In September 2007, I met a school friend, Clara I’ve known for over 40 years, in London for a weekend. I was determined to eat well, be active and maintain my weight. It is so easy to let go and gain four pounds in 4 days!
Day 1:
Arriving in the morning, we immediately started on a long walk to the National History Museum in South Kensington. While there we got very hungry and saw the most delicious Cornish pastry with fried potatoes and cabbage, which I ordered. This proves that when tired, it’s easy to make poor choices. Clara ordered the better vegetarian option – similar looking but sweet potato instead of pastry crust and full of vegetables instead of meat and gravy. Needless to say, I was stuffed afterwards.
We continued walking to Princess Diana's home and gardens, Royal Albert hall, Kensington palace and gardens and charming back streets. I started feeling more comfortable as the food is digested.
For dinner, all I needed was an apple and fell asleep at 10 PM. Of course, with jetlag, I woke up at 5 AM!
Day 2:
For breakfast, the most delicious oatmeal ever! Then found out it was made with butter and milk. That makes sense.
We left early today and went to the flea market in Portobello Road as two of Clara's colleagues wanted to shop. We hate shopping so after waiting thirty minutes we asked if we could leave them. We were relieved and so were they, as they felt rushed.
We went to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, through a lovely garden, along the Embankment then across the walking bridge for lunch at the Royal Festival Hall. I chose a SuperFood salad with beans, beets, spinach, goat cheese, sweet potato and sprouts and vinaigrette dressing. That made me feel in control.
Walking continued back across the bridge to Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Pall Mall to Buckingham Palace, and across the Green Park where we saw barriers being erected for a bike ride day, to keep London active. 39,000 bikers were expected. London is aiming for better health!
At home we had tea and biscuits (cookies) - not a good idea to have treats nearby.
Dinner was at a bar, which specialized in fish ‘n chips. Yet, there was also a delicious crayfish and avocado salad on the menu which is a pleasant change from my last visit to London. We ordered both and shared.
Another great change is the tobacco law, with huge fines for anyone selling to under-18s. AND there is no smoking in bars and restaurants, or a designated area for smokers. That made eating out a pleasure. Their cigarette boxes have enormous warnings.
Cigarette Warning
And in the papers, England is making changes to improve food at schools. Actually, the UK's Advertising Standards Agency new content rules on advertising food and drink products to children came into effect in July 2007. Their aims include ensuring that adverts do not condone poor nutritional habits or unhealthy lifestyle in children, and do not encourage excessive consumption. That was good to see.
Day 3:
For breakfast we had toast and scrambled eggs, a good way to start the day.
Clara had a book on fifty great walks, which is a wonderful way to explore London and get a workout in. We decided to start with the Camden Canals and discovered flea markets, parks, palaces, monuments, churches and mosques. The street food had healthy choices.
Nutritious Street Food at Camden Canals
We stopped in Primrose Hill Small where we were tempted by the pastries. Fortunately they are small, the size of pastries from twenty years ago in the US.
Dinner was at Whole Foods, which gave us many options to make healthy choices.
Day 4:
On both flights, I packed small packets of almonds and dried cranberries, and requested milk on the plane. This made it easier to resist high calorie meals.
With walking a lot, nutritious food choices and a few treats, it’s possible to travel and maintain weight. Good luck!
