Staying Keto in Hawaii

Some of my readers know I have been following a ketogenic way of eating for the better part of a year. Our grandgirl Mia chose Hawaii as her graduation trip destination. Having been there once before, I knew eating keto might be tricky. Voices around me advised me to forget about the “keto thing” while I’m on vacation. But I knew it wasn’t just about gaining a few pounds, it was about setting myself up for a setback in how well I was feeling.

I decided I would just try my best to make good choices.

This appetizer of roasted Brussels sprouts and Polynesian sausage was my choice at Kalapaki Joe’s in Lihue. It was delicious. I’m pretty sure the marinade wasn’t totally on my plan, so I left as much saucinesses behind on my plate as I could. Very filling and an overall good choice, given my options.

Breakfast at the hotel is included, but I still try not to think about how much the buffet costs when I fill my plate. It’s not going to cost any more or any less if I choose good fuel for my body or indulge in a vast array of sugary pastry. So I choose to focus on what’s in my body’s best interest. Most mornings I have some version of this plate, plus two cups of good coffee. I focus on protein and only eat small amounts of fruit (after all, I’m in Hawaii).

We heard that some of the best food on the island of Kauai is served up at food trucks.

Wayne and I chose fish tacos and Mia opted for a chicken quesadilla. There was a generous serving of Ahi in my tacos. I just ate mine with a fork and left the shells behind. I enjoyed it very much didn’t leave feeling hungry.

For lunch I often order a lettuce wrapped burger wherever we are. That generally satisfies, but the beef here is grass fed — a flavor I don’t really appreciate much.

I was game when Mia requested that we eat lunch at the Hyatt’s restaurant. While sitting poolside, she had spied a delicious looking hummus dish and smoothies that looked very appealing to her. It was tricky finding an entree that would work for me as everything was carbohydrate-heavy, including the three salads on the menu because the dressings were tropical fruit based. There was a Cobb salad which I considered ordering without a dressing. However, I decided to speak up for myself and ask if they had any dressings made without sugar. Yes, indeed. He could get me some balsamic vinaigrette.

Gracious me, that was good!

Before you pat me on my back for being such a good keto girl, let me tell you that I succumbed to pizza with a thin crust last night. I was going to be salad girl, but the aroma of pizza at Volcano Pizza won over my tastebuds and sensibilities. It had been a long day. I pretty much hadn’t eaten all day, so I was ravenous when 7pm rolled around.

I think it was scarfed down in a few minutes flat.

Back on track today on our last full day on Kauai. My protein focused breakfast again, and now ordering lunch poolside. Mia’s going for a quesadilla and a mango smoothie.

I requested the turkey, avocado and bacon wrap. I requested a lettuce wrap as a substitute for the giant spinach tortilla, and skipped the chips or fries.

Tomorrow we leave for the third stop on our island hopping adventure—Maui. I’m already looking forward to the culinary adventures we will enjoy there.