Specialist in Lifestyle Medicine, Carolina Pimentel arrives in Brazil after a long journey through the most diverse countries and shares her main experiences
I returned after a long journey. I finally managed to fulfill my dream of traveling around this world and I can only tell you that it was an amazing experience! And since this is our space to talk about Lifestyle Medicine, I want to tell you everything I’ve experienced, observed, and even incorporated about healthy habits from other cultures.
Japan
The journey began in Japan, a country with a millenary culture and the highest number of centenarians and the lowest obesity rate in the world! Not only do they live long, they live very well! There, the past mixes with the future – and with great respect.
What enchanted me most, in addition to the delicious food, are the rituals and care with meals, always presented in small portions and with formats and decorations that just by looking at them already whet your appetite!
The basis of the diet is rice, present in all meals, including breakfast! The Japanese also eat daily miso soup, tofu, seaweed, pickles, green and yellow vegetables (carrots, squash, tomatoes), fish (raw fish, fish cooked with soybeans, baked fish, cooked fish paste, dried fish ), green tea and, in smaller quantities, beef and pork. The meals are complete, that is, there is always food from different groups. This aspect gives balance and satiety.
With this variety of foods offered in small portions at meals and the high intake of fish, a source of omega 3, and soy-based foods, the traditional Japanese diet has been identified as a preventative measure for heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer and obesity. Today I invest more and more in the presentation of dishes and, especially at breakfast, I try to have a more complete meal.
Singapore
Continuing through Asia, I passed Singapore, the cleanest place I’ve ever been! How important it is for each of us to take care of our garbage and the waste we produce, as well as the feeling of well-being that being in an organized place brings us! The first thing I did when I got back was to clean out all the drawers in the house and create more spaces, keeping only what I use and which gives me joy!
Indonesia
After leaving that Asian tiger, I went to Indonesia, where I spent most of my time, in Bali! There, for the first few weeks, I stayed on a yoga retreat. I practiced meditation and yoga 180 minutes a day! It wasn’t easy, but it was transformative!
Sure, I can’t maintain this routine on a daily basis, but understand that little is better than nothing and realize that a peaceful mind resides in a healthy body. Today, when I wake up, I try to practice for at least 30 minutes and when I’m tired, lazy or unwell, I condition myself to do at least 5 minutes and I already feel better! Remember: always a bit, the important thing is the habit.
And speaking of habit, after coming out of the retreat, I went to visit the island of Bali and immerse myself in the Balinese culture. Of all, what caught my attention the most was the commitment to religion, ceremonies and rituals. More than 80% of Bali’s population is Hindu and this religion and philosophy of life influences the decorative art.
Bali has a different culture than other Indonesian islands. It stands out for its artistic production influenced by religious traditions. The temples, the images, the offerings, everything soothes the mind and enchants our eyes.
The main characteristics of the Balinese people are humility, simplicity and joy. Everyone always smiles, even if they live in an underdeveloped country and under difficult conditions.
As in Japan, the Balinese believe in and worship ancestral spirits. Wherever you go, you will find offers in high places or on the ground, in front of houses, restaurants, shops, everywhere! Family is very important to the Balinese and they traditionally live in the same house all their lives. This brings a support network that supports all the smiles of these wonderful people.
Ok, now I look in the mirror and smile! And I try to remember that, especially in difficult or irritating situations.
From Asia to Europe
And after this Asian immersion, I went to Europe to visit different friends in different places, Brazilians who moved there and live in different regions: Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Ireland and so on! That was great, because I was already missing bread, pasta and cheeses. Traditional Asian food doesn’t have wheat or milk, but rice and soybeans.
There I was able to observe that living in a safe, practical place full of stories and travel is incredible, but I also noticed how my friends are committed to creating a social bond that gives support when the family is away.
Also, taking care of the house is totally different from what we are used to here. The rooms are smaller, but more functional. Cleaning and taking care of waste disposal are part of the daily routine of Europeans, as is brushing your teeth, and therefore the relationship with objects, tools and equipment always aims at functionality and practicality. Here I think back to all the trash I’ve accumulated that doesn’t make cleaning or my life any easier.
I could write a book about all the experiences, but, indeed, they have caught my attention and all of them, from food, to religion, to social engagement and even cleanliness, are related to our pillars of a healthy lifestyle! And you? Have you been out there and have self-care stories to tell? I want to know them all!
A big kiss and until the next message.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
