The diet of Costa Ricans and how it keeps them healthy

Located between Panama and Nicaragua in Central America, Costa Rica boasts a proud culinary heritage. Many despise Costa Rican food selections for being high in saturated fat, but in reality Costa Ricans are much more active than other cultures.

Costa Ricans, locally called Ticos, never overeat. Limiting their portions is one of the ways they stay so healthy. Also, lunch is the most important meal of your day. In fact, like many Latino nations, businesses and schools close for a couple of hours during lunch so that employees and students can go home and eat quietly with their family. This allows for a strong focus on family life, but also slowing down a meal. In the United States, a typical school lunch lasts as little as 20 minutes at most, and breaks at work are typically an hour at most, so many must eat at their desk or machine. The lifestyle of a Costa Rican is completely different.

Costa Rican food often revolves around rice and beans, such as gallo pinto, a dish that translates to “spotted gallo.” Gallo Pinto is a dish that includes black beans in a ratio of three to two per rice. Onions, garlic, and salt are also added. Meats are eaten in moderation, while beans provide high fiber content. Fiber can help counteract saturated fat. Costa Rican food options rarely include dairy or cheese.

As Costa Rica has water on both sides with the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the east, fresh seafood is always available. Unfortunately, seafood is also extremely expensive as the country exports most of its seafood. Chicken, pork, and beef are the most popular meats. Costa Rica’s food supplies also use organ meat; so expect to find dishes that involve the stomach, brain, and other organs on the menu. Other Costa Rican staple food options include fresh vegetables like tomatoes and a variety of beans, fruits, including bananas, and rice.

The capital of Costa Rica, San José, is packed with excellent restaurants and cafes. In San José, one can experience daring food and drink. Basic drinks like sugar cane soaked in hot water are second only to the country’s delicious Costa Rican coffee. Drinks that mix cornmeal and milk are also common. Bananas are similar to bananas in appearance, but cannot be eaten raw. The plantains are mashed flat, battered and fried tender.

As one travels to other regions, Costa Rica’s food options also diminish and become more traditional with beans and rice dishes. Bean and rice dishes are usually served alongside a carrot and cabbage or lettuce and tomato salad. Rice (fried shrimp or chicken) are sometimes found on the table instead of beans and rice. Salads are usually larger than the serving of beans and rice and that helps Ticos stay in shape.

You may choose healthy selections of Costa Rican food. Stick with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy the delicious combination of culinary flavors.