The Diet for a Long, Healthy Life, According to a Costa Rican
As I do most days, this morning I was reading a few trending stories on CNBC’s website.
I saw a headline that intrigued me, so I clicked.
The article was written by Melissa Guzman, a cookbook author and cooking teacher from Costa Rica.
According to the title of the article, I was going to learn “the secret to longevity” and what makes the Costa Rican diet so healthy.
Being an advocate of healthy eating, I was curious to get a glimpse of what a common Costa Rican diet looks like.
The Pura Vida Lifestyle
Costa Rica is known for being one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives than average.
Guzman, who was born and raised in Llano Grande, wrote that their diet and the “pura vida” lifestyle is the key to their health and longevity.
This pure, simple living, appreciating the little things in life and slowing down and savoring good experiences has a positive impact on psychological and physical health.
To Costa Ricans, the food that they eat is just as important as the experience in the kitchen and around the table.
Appreciating the value of community and fellowship that comes with cooking is a way of life.
In her article, Guzman talks about how she always helped her family prepare meals and harvested ingredients when she was growing up.
She talked about how lunches and dinners usually lasted for at least an hour, and it was time for everyone to talk about their day.
This mindful, collective approach to food is something she loves sharing with her cooking students.
She feels that it’s not just about the food, but the connections that happen around it.
There are many, well-known health benefits to this way of living alone.
The Diet for Health and Longevity
The Costa Rican diet can be described as simple and fresh.
The diet relies heavily on basics like fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans.
These are some of the foods that Guzman says she cooks and eats every day to feel healthier and happier.
- Beans
Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
They have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Black and red beans are popular, usually served as part of a dish of rice, veggies, and protein.
Bean and veggie soups are also a favorite.
Chickpeas and lentils are also popular choices and can be used as a substitute for black beans.
2. Fruits and Veggies
In Costa Rica, many people eat fruits and vegetables fresh from local markets.
Some common fruits in their diet are papaya, mango, banana, watermelon, pineapple, and passion fruit.
They are either eaten on their own or made into drinks and juices.
In cooking, a variety of vegetables are often used.
This includes potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, avocado, onion, beets, yucca, and zucchini.
Veggies are either eaten raw or in simple salads that are sometimes mixed with animal protein for flavor.
3. Corn and Rice
Grains like corn and rice play a part in the Costa Rican diet, but mainly as a complement to the beans and vegetables they eat.
In her article, Guzman talks about Arroz con pollo, which is a traditional Costa Rican dish made up of rice, chopped vegetables, and pieces of chicken.
The meal is popular at celebrations like birthdays but is also enjoyed day-to-day.
4. Coffee
The health benefits of coffee are well-known, and I’ve written on this topic several times.
Costa Rican coffee is known for being high in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.
Unlike in many other parts of the world, sugary drinks are not a big part of the coffee-drinking culture in Costa Rica.
Coffee is usually enjoyed black or with milk.
Like any other meal, a cup is best enjoyed slowly and each sip savored.
Guzman believes that the Costa Rican diet and lifestyle are key to long, happy lives.
I don’t disagree.
The simple, fresh foods they eat and their mindful, community-focused approach to meals makes a big difference.
Give these ideas some thought, incorporate them into your diet and lifestyle and enjoy the health and wellness benefits that they offer.
Thanks for reading!
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