The FastDay Forum

Hi
Hubby and I are off on hols to California on Thursday , we are doing the usual tour route LA, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, then 3 days in Long Beach at the end. I'm really worried about putting all my lost weight back on!
What type of food will we expect to find, will it just be fast food as we're on a tour route, what type of cafe or restaurant should we look out for?

Also what is the weather like at the moment? Worrying about type of clothes to take?

Any help and advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks. X.

Hi granny,

have you got room in your case for a little one, thanks to this way of life I probably can fit in to one now, not cabin baggage though!

Wish I could help you with this one but it has been forever since I was in California but I do remember lovely fresh fruit and delicious salads etc. If you don't already have tea or coffee black and sugarfree it might help to try and get used to those before you go, every little helps,

Have a great holiday and let us know how it went,

Ballerina x

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!

Grannyl: We were in LA and Mammoth Lakes last July. LA weather is perhaps cooler in midsummer than now due to sea mists occasionally but most days were around 70f. Inland temperature will be up a bit, should be sunny most the time. Foodwise, Californians seem to get the best of both worlds - standard US junk plus healthy options (low fat etc, if this is indeed healthy) at most diners we visited. Give fish tacos a try if you get the chance! Have a great trip...

Lived in California for some years. A lot of nicer restaurants post their menus in the window so you will be able to decide if there is food you will want to eat before going in. It's common enough for people to ask to see a menu if it's not posted and the hostess/server has always complied in my experience. And don't be afraid to ask for changes to a dish. It's quite common to do that in Cal. IME, there are a lot of nice "non-fast food" independently-owned restaurants even in the more touristy areas.

Check out the Mexican food stands if you get a chance. I lived in the Los Angeles area but inland and only visited SF, so can't give any specific advice on restaurants.

When my eldest daughter lived in California a few years back that was my introduction to Japanese food. Fresh seafood, delicious and much less expensive than here! Restaurants there are very accommodating about leaving off sauces, you can choose to have it on the side, and cut way back on the calories that way (if you decide to leave yummy sauce on the side!). Salads are wonderful, so is fruit...so are the desserts..Wish it was me (she lives in Texas now), lovely too, but prefer the weather in California.

It's beautiful here! I suggest clothes so you can layer. LA can be warm but SF can be pretty cool any time of year. There are lots of wonderful food options. Sushi can be great (sashimi and miso soup are great for fast days). If you get a chance, hit a farmers' market. The berries are amazing right now (and are super healthy and low cal). You'll also get to see lots of locals.

Have a great trip!

[Betsysgr8]

Everything Aqua44 said. Being able to layer clothing is advised as all the places you are planning to visit will have cooler mornings and evenings even if the day is hot. While in Long Beach plan for a few meals along Ocean Boulevard there alot of great restaurants, bars and pubs. I especially LOVE Parker's Lighthouse resaurant, the shrimp cocktail is fantastic and a great selection of wines, beers and other alcohol. Do plan on some mexican food, I prefer the little mom-n-pop mexican but even the chains have good food. Any restaurant you visit in the southwest should be able to adjust your order to your specifications, as dhana mentioned above. Enjoy your visit.

Oh wow, you have all whetted my appetite now, my mouth's watering. Thank you all for your advice and good wishes. I'll let you know how we get on. Xx

It is warm here. I live in northern Cali..the capital. And it is warmer in SoCal. It will be in the 80s and 90s this week. My advice is to layer. It can get a little cool at night.....but then I'm always cold so may not be a good judge. Enjoy your visit!

One good think (I think) - most of the restaurants (and all the larger chain restaurants) list the calorie content of all meals on their menus - can be a real help!!!!

Enjoy your trip - plan for cooler weather - more 70's than 80's!!!

I meant to say "one good thing" lol

[Betsysgr8]

Oh I almost forgot, after reading lovemyparrot's post I remembered. The portions at most restaurants are very large, just take a peek at what is being served to the other diners. My OH and I usually order a meal and ask to have it split with an extra salad or soup. It's very common to split meals here, so no need to be shy about it.

Sounds like a great holiday soooo jealous. Just watch their portion size they're much bigger than ours. If you get the chance go to Yosemite National Park east of San Franciso - it's amazing.

OH MAN! I would LOVE that holiday. I hope you have an amazing time.