Oui Oui Parí

The sun beats on my shoulders with piercing heat, while the shouts of the street venders selling wet canvas paintings bounce off 17th century brick walls that shadow tall  over winding roads of black concrete. The young blonde with oversized circle sunglasses has dropped the remaining of her cigarette bud as she crosses my path,  causing the aroma of coffee and french fries to be swallowed by  ashy residue.

I glance toward the beating sun and squint behind my Ray Bans to see beyond the speeding mopeds and the busy sidewalks of fast paced people at what looks like a pointed object. As I walk more, blending into crowds that both clutter the streets and color the city, I achieve a better glance. "There it is" I tell myself when the pointed object uncovers itself from its hiding place behind the classic architecture that lines each block I pass. There, in my sight, is the towering wonder that has graced dozens of postcards and magazine covers; the massive monument that has captured the hearts of dreamers and romantics across decades and horizons. Now, it is not simply an  image constrained within a photograph,  for it has become one with my reality. "There it is" I repeat to myself. "There is The Eiffel Tower."


The adventures of Parí have commenced and the excitement within me can not be tamed. The people, the shops, the restaurants,  and the streets that were all once caged pictures dancing within the bounds of my imagination have become a tangible reality. The smells of baked goods fill my noise, and the pictures around me take on physical moving form.



My day begins with taking a stroll down winding paths of cafes and shops, where dining and people watching is a regular for tourist and locals alike. 

Starting the day also means breakfast, and from my experience thus far, the Parisians seem to be doing breakfast right. (And this is coming from a self proclaimed breakfast connoisseur.) Rows of baked goods from croissants to white chocolate chip muffins line the shelves, while wall sized chalk menus offering creamy cappuccinos decorate the four corners of every small cafe. 

A foodie I consider myself to be, but as a health conscious foodie, I hesitate to ask for the tempting bichon au citron staring at me as the cafe cashier awaits my decision. What is a girl to do?

This brings me to tip #1 about staying healthy while traveling:

protien protien protien

 It is very easy to veer off the path of sensible eating when baguettes and pastries bear a strong presence at every corner. Although I am not leaving Parí  until I have had my share of gluten goodies, for the most part I try to choose a meal that offers protein, as protein allows the body to feel full longer. Allowing our body to feel full for long is what helps to halt the temptation to graze on Parisian treats throughout the course of a day, allowing us to enjoy said treats moderately and spaced out.

Then I consider sources of fiber. With each meal I try to include some fiber in some form. Whether it be fruit or leafy greens from a salad, including fiber is extremely beneficial as it slows the rate in which my body digests all the simple sugars I am consuming from the array of bread, pastries, and gelato Paris has to offer.

My aim extends farther than to maintain the size of me waistline; it is to ensure my nutrients don't go kapoot.

Therefore: Protein + fiber = a definite winner. 

After miles of walking under the sun, sailing through riverside tours that encircle the Eiffel tower , and snapping pictures at every corner, an au natural gelato cart deep in the famous Jardin des Tuileries stands heavenly in my path. How could one pass up a flower shaped cone of Vanilla and Cafe flavored delicacy? To enjoy ourselves is a blessing, which is why I refuse to allow constriction to stop me from enjoying my travel experience.

staying active

Paris is many things; romantic, serene, mysterious, and...a whole lot of walking. Ankle swelling, feet aching type of walking. Yes cabs and metro exist, but the true experience is captured with  copious amounts of steps taken down the classic streets of Parisian history. 

I find that stressing about getting a workout in will make a trip like this completely unpleasant. To come here and constantly be thinking about how many calories I am burning only causes unnecessary stress that one can not afford to have during these moments. Yes I packed workout clothes and sneakers, but if it happens it happens. If it doesn't, walking to every destination and drinking a lot of water will do the body wonders. Yesterday I was able to do a quick 15 minute HIIT on the balcony of our hotel due to unexpected downtime. I am well aware that not every day will bring that luxury, and I'm completely ok with that.

Now onto Tip #2:

A quick routine right when I wake and before bed helps to activate my muscles and ease my mind. All I need is a quick body awakener like 1 set of 20 pushups or a minute plank. So simple, and can be done in absolutely no time. It may not be an hour hitting weights, but it is enough to remind me that my body is still working, that my heart is still pumping, and that the ability to spend time to travel and explore the world is worth more than sweating it out hard  at a gym everyday.

What is important is that I enjoy each moment I have here, like we all should every day of our lives. 

To Be Continued.....

(With actual dining experiences, photos and all!)