I’m sitting on a windowsill in New York, 53 floors up, gazing out at the most amazing view.

There’s something magical about the city that never sleeps, and I will never get tired of watching the non-stop traffic and flickering lights.

Fortunately, the children passed out long ago, tired out from museums and subways and shopping and ice cream. With them tucked away, relaxation has really set in.

Yesterday we made our way around MOMA, the Museum of Modern Art. The children have learnt about Jackson Pollock and Van Gogh at school, so they thought it was cool to see the real deal — at least they managed to convince us they did.

My parents dragged us to museums galore as children. It must have been completely unrewarding as I was only interested in gift shops. Sorry mum! Ours are obsessed too, but they loved the exhibits as well — Belle, a bit too much.

At five years old she is naughty and, The Great Toucher of Things. It’s as if she hasn’t really seen anything unless she has touched it and pressed her little face against it. This applies to hand railings and walls too, in fact she would lick those if she could. As a self-confessed germaphobe, scarred from one too many bouts of norovirus with two tiny kids and a travelling husband, this is not good for my sanity.

So following Belle around MOMA, the land of Do Not Touch, was mildly stressful. I think she honestly tried not to but she just can’t help herself. We’re working on that ... but in the meantime I will continue to leap between her and multimillion dollar works of art in great panic.

The Museum of Natural History was much easier. There were even objects labelled “touch me!” for a little parenting relief. We also did a great big explore of the American Girl store, during which I learnt how to fix frizzy doll hair with a toothbrush and mastered the difference between Itty Bitties, Wellie Wishers and the classic 18-inch dolls. We took the dolls to have their hair done and ears pierced (true story ...) and gave the girls a little holiday cash. Chloe and Belle then spent about 18 hours deciding between all the things, after which we then had dinner in a pink dining room with the dolls in high chairs to keep us company. All this tested the patience of my LH to the max. I should have medicated him really.....

As you might expect, the level of sugar in the American Girl café is obscene. Cinnamon buns to begin, frozen pink lemonade to drink, a cupcake and chocolate mousse to finish. You’re not allowed to order veggies with your meal either. Cue palpitations on my side although we escaped dessert without too much drama. I’m all for embracing the holiday mindset but not if it actively fuels mad behaviour and cranky sugar lows. Chronic disease and eating behaviours aside, it makes the short term way harder to handle. And also, I had some healthier treats lined up so I was saving the sugar rush for that!

On that note, over the past few days, I’ve discovered a few little gems for the health geeks among you. Obviously packing healthy snacks really helps, and is probably my number one tip for limiting the junk when you’re on holiday. As an aside, having fun cocktails is often part of the holiday buzz but the sugar is a killer. Choose the less-sweet mixers. Cucumber and fresh lime seems to be in everything right now and that’s a great choice.

Finally, as promised, here are four tips for your hit list if you have New York in your sights! (And please, take me with you ...)

1, Chipotle / Pret a Manger

When you’re on the fly and after something quick and easy on the high street, pop into Chipotle or Pret. Both are focused on unprocessed, natural options. Pret has fantastic salads and mini savoury snack pots as well as fruit salads stuffed with antioxidant-rich blueberries and pomegranate. Chipotle has an amazing burrito bowl with brown rice, beans and homemade guacamole as options. If you do choose a meat topper such as pulled pork, chicken or steak, you can rest assured their meats are sourced from more ethical farms committed to animal welfare and no growth hormone or antibiotics.

2, Tao, East 58th Street.

Just off Fifth Avenue, this is an amazing upscale Asian fusion restaurant which relies on fresh spices to pack a flavourful punch. There was a low sugar Tiger Lilly cocktail that knocked my socks off too! The menu is well marked for gluten-free which is handy for a cuisine that uses soy sauce so liberally. Rice portions are small and the veg is prolific ... that’s the right way round in my book! We used the Open Table app to make a reservation, which you may find handy for travel in general.

3, Digg Inn, 1178 Broadway

A casual dine in or farm-to-counter takeout experience. This is healthy food as you might make it if a) you were a good cook and b) you could be bothered. Tons of fresh, natural, locally sourced flavour with an evolving list of suppliers that changes with the seasons. Vegan and gluten-free options with dairy, egg and soy noted too. I wouldn’t rule out cross-contamination if you are coeliac or if your allergy is severe though. On the “butchers’ block” you’ll find antibiotic-free, humanely raised and wild-caught options. Yeah!

4, Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream, 48.5 East 7th Street or 152 West 10th Street.

Oh my God. I literally died and went to heaven here. Regular artisan ice cream as well as an amazing list of vegan (dairy-free) options in separate freezers. Some gluten-free options too. Between us we had the cookie dough, chocolate, mint choc chip and the coffee. They use a blend of cashew and coconut milk as a base to achieve a creamy consistency without a heavy coconut flavour. This is what you should save your sugar for. Real food treats, handcrafted, that you have to journey to seek out and sit down to enjoy.

This list is obviously not exhaustive and just the tip of the iceberg. We will build on it as they years go by and feel free to add yours. I haven’t had a chance yet to go back to Candle 79 or one of the Candle Cafes but if you’re vegan you should definitely add those to the list! If you’re gluten-free, check in with the Gluten Free Bermuda Facebook group too. The folks there are well travelled and always have good suggestions. Just remember “gluten-free” is not necessarily the same thing as “healthy”, but that’s another column.....

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, please go to www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda