beer calling my name.

My Bodyweight Morning Workout

While I’m excited to hit some gyms in Munich, London, and a few places in between, I’m not focused on building muscle while traveling. That’s why I’ve been doing the following bodyweight circuit every morning. It’s just enough to burn some calories and get the day rolling.

Notes and Random stuff

Thanks to Jayton, Arjan, Rudolph, and Nick for hanging out in Amsterdam.

- I’ll be in Brussels, Bruge, and Antwerp the next few days before heading to Munich. If you live in or around any of those areas, drop me a comment.

- Still on the list in the next few weeks: Prague, Stockholm, London, and Leeds. I’ll let you guys know when I get closer to those areas and have exact dates.

Prost!

Fitness Online