European vs. American Food: My Digestive Struggle
One European’s brutally honest experience across New England and Texas.
I’m as European as it gets. Born and raised in London. Portuguese parents. Grew up mostly on home-cooked meals, walkable cities, and food that wasn’t sold in buckets.
But then I experienced the USA on three separate occasions…
2016–2017: Exchange year at UVM (Vermont), frequently travelling around New England
2019: A two-week trip around New England (again)
2022: Ten weeks in Texas (mostly Houston and Pearland)
Each time, I had a blast. I’ve always enjoyed my time in the US. But each time, the food… kinda took me aback.
American food generally tastes good.
Really good, actually.
But it’s a very different experience—and one my stomach wasn’t always on board with.
I remember going to a Burger King in NYC in 2017 with my English mate.
He ordered a large Diet Coke. We both stared at it, completely taken aback—it looked like a mop bucket 😂
At my Vermont college dining hall, I saw Cookie Crisp—my childhood fave. Perfect! Or so I thought…
I took a bite and thought, what the hell?
Same brand, but WAY sweeter than in the UK. Almost inedible.
I gave it another go two months later just to be sure. Still gross. That was my last bowl.
Fast-forward to 2019. I was bulking and ordered a large Chinese meal in Boston. I could barely finish half. In Europe, a large feels spot-on when I’m eating more. But this was OVERKILL. I was defeated about 40% through.
But Texas? Now that was next-level.
Within a day of landing in Houston, my stomach was doing backflips.
Bloated, constantly gassy, and—for full transparency—most toilet trips were not good.
And listen, I wasn’t just eating fast food the whole time.
Sure, I did try some iconic chains (because when in Texas…), but I was still cooking at home, getting in fibre and protein, and trying to keep things balanced.
That did not matter.
This went on for the entire ten weeks.
No relief. Just a bloated, gassy, digestive mess…
If I hadn’t already been dating my now-wife at the time, I’m not sure anyone would’ve stuck around through that level of biological betrayal.
And then—get this—the day I flew back to Portugal?
Gone.
All of it. Like nothing EVER happened.
(WTF?!)
Texas portions were next-level, too. I’d order a large meal, eat half, and save the rest for breakfast the next day—for two people.
I’d always heard “everything’s bigger in Texas”… and yes, I agree!
I actually lost weight in Vermont—probably because Burlington was super walkable, and I partied and smoked a lot of weed.
But in Texas? I gained a bunch—despite consistent resistance training.
Aside from being a little more lenient due to the short-term stay, the environment in Houston worked against me.
You need a car for everything. Walkability is nonexistent. And the food is indulgent by default.
You simply can’t accidentally stay active the way you might in many European cities.
Again, I’m not saying American food is “bad.”
It’s often delicious, and I still enjoy it whenever I go back—especially when I’m mindful.
And yes, I always have fun in the USA.
But it’s fair to ask questions like:
Why are the portions so big?
Why was the same cereal noticeably sweeter?
Why did it mess with my gut so much in Texas? Would I feel like this in other US states?
I didn’t in New England.
Because it’s not just about taste or calories—it’s about how your body responds to food.
If you’re feeling frustrated with your weight, energy, or how you feel in general… I get it.
You’re up against a society that makes everything convenient—but not necessarily healthier.
Start Small. Start Simple.
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Speak soon,
Leo
