by Tabitha Lovell
Do you ever wonder what foods are safe to eat in a foreign country? If you are planning a trip to any international destination, you may want to pay close attention to some safety guidelines for eating foods prepared in a foreign kitchen.
The fact is, you will most likely be dining out for the most part of your trip, unless you plan on staying for an extended time in your country of choice. There are some general rules to follow to make sure that your time of travel does not leave you sick in a bathroom, rather than exploring and doing the things that you planned for your trip.
First of all, you will want to avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits grown in foreign soil on your next international trip. Raw fruits and vegetables can cause problems if our bodies are not accustomed to these types of bacteria and microorganisms. It is best to make sure that any vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, spinach, brocolli, bell peppers, and leeks are cooked thoroughly before consumption on your trip. These should be safe as long as they are cooked.
A good way of testing the food you are about to eat is to think about how it is grown. If there is a shell on top of the fruit or vegetable like a banana or avocado, it should be safe. Other types of fruits that should be safe as well are pineapple because of their thick outer coating. Bananas also have their own God-given protective covering which makes eating them safe, even in a foreign country. In Uganda, Africa, there are several types of bananas which you should be safe to enjoy!
On the contrary, fruits like strawberries and raspberries should be avoided because they do not have enough of a barrier between them and the soil to keep bacteria out of the fruit itself. Salads made of raw fruits and vegetables which are grown close to the soil without a natural shell or covering, should be avoided. Pineapple, grapefruit, and lemons should be safe because of their thick outer skin, but other fruits like berries are in a different category and have a thinner skin, so you will want to proceed with caution if you find these on your plate!
As a general rule, meat should be safe for consumption as long as it has been cooked to a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria that could be present. I enjoyed things like goat meat on a stick in Uganda and I was fine and did not become sick. It would be best to avoid some types of raw fish and meats just to be safe, especially when traveling to China and Japan.
Most importantly, the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. I know this may seem like a lot to chew on, but I trust that the Lord will also guide and protect you on your upcoming trip and help you to make wise choices in what you eat and drink. We also must remember that the Lord can provide supernatural protection for us as we abide in His will for our lives.
Safe Travels,
Tabitha Lovell, International Travel Specialist/Owner
Adoption Airfare LLC