Job Discussion Forums

[Tess81]

I lead a very health conscious life here in the US. I workout regularly and eat healthy (not vegan or anything like that, but lots of fresh produce, lean meats, etc.). While I am aware that my life will change in various other ways, is it possible to maintain the same health conscious lifestyle in Mexico? i.e. gyms to join? nearby markets to buy fresh produce? and, will this health-conscious lifestyle cost me considerably more $$?

[chula]

As always, it depends on the city. You can stay health conscious, but it will take A LOT more effort on your part. The gyms that I have found (in Gto. and Culiac�n) seem to have equipment from the 70s and weights that were welded by hand. Basically, the quality will not be the same, but if you're determined, you can do it. I brought some workout DVD's with and the big stretchy band things as I now work out a lot at home. Again, it all depends on the city. Big cities have more and better options. It goes the same for the food. Although produce is big here, the quality can vary(but the celery is always bad ). If you eat low fat stuff and things like that, you will probably be in for a nasty surprise. Low fat tends to not exist here, but healthy eating is still possible. I've managed to healthfully lose weight here, but that's mainly due to sheer determination and will.

[ls650]

I find that in my area, there's no problem at all finding plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. In fact, the availability of fresh produce is one of the highlights of living in Mexico - no more eating pineapple that was picked three weeks ago so that it would stay green on a long truck ride!

[bg430]

Watch your sugar and salts, and walk every opportunity you get. The foods in Mexico tend to be free of the pesticides and chemicals that are in our foods in the US... I'm not a scientist but this plays a role in your weight. I'm a person who tends to have a pretty slow metabolism and I ate whatver I wanted in Mexico. Because I walked everywhere I still managed to lose weight. Then again, I'm not a big drinker and I don't have the biggest sweet tooth in the world. I did have my pan dulce every morning, though. Walking will do wonders if you get in an hour of it everyday you'll see what I'm talking about. Feel free to PM me with more detailed suggestions if you need them.

[Samantha]

Chula, what do you mean by "the celery is always bad" ? I notice it has a slightly stronger taste perhaps but it is always crunchy and crispy and green As far as healthy eating, I whip by the main mercado and order a huge blender drink made from whatever my heart desires at the time. Beet, celery, papaya, mango, banana, guava, pineapple, orange, etc ..even prune. And walk, walk, walk for exercise.

[Guy Courchesne]

Good point on the sugars and salts...very heavy in prepared foods.

You'll most certainly eat healthier here by way of fresh fruits and veggies. Oranges are in season right now...just bought a bag of 36 for 1 dollar, and that made 3 litres of juice. Back home in Canada, that would cost me 10 times as much.

Gyms are proliferate in most cities. If you are on the beach, then the hotel strips will have modern equipment, though it could get pricey.

Mexico City makes use of it's '68 Olympic facilities for the general public if you are into cycling, running, hammer throw...

[chula]

A quick answer to the celery question. All of the celery I've ever bought in Guanajuato City, Leon, and Culiac�n all seems to have the same problem. Some sort of insect or disease eats away at the interior of the stalk. If you cut the celery you can usually see that the celery isn't as solid as in the US. It's still edible, but it isn't something I eat here. It might just be that the celery in Gto and here come from the same suppliers.