Pura Vida DOS

Hola! Lo siento for not writing for the past few days. I came with the intention of updating my blog everyday while travelling in Costa Rica, but the computer and the rainforest are not as perfect of a match as I had imagined. However, I am so eager to be back here and share some of my experience so far! It has been incredible, especially since I have had the past few days to "chill out", which is rare when I'm in Costa Rica. I am usually working or on a training, which IS relaxing in its own way, but it's a totally different energy.

It is the wet season, so there is no question regarding the fact that I am in the middle of the RAINforest. It rains usually around the same time everyday (approx. 3 or 4pm). When it rains back home (New York), I usually feel very lethargic and fatigued and sometimes in somewhat of a depressed mood. The rain in Costa Rica serves as a signal of Mother Earth's feeding of the plants and land surrounding me. It is refreshing, exhiliarating, and meditative. I could actually say I look forward to the afternoon thunderstorms.

If you are salivating at the above picture while reading this blog, you are not the only one! This huge plate of tropical has become my go-to breakfast every morning. I was never much of a fruit eater... maybe due to mixed messages I've researched regarding sugar consumption, or my own worry of fruit not being 'enough' to satisfy me, especially when I am very physically active during the day. I have had nothing but fruit for breakfast for the past five days, and my energy levels have been higher than ever before. The dish consists of mango, papaya, banana, watermelon, orange, and pineapple. Eating these local, organic fruits are a great way to energize for a days full of biking, surfing, yoga, walking, or anything! I really never knew how amazing I would feel until I tried. Imagine what we could be missing out on, just because we don't give it a chance? Eating fruit is only a small example. Also, as previously noted, these fruits are INDIGENOUS to this climate and culture, making them more easily assimilated in the body. I find myself craving tropical fruit down here, whereas I usually crave apples or grapes up north. Give fruit a try- you may be pleasntly surprised! Also, my theory stands that natural sugar from fruit is not detrimental to health, unless you have serious candida symptoms. I tend to limit my intake of concentrated sweeteners, such as maple syrup, agave, etc in terms of excess sugar. Fruit is a gift of mother nature! Also, tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya are full of active digestive enzymes such as bromelain, which is an enzyme that digests proteins in the body. Despite its low calorie content, fruit has a very high water and fiber content, therefore maknig you feel fuller longer.

Okay, I'm getting hungry writing this. Time to recharge my batteries! Stay tuned!