Dietary Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol
If you wish to enjoy wine throughout the week, it is available for purchase at the Bazaar Del Sol—a gift shop and cafe with patio seating and marvelous ambiance (and views of Mt. Kuchumaa). Enjoy it there or at your own room or patio. We also serve wine at two functions: a welcome reception and a farewell dinner Friday night. (See wine below for more details about enjoying wine during your visit.)
Allergies
We can accommodate special food needs including lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and fish, shellfish, nut, egg and soy allergies. Please advise your reservationist of any allergies, especially life threatening allergies, upon booking.
Carbs
We focus on low glycemic or ‘slow burning carbs’ such as legumes, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. ‘Fast burning carb’ can be found in fresh fruits offered at each meal. We recommend a bit of both to best fuel your fitness experience at the Ranch.
Fish/Shellfish
A fresh fish “catch of the day” will be on the dinner menu four times a week, and several times for lunch. We adhere to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Most of our seafood comes from the seaport of Ensenada, Baja California. A vegetarian alternative entree is always offered for those who don’t eat fish or shellfish.
Gluten
Gluten-free options are available at every meal.
Juices
Our organic juice bar, Tierra Alegre, features fruit smoothies and fresh vegetable juice blends.
Kosher
The Ranch kitchen is not kosher certified.
Lacto-Ovo Pescatarian
The Ranch’s diet is lacto-ovo pescatarian including dairy, eggs and seafood but no meats or poultry. Meals are a balanced offering of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy, egg and seafood. Menus are based on low glycemic carbohydrates, plant based protein, healthy fats and an abundance of antioxidants. Use of sodium, natural sugars and refined flour are kept to minimum. Our cuisine is designed to provide plenty of protein, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to fuel your active fitness week.
Meats
We do not serve any red meat, pork, lamb or poultry. See Lacto-Ovo Pescatarian section above.
Oils
Extra-virgin olive oil features the terroir of Baja California’s Guadalupe Valley (also famed for its wines). We also use some specialty oils, such as walnut, avocado, truffle, etc.
Organic
As much as possible, and as attuned to the seasons as we can reasonably be, we procure organic fruits and vegetables from our own extensive organic farm, and from our region’s purveyors who practice sustainable, organic farming. We cannot, however, say that we are “100% organic.”
Paleo
The Ranch diet is not completely accommodating to paleo devotees. Please refer to our sample menu to see how your paleo needs can be met via eggs, seafood, fruit, nuts, etc…
Poultry
We do not serve any red meat, pork, lamb or poultry. See Lacto-Ovo Pescatarian section above.”
Protein
The Ranch provides an array of protein-rich cuisine, including legumes, grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, soy, and seafood offerings. For more information, please see our blog post on Ranch Protein Sources.
Slow Food
We follow ‘Slow Food’ precepts. As much as possible, and as attuned to the seasons as we can reasonably be, we procure organic fruits and vegetables from our own extensive organic farm, and from our region’s purveyors who practice sustainable, organic farming.
Soy
Soy-free options are available at every meal.
Sugar
The Ranch diet is low in refined sugar. See our nutritionist’s blog post for our perspective on sugar.
Vegan
Avoiding foods or other products derived from animals is easy at all meals, and vegetarian entrées at dinner are entirely plant-based.
Vegetarian
See “lacto-ovo pescatarian.” Strict vegetarians will find plenty of satisfying plant-based protein options.
Weight Loss
We are not a weight-loss program. Most guests who partake of our fitness program and eat in moderation will be very satisfied with their body’s response to a week at The Ranch. If you are looking to lose a few pounds here is an article from our Ranch nutritionist.
Wine
We feel that wine is an ancient, nutritious, and healthful (in moderation) food that has its place at the table and at life’s celebrations. At Rancho La Puerta we do not allow alcohol in our dining room or public areas throughout the week, at any meal, except at two functions: a welcome reception and a farewell dinner Friday night. In both cases, we serve the wine — usually a vintage from the nearby Valle de Guadalupe wine region. This is a longtime tradition, and our guests prefer it. If you wish to enjoy wine throughout the week, it is available for purchase at the Bazaar Del Sol—a gift shop and cafe with patio seating and marvelous ambience (and views of Mt. Kuchumaa). Enjoy it there or at your own room or patio.