Spain and Carbs

smkenne2 · 02-18-2008, 07:47 AM

This is pretty much a rant, because I really need to vent and nobody in Spain including the Americans living here understands why I feel this way and I think bodybuilders get my point of view more.
Okay, so I have been living in Spain for about a month now and I cannot get over their need for carbs. Because I am doing a study abroad program I have my meals prepared for me everyday and the language barrier is killing me! Last night my senora prepared me and my roomate pizza! I have spoken with here plenty of times about the fact that I do not eat carbs and would prefer simply meat and vegetables. I do not eat the bread she provides with the bocadillos (sandwiches) and have strained greek yogurt (which I buy) and protein powder for breakfast.
So last night I just picked the cheese off of my pizza and ate solely that. Then I get the disapproving looks from her and she starts getting at me about how I need carbs and she knows this because her kids did sports when they were younger. She then goes on to tell me that there are no carbs in vegetables and fruits and I need to eat the unrefined carbs she gives me! Of course I can't get a word in edgewise and this is an uphill battle.
My roomate and a lot of people within my program believe I was being disrespectful by not eating the meal she provided me. However, I believe that I should not have to sacrifice my body or lifestyle because she put a pizza in the oven for dinner. I have eaten many of the things she has cooked...including the dogfish shark, but not the potatoes provided.

Is it wrong for me to refuse the food she provides? I believe that it is my lifestyle and I am not inconveniencing her greatly by not eating the carbs. What do you think?

Also, she made tortellini for lunch today! After all this carb talk!

grapemaster · 02-18-2008, 08:08 AM

I would say yes you are being culturally rude... but then again, if you don't mind paying for your own food... I guess they should be understandable to your needs. I am involved in international programs as well and a LOT of people I meet are either vegetarian or vegan and I have no problems accomadating for them. But I definitely see in some cultures where they would frown on them not accepting your offer...In this situation though I would offer them to cook the food yourself and go bring some food you would rather eat. I think this might smooth out the situation.

SonnabenD · 02-18-2008, 08:09 AM

I agree with you. Even if it "seems" disrespectful, there is no reason that you should feel obligated to eat something if it is deterring you from your goals.

Keep up the good work.

Mlody · 02-18-2008, 09:25 AM

Ask her if she would get mad at a vegetarian for not downing her beef stew. To me this is exactly the same thing as being pissy about you not eating carbs, as it is a lifestyle choice that should be respected just like any other (regardless of what the persons opinion on the matter is).

carbinejackson · 02-18-2008, 09:49 AM

I think you should eat what she cooks for you and not complain about it. She is giving you a place to live and feeding you after all.

Medellin1 · 02-18-2008, 10:41 AM

Mix and match. Maybe some days have what she cooks and other days say you'd like to get something or cook something on your own. Because you are there for an extended period of time, I think this is definitely fair. You shouldn't have to completely sacrifice your lifestyle or goals for this type of situation. Just my opinion.

Jules Verne · 02-18-2008, 12:14 PM

Last year I went to Italy for business/conference and it was similar. We had prepared meals, a very small amount of meat, loads and loads of refined carbs and some good fats - almost no veg, even with the 'vegetable dishes'. Fortunately it was just one week.

I bought veg from the grocery store and busted it out at meal times even though I was on business and with potential clients. And ate extra protein in between meals.

The reaction I got was slight dismay, universally followed but 'good for you' from both Europeans and Americans. Many people asked if I was diabetic. Of course I don't lie (I'm not), but I basically used 'blood sugar control' and general health as my reasoning which is true. If I ate what was served I would definitely have felt not good and possibly crashed a couple of hours later.

I was expecting meals to be high-carb, but was still shocked at the amount of highly processed carbs everyone was eating - not just at the conference. The food was good quality and tasty, but so different from my usual diet.

baarat · 02-18-2008, 12:45 PM

People that are anal have a tendency to complain, it's normal, so rant away.

Jules Verne · 02-18-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baarat

People that are anal have a tendency to complain, it's normal, so rant away.

LOL. Yes we do. I'm definitely anal about food. Always have been, even when I was not eating healthily. I still remember vacations as a kid and places I've visited since based on the food I ate there.

The one thing I remember most about visiting South Africa when i was about 5 or 6 years old were the burgers at the 5-star hotel. I think I had one every day! I bet there were insanely expensive too.

gfundaro · 02-18-2008, 05:41 PM

You're studying abroad in Spain and complaining about the food??? Come on! You're lucky enough to travel to a beautiful, cultural country where some one is cooking meals for you while you receive an expensive education, and you're getting uppity about some carbs?
You're quite slim, and carbohydrates aren't magical fat pills. If she's offering unrefined carbs, just eat a little bit.

baarat · 02-18-2008, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfundaro

You're studying abroad in Spain and complaining about the food??? Come on! You're lucky enough to travel to a beautiful, cultural country where some one is cooking meals for you while you receive an expensive education, and you're getting uppity about some carbs?
You're quite slim, and carbohydrates aren't magical fat pills. If she's offering unrefined carbs, just eat a little bit.

I quess she misses the low carb western diet and isn't use to the high carb European diet. j/k

gfundaro · 02-18-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baarat

I quess she misses the low carb western diet and isn't use to the high carb European diet. j/k

Hahah it's ironic, everyone is always bashing the US diet and saying that Mediterranean/European is the way to go lol...then they get out there and don't like it

One of my friends went to Italy, which is my DREAM, and said she didn't like it because there was too much walking and she didn't like the food! I'd give my left leg to be able to travel like that, I'm stick in crummy southern VA making my own bland chicken breast and I've never been outside the country since I was three

kingtego · 02-18-2008, 06:03 PM

Yes, you are being rude, in a sense. In Spain, as in many countries, food is a very big part of the culture. You cannot expect to go live in somebody else's country, home, and culture, and have them suit YOUR needs. More than likely, your host family simply does not understand how you feel about the situation. You are traveling throughout a beautiful culture with beautiful people. There is no need to be as worried as you are. Carbs do not just make you get fat.

PH3NOM · 02-18-2008, 06:24 PM

i dont think ur being rude if u try and refuse it politely. i mean maybe u should look into a way to have someone u trust translate for her one day why u eat the way u do. but i mean i kno that peoplek from europe do take it personally when u refuse anything they provide u with. so she may think ur being rude....but i now your not trying. you need to find a way for her to udnerstand....thats all..