A Vegetarian's Guide to Eating All-Inclusive

Last Thursday, John and I were stuck in a clouded rut. January and February were stunningly busy months and all of the sudden, there was nothing to do. So we booked a trip to Punta Cana and were off by Saturday morning.

The first time John and I went to a resort, we (as vegetarians) were disappointed to find that there wasn't much for us to eat. We felt we weren't getting our money's worth through the all-inclusive meal plan. First world problems, am I right?

What we needed was a change of attitude and expectations, and a guide to vegetarian eating at an all-inclusive resort.

So I thought I'd put one together for all you vegetarians wondering how to get the most out of an all-inclusive meal plan which gives meat the starring role. Here ya go!

1. Get your expectations in check. You've made a dietary/lifestyle choice to become a vegetarian. And you're at a resort. #You'reGonnaBeFine

2. Don't overload on fruit. Personally, I think that restraining from uncooked fruits and vegetables is your best plan, even if the fruits or vegetables have been washed in purified water. Eating too much new-country fruit will make your digestive system go bananas. Get it? Get it?

3. Be creative. Paula-Dean-creative.The breakfast bar gives you options for six kinds of meats mixed with potatoes, and, oh, there's some eggs? Getting creative means finding that bread, finding those tomatoes, and making yourself the best breakfast sandwich you can dream up. At lunchtime, create a vegetable mash by combining all of the cooked veggies offered. So there's two kinds of vegetables? See point #1.

4. Easy on the carbs. No meat, no fish, no fresh fruits - what's left? French fries and pasta. Take it slow on those bad boys and fill up on large plates of cooked (boiled) vegetables to keep yourself from snacking on variations of white flour products throughout the day.

5. Bring your own food. Having healthy snacks on hand through the day can be a helpful way to stay away from unhealthy temptations. Of course, you can't bring your own fresh veggies into a foreign country - try things like rice crackers or sealed nuts.