Many people move to the tropics of Latin America in search of a healthier lifestyle in nature, however making this transition can be difficult.

The abundance of fried foods and sugary processed treats and lack of health food stores and gyms can in fact lead some to live less healthy than they did in the first world. So how can one be sure to live healthfully in Latin America? Here are some tips to consider.

Grow your own food or shop at the Farmer’s Markets

Kevin Krejci

Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the top users of pesticides in the world? Immersed in the jungle we may simply assume that all of our produce is fresh and local.

Unfortunately this is not always the case. In fact even coastal towns may be selling frozen fish from as far away as Asia! For this reason it’s particularly important to ensure that your food is coming from local fishermen and farmers. Many towns with expat communities have farmer’s markets and community-supported agriculture programs. Why not hop on board?

It’s a great way to connect with your community and the environment. Many locals and transplants sell farm fresh produce, dairy, homemade cheeses, whole grain unprocessed bread, even probiotic rich kombucha.

In health-conscious towns throughout Central America including Nosara and Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica and Boquete in Panama, expats have created their own markets for sharing health foods. Some sell organic produce from their own gardens and import specialty items like essential oils, spices, himalayan salt, and more.

You can also learn to grow your own food and many communities have garden shares where you can learn from others and share farming space. Your meat and fish can be purchased from local fishermen and hunters, or why not take up fishing as a hobby and catch what you need?

Find healthy hobbies

With a big transition it can be difficult to maintain your workout routine. When the sun is shining the gym may be the last place you want to be, if the town even has one. The good news is that there are tons of healthy, athletic outdoor activities you can partake in that are also plenty of fun.

If you’re on the coast take up surfing, go for runs on the beach, learn stand up paddleboarding, take hikes and connect with nature.

If you’re in the city ride your bike to get around, participate in yoga classes, and find some nearby wilderness to explore. One of the great advantages of living in Latin America is that nature is never far away, so seek it out and move your body at the same time. You will likely notice that outdoor activities are easy to integrate into your lifestyle here.

Drop the “vacation” mentality

Chi King

Feeling like you’re on a permanent vacation is great, so long as that does not become a life of unhealthy indulgence. Cocktail hour, hammock lazing, and meals out in restaurants are all treats that can make us feel relaxed and pampered.

However, in excess they can make us feel sluggish and demotivated. Can daily yoga, sunset gazing, cooking a healthy meal on a beach bonfire, and jungle exploration feel just as decadent?

Absolutely. The point of retiring and getting off of the grid is not to settle into a life of doing nothing, it’s to engage in activities that you enjoy. In fact when you participate in a motivating, active lifestyle you may find yourself craving more time outdoors connecting with others.

Plan ahead

A drastic difference between Latin America and North America is that it is often quite difficult to find healthy, ready-made foods. Forget about stopping in at Whole Foods and visiting the salad bar. For this reason planning meals ahead is especially important.

Keep your fridge well stocked in case you have difficulty accessing fresh produce, fish, meat, and dairy. Prepare salads at home for beach picnics and pack healthy snacks for hikes and trips like almonds, watermelon, hard boiled eggs, young coconut, and carrot sticks with guacamole. This prevents you from being hungry in a place where your only options may be fried chicken and empanadas… as delicious as they sometimes are!

Bring some staples from home

Adam Wyles

Latin America is still developing and for that reason it can be nearly impossible to access certain health foods and supplements. If there are specific herbs, organic nuts and seeds, and supplements you take, it’s a good idea to bring a stash with you. It’s advisable to do some research ahead of time and find out what health stores do exist and what they supply.

The opportunity to become a healthier individual and family certainly exists in Latin America, it just takes some transitioning. Find the health-centric community and you can quickly discover the many secrets for accessing health foods from home while staying active in the natural environment.