Eat Well, Travel Often, and Savor the Moments: What Spain taught me about food, balance, and slowing down

I recently traveled to Spain for an international obesity conference — and checked off another country on my travel list! As someone who loves both wellness and exploring new cultures, I was curious to see how Spain’s way of living compared to what I’d grown up with in the Philippines — which, after all, was under Spanish rule for 400 years.

From the moment we arrived, one thing stood out: people here don’t rush. Sobremesa - They linger over meals. They walk with ease. They sit by the beach and talk for hours — not with phones out, but with wine and conversation.

It reminded me of summer days back home in Ballesteros: grilled fish, the smell of smoke, the slowness of it all.

At Pedregalejo beachfront, we tried the espeto — traditionally sardines, but we also ordered octopus, grilled over olive wood — and I was instantly brought back to childhood memories.

But here’s what surprised me: Spain’s beautiful lifestyle also challenged some of the strategies I usually rely on to stay on track while traveling.

And with summer just around the corner, I know many of you are planning your own trips — vacations, family visits, or long weekends away. So in this post, I want to share what helped me stay grounded during travel without missing out — and how you can, too.

What I Usually Do When Traveling to Stay On Track

When I travel, I don’t aim for perfection (and I don’t ever, actually, even when at home) — I aim for balance. And I usually rely on three things:

1. Meal timing – I try to stick to a consistent rhythm to avoid energy crashes and late-night cravings.

2. Hunger and satiety cues – I eat when I’m hungry and stop when I’m satisfied — not stuffed.

3. The next best decision – If I indulge or go off plan, I don’t beat myself up. I just make a better choice at the next meal.

But Spain had other plans. 😅

What Threw Me Off in Spain — and What I Did About It

Late meals and siesta culture: Lunch at 2 or 3 p.m.? Dinner at 9 p.m.? Totally different from what I’m used to. It threw off my rhythm and made me realize how much I rely on timing to keep cravings at bay. So instead, I focused more on tuning in to my true hunger — and not eating just because it was the new normal.

Delicious local food and lingering meals:The food was amazing — and meant to be savored. I remembered my rule: stop when I’m satisfied, not stuffed. Even when the meals were indulgent, I could still practice awareness, not autopilot.

If I went off-track? I made the next best decision.One richer meal didn’t mean the whole day was “blown.” I’d reset with water, movement, or a simpler choice at the next opportunity. That mindset alone kept me grounded.

Final Thoughts: Travel Can Be a Disruption — or a Reminder

Travel will always test your routines — but it can also reinforce what truly matters: listening to your body, enjoying the moment, and making mindful decisions that align with your goals.

In Spain, I was reminded of something we often forget in our rushed lives:

Relax.

Take your time.

Enjoy the food — but more importantly, enjoy the people you share it with.

Meals weren’t just about fuel; they were about connection, joy, and presence. And that’s something I want to bring home with me — and something I hope you carry with you as you head into your own summer travels.

You don’t have to be perfect to stay on track. You just have to stay present — and trust yourself to make the next best decision.