AKA the non-resort days…
It may seem like we ate like kings and queens every single day this past week, but we actually only ate at the all-inclusive resort for 2 1/2 days. The rest of the time we ventured to the grocery store to cook our own food. We also visited some local eateries and cafes.
Here’s a sampling of what we ate on the “other” days:
We took a second trip to Walmart to get some more pastries and a few items from the hot bar.
Peter got rice, refried beans and some pork dish that he loved to pieces.
I had just eaten breakfast so I stuck with a fresh salad. I loved that the salad bar offered hearts of palm and beets—Mmm!
My mom got pork tacos. These certainly don’t look like tacos from Taco Bell, huh?
Our second round of pastries included:
- Mushroom and corn empanadas
- Raisin bran cookie
- Sweet cakey donut (I made up the name)
- PURE sugar cookie. Literally a pancake of pure brown sugar–ha!
All these for $2.50!
We also got a Cinnamon Tres Leches Roll.
Think: a combo of cinnamon bun and bread pudding.
Soft. Cakey. Moist. Gooey.
We enjoyed some jalapeno chips on the beach.
Peter loved shopping at the grocery store because it meant he could cook a few meals himself (AKA save some $$).
Peter’s Kitchen in Mexico!
See the resemblance? (Minus the hair part, of course)
Spinach
’shrooms
Flaky empanadas
I made a few smoothies courtesy of the blender from our kitchen.
I brought a packet of Amazing Meal, which I blended with banana, yogurt and melon for a post-workout snack.
Speaking of workouts, I did a few 40-50 min. elliptical workouts and some strength training every other day or so just to keep things going. It was far too hot to run this week!
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Fruit, yogurt and granola
Snack plate!
- Jicama, carrots, cucumber—the jicama here is SO JUICY!
- Shrimp
- Guacamole
- Bread
While shopping at the flea market, we stopped for steak tacos on the side of the street for my parents.
My parents loaded up on the toppings!
We also shopped for souvenirs. We spotted some agave nectar! Mexico is home of the agave plant, which is also what tequila is made from.
I found a familiar brand of agave on the shelves 
. Go figure.
We drank plenty of coffee and cappuccinos during this trip, especially after meals. I hope this habit doesn’t come home with me!
Iced decaf coffee for me and caps for the ‘rents.
Mexican dark chocolate for ALL!
Self-serve frozen yogurt.
Despite eating plenty of rich meals at the resort, everything was balanced out by lighter meals on the other days. Surprisingly, my body actually feels good post-vacation. Woohoo!
Before I go, I want to show you this person’s seat on the bus!
Living on the edge…literally.
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Tell me: Do you ever bring food with you or cook while on vacay? Or do you go out to eat most of the time?
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
dark chocolate and self serve fro yo? yep, i could live in mexico!
It’s all about the street food. There’s nothing better than traveling somewhere that has delicious food on every corner.
You are LIVING THE LIFE!!! I always just eat out!
Usually when we’re on vacay, I’ll bring food for breakfasts, but we will go out for the rest!
Those meals look delicious! Especially the ones you all made yourselves.
When we’re on vacation, we usually end up getting hotels with full kitchens so we pretty much eat how we would at home which is nice. Eating out for every meal really takes a toll after a while! Not weight gain wise, really..but I just feel so “bleh” after it.
All of your food looks amazing! I am so glad you had such a great time. When I go with my parents we eat out the whole time (they hate to cook). When I go with my husband we cook the majority of the time. Great post:)
You always have the best meals! You had fantastic vacation posts, never missed a beat.
Your vacation sounds perfect – I love your philosophy of balance and I could definitely learn a lot from you
That coffee & chocolate shop is adorable. YUM!
oh my gosh! look at that cinnamon roll!.. !
When I go on vacay with my parents, we tend to eat out for every meal but breakfast. As much as I’d like to cook, my parents love eating out!! And hey, it’s nice for me too
That is soooo the way to travel. I like to stay in plush, luxurious hotel rooms, I have to admit. But whenever possible I prefer to stay somewhere with a kitchen! It’s great to eat out one or two nights on a vacation, but I hate being tied to the restaurants for every meal. Looks like such an awesome trip.
Wow! The TJ’s agave made me gasp! Nice work on staying healthy on vacay! I eat most meals out while I’m away, but usually get salads/fruits/vegetables anyway (don’t really have a choice hehe)
Great picture of the guy on the bus! He looks like he’s ready for whatever life’s about to throw at him. That, or he’s Mexico’s superman, just waiting for his chance
Trader Joe’s in Cancun??!! How did that get there? : o
Hi Allie,
I only recently started my own food blog but I’ve been reading food blogs forever. I recently discovered your blog and so happy that I did! I love all of your photos and I’ve especially enjoyed reading about your vacation adventures in Cancun. Excited to follow your future posts
How fast do you go on the elliptical (heart rate) etc. Like are you able to study or multitask easily or do you elliptical high intensity for 40-50 minutes?
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