Punta Gorda, BELIZE: Belizean Diet

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and strokes are some of the most common diagnoses I see here in Belize. I’ve noticed that the majority of Belizeans here are overweight. I understand why weight is an issue in this area. I have first hand experience. Unfortunately. I personally have experienced gaining weight during my time here. Here are my thoughts as to why:

1. Portion sizes: Belizeans enjoy BIG meals which usually include large portions of rice, beans, and chicken. When I order a meal like this I tell myself, “I’ll only eat half and save the rest for later.” It never works. I feel like I need to eat a lot of rice and beans to feel satisfied. It’s not filling! So with this said, I’ve come to the conclusion that large portions + overeating = guaranteed weight gain. This is an obvious issue in America as well.

Side note: I realized I had gained some weight when a local told me while I was buying milk, “Gyal, you looking fat!”…. And that’s the day I started to make exercise my priority.

2. Heat vs. hunger: after talking with other American volunteers here, we’ve all come to agree that the temperature outside influences our cravings for carbohydrates, chocolate, and junk food. We strongly believe that there is some scientific data somewhere that has been done to back up our theory. I also firmly believe that this extreme heat and humidity causes us to feel lethargic, which we tend to confuse with feeling hungry. So, when we really need to take a nap, instead we just snack and snack.

3. Availability: It’s very difficult to eat healthy here. I like options and we don’t have very many. My current staple is peanut butter and bread. I wish I could buy things like non fat yogurt,100 calorie snack packs, bag of mixed veggies, etc. I miss prepacked mixed greens from Trader Joes and low calorie frozen meals. You have to search hard just to find a head of lettuce. There’s no “one-stop shopping” here. I usually make rounds and visit multiple stores to gather all the items I need. Sometimes certain veggies and fruits aren’t available for various reasons. Buying something as simple as milk can be tricky… You never know how long it’s been sitting out in the sun before it was stocked in the store refrigerators. Milk here will only last a day or two before it goes sour. I have now learned to buy “Lala,” which is powdered milk.

4. Coca cola: It’s available everywhere!! Only 1 dollar Belize (50 cents American) for a glass bottle. It’s refreshing to drink in this hot weather. Drinking water all day long gets boring after a while. I need change, and coca cola is readily available for a cheap cost! The coca cola here is made with sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup. You can tell the difference! It’s VERY addicting. I’ve realized quickly that I need to start cutting back on the soda. It contributes to weight gain and also I want to keep my teeth for much longer.

5. Lack of exercise: I’ve noticed that, culturally, it’s not common to go on runs or take a walk like in the U.S. Women are the cooks of the household and take care of the children. Exercise is not a part of what has been passed down from generation to generation. Cooking, cleaning, sewing, selling food, etc. is normal. Not jogging down the street or going on a power walk. I also think people may just need to be educated more on the benefits of exercise and be encouraged to start. However, I have a different excuse for my lack of exercise. It’s TOO HOT! I would pass out if I ran in this weather. I try and wait until 4 or 5pm when the sun goes down. I then only have until 6 pm, when it gets dark, to get back to campus from a walk or run. I tend to take naps after working, so then I run into the problem of napping too long. I have been struggling with this. It’s been a challenge!