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The initial euphoria: Watch out for extra kilos

The first months after settling in Mauritius often bring a wave of gastronomic euphoria. You want to taste everything. You want to try it all.

It's natural — and even encouraged — to immerse yourself in local culture through food.

But this phase of intense exploration can quickly show up on the scale.

Mauritian street food, found almost everywhere, is often the first trap. Dholl puri (pronounced "dal pouri") — a flatbread made from yellow split peas and layered with bean curry — is irresistible but heavy in carbs. It's often paired with a glass of alouda, a sweet milk-based drink mixed with basil seeds, jelly, and syrup.

Steamed dumplings served in broth might seem like a lighter choice, but they're another hidden source of carbohydrates. As for mine frit — wok-fried noodles tossed with vegetables, meat, and eggs — they are usually cooked with a generous amount of oil, making them far more calorific than they look.

Dining invitations from new friends, coworkers, or neighbors add to the challenge. Mauritian hospitality is famous, and your hosts will proudly share traditional dishes with you. Refusing a second helping or leaving food on your plate won't offend them, but it could be seen as not liking the meal — something no cook wants to hear.

Out of courtesy, you'll often eat more than you need. If this pace becomes your norm, it can quickly affect both your figure and your health.

The stars of Mauritian cuisine

Mauritian cuisine reflects the island's rich cultural diversity, blending Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French influences. Many dishes deserve special attention, but after the first wave of discovery, it's wise to enjoy them in moderation.

The Mauritian curry is the soul of local cooking. Made with chicken, fish, beef, lamb, or even offal, it features warm spices like cumin, coriander, chili, and turmeric. Usually served with rice or roti (flatbread), it's a hearty — and often heavy — meal.

The Mauritian briani (quite similar to the Asian biryani) combines basmati rice, potatoes, meat, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs, all infused with an intricate spice blend and cooked in a sealed pot. Once reserved for weddings and religious festivals, it's now a common sight, even sold from cars turned into mobile food stalls.

Another classic is mine bouillie — boiled noodles (mine in Mauritian Creole) served with a stir-fry of meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) or vegetables. Simple and comforting, it's a go-to dish across the island.

Then there's bol renversé, a Sino-Mauritian specialty. Rice, vegetables, meat, and egg are layered in a bowl, which is then flipped over at the table to create a neat mound crowned with a fried egg. It's a playful presentation — but keep in mind that it's rich in calories.

Rougaille offers a lighter alternative. This Creole sauce, made from tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, pairs well with fish, meat, or vegetables. The fish version, in particular, makes for a light yet flavorful meal.

Another healthier option is vindaye poisson, a spicy fish dish that highlights mustard seeds, garlic, and turmeric. Low in fat and full of bold flavors, it strikes a perfect balance between culinary adventure and nutrition.

Mastering supermarket labels in Mauritius

After a few weeks of culinary exploration, you'll likely feel the need to regain control over your diet. Reading labels becomes essential — especially in Mauritius, where food standards may differ from those in your home country.

Don't trust appearances. The front of the package is pure marketing. The real nutritional facts are hidden on the back. Make it a habit to flip every product before adding it to your cart. A long ingredient list — more than seven items — is a warning sign. Words like "powder," "extract," "modified starch," or long chemical names often indicate an ultra-processed product. These are best avoided when possible.

Be skeptical of labels like "light," "low-fat," "zero," or "no added sugar." These claims can be misleading. Products with these labels often compensate by adding sweeteners or other additives, sometimes making them less healthy than the regular versions.

Local bread often contains a surprising number of additives. The same goes for sugary cereals, salty snacks, and so-called "sugar-free" biscuits, which are rarely as healthy as they sound.

Industrial beverages, everywhere in the tropical heat, are a major source of hidden sugars.

Even processed vegetarian products and protein supplements, despite their healthy image, are often heavily modified and far from clean.

Yes, you can eat healthy — Mauritian style

Once the excitement of discovery settles, you can shift toward a healthier way of eating without missing out on local flavors. Mauritius offers a wide range of fresh, nutritious foods ideal for building a balanced diet.

Traditional starches like sweet potatoes, cassava, and taro provide excellent alternatives to white rice. They are richer in fiber, digest more slowly, and supply essential vitamins and minerals.

Local leafy greens such as brèdes and Mauritian spinach deserve a place on your plate. Lightly sautéed with garlic and onion, they make nutrient-packed, flavorful side dishes.

Mauritius also offers abundant high-quality protein sources, including fish, tofu, eggs, and legumes. Fish, in particular, plays a central role in the traditional Mauritian diet. You'll find it fresh in local markets, often at much lower prices than imported meats.

Tropical fruits — bananas, mangoes, papayas, and passion fruit — add natural sweetness and color to your breakfasts and snacks without the guilt of processed sugars.

Spices and herbs are another strength of Mauritian cooking. Ginger, turmeric, curry leaves, and other aromatic ingredients bring bold flavor to dishes without adding excess calories — and often offer significant health benefits.

To maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank:

• Cook at home in batches to save time and reduce reliance on takeout.
• Buy local and seasonal produce from markets, which are often much cheaper than supermarkets.
• Reinvent your meals by using traditional Mauritian ingredients creatively.
• Prepare your own snacks instead of buying processed industrial options.
• Choose affordable protein sources like eggs and legumes to keep meals both healthy and economical.

Stay active under the Mauritian sun

Mauritius' hot and humid climate can sometimes make a nap sound more appealing than a workout. Yet the island offers plenty of ways to stay active without it feeling like a chore.

Take advantage of the beaches for enjoyable physical activities: swimming, beach walks, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The ocean breeze and water make exercise much more bearable, even during the hottest parts of the day.

Explore the island's national parks or hike iconic peaks like Le Morne or Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire. These outings combine breathtaking scenery with a rewarding workout.

Consider joining expat sports groups. Beach yoga sessions, cycling trips, and volleyball matches are regularly organized through social media. It's a great way to stay fit while meeting new people.

Finding your balance: Eating well in Mauritius

Living in Mauritius offers a unique opportunity to rethink your relationship with food. Instead of clinging to old habits, draw inspiration from the best of local culture to build a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Adopt the local mealtime rhythm, which is usually earlier than in many Western countries. Mauritians often dine around 7 p.m., giving the body time to digest before sleep — a simple habit that can make a big difference.

Practice moderation rather than restriction. Try everything you want, but in reasonable portions. Mauritian cuisine is so varied that there's always something new to enjoy without overindulging.

Learn to cook local dishes yourself to gain better control over ingredients and portions. Many cooking classes are available for expatriates and offer a fun way to unlock the secrets of this rich, multicultural gastronomy.

Eat more fish and less red meat, following the traditional Mauritian diet. It's better for your heart — and lighter on your carbon footprint.

Finally, explore the natural remedies Mauritius has to offer. Herbal teas and plant-based infusions, used for generations, can aid digestion and support overall wellness.

Your personalized balance

Eating local? Absolutely. Saying yes to everything? Not always. Moving to Mauritius means learning to balance culinary generosity with food awareness. It's not about refusing invitations. It's about knowing when to stop. Taste, discover, share — but also learn to say no without guilt. Sustainable living is built through moderation, not through excess — and not through restriction.