How to Navigate Wellness on a Mexican Vacation

Guilty as charged! Healthy habits are something I don’t think about as much as I could throughout the year. Then, come New Year’s Eve, it’s next to impossible to avoid endless conversations about resolutions. Can you relate? To make things interesting, you are about to embark on a Mexican vacation and are wondering how to navigate our world of calorie-rich creamy sauces, hearty portions of guacamole and chips, and margaritas—one of those alone can set you back 300 calories!

No worries. Not all Mexican food is calorie intensive. With so many restaurant choices, not to mention a variety of health clubs throughout the city, and so many outdoor activities to choose from, you can have an impressive Mexican holiday by being mindful of a few details, and also nurturing your body, mind and soul while you’re at it.

Food

For starters, you don’t have to go Mexican all the time, and not all Mexican food will contradict your resolution. Stick to the grilled or roasted choices—think chicken or fish. Load up on veggies. Salads, grilled veggies, and salsas are your diet amigos. Pico de Gallo, the classic tomato, onion, and hot pepper salsa, is prepared with fresh ingredients, for example. Fried foods are tempting but limit the love. In fact, the moment that large bowl of fried tortilla chips lands on your table, simply have it removed. And most importantly, watch those portion sizes. Mexican meals can be like, “Hola, I’m huge!” Share a plate or go for a smaller size if you’re feeling dainty. Your travel budget will appreciate it, too!

In terms of drinks, Margaritas may call your name, but sip responsibly. Consider lower-calorie options and hydrate with water between sips. Keeping your body hydrated will help you avoid eating the entire taco truck.

The Agave Trinity of Tequila, Raicilla, and Mezcal

Body

Participating in activities that involve physical movement can run the gamut from walking tours to mountain climbing expeditions, so the choice is personal. At the very least, you will be surrounded by plenty of opportunities to explore Puerto Vallarta on foot—and while we’re at it, be sure to pack a good pair of walking shoes! And if you enjoy the nightlife, salsa dance the night away and then reward yourself with more guac.

Browsing Facebook Events in Puerto Vallarta or the local gay guides (readily available throughout the gayborhood) will also present you with a variety of activities and expeditions catered to the LGBT+ community, from hikes and meditations to scuba diving and whale-watching excursions.

Mind

Planning ahead on how to treat your body, mind, and spirit to a Mexican vacation is the key to nurturing the holy trinity of wellness south of the border. Embrace the art of the siesta. Take a midday break to recharge and savor the tranquility. Your mind will thank you, and you’ll be ready for a night of fiesta. Feed your mind with the rich cultural buffet Mexico offers. Art galleries and historical sites are plentiful. And don’t forget to practice your Spanish by engaging with locals. Learning a few phrases not only expands your mind but also creates connections that go beyond words.

Spirit

As you enjoy some of the activities mentioned above, remember to immerse yourself in Mexico’s natural beauty. The jungle is still green from the summer’s rainy season, surrounding our city with a spectacular backdrop. And the cooler winter air will make every single sunset you enjoy completely different than the one before.

Remember, balance is the key. Mix and match these tips to create your personalized wellness retreat in Mexico, where every taco is a step toward nirvana!

Catch up with Paco Ojeda live Monday – Saturday at 10:30 am local time on his talk show, “Coffee & Headlines,” where he shares headlines and stories for Puerto Vallarta’s local English-speaking community   facebook.com/pacoojedalive