I started living in the United States and came across a food culture based on hamburgers, pizza and ultra-processed foods. My first year I lived in the heart of New York, Manhattan. A great city, with restaurants on every corner where every day was a reason to meet friends and eat out. I started to realize that I was losing my routine a little, and with that, control over how I ate.
Furthermore, a reality here is that life is much busier, as people generally don't have much time to cook or simply lose their imagination.
And they end up finding themselves stuck in a super tiring routine, where they eat poorly, eat out or order food more frequently and is sometimes associated with greater alcohol consumption and zero physical activity. These habits over time lead to weight gain, as well as altered biochemical tests, lack of energy and willingness to carry on with everyday life.
Important FACT about living here, healthy eating is expensive and even more expensive is having to use the healthcare system.
As a nutritionist, I used all my knowledge to avoid changing the way I eat, but it was not easy (and it is not easy) to cultivate a healthy diet here, it requires occupation, organization and knowledge.
I'm Brazilian, like a good Latina, the basis of my food culture is rice and fresh beans, I grew up hearing the sound of the pressure cooker cooking the beans and smelling the sautéed garlic to season them. Here, the pressure cooker is a rare item in the kitchen and the beans are canned. Processed foods can be included within a healthy diet, with guidance. Ultra-processed foods are the biggest problem! And if you don't know the difference, I suggest you sign up for my talk!
There is a way for everything and that's how I did it, giving it my own way.
There are several scientific articles that demonstrate that the longer immigrants live in the United States, the greater the change in food culture, where they begin to consume more ultra-processed foods and fast food. *
Our food culture is part of our identity. Living in another country means adding more experience, but not losing your identity!
Cultivating eating habits means keeping our culture, our identity and especially the roots of healthy eating alive.
BUTTT, DON'T BE AFRAID TO CONNECT WITH OTHER CULTURES, NEW EXPERIENCES ARE WELCOME!!
I WANT TO TEACH YOU HOW TO BE HAPPY BY TASTING EVERYTHING AND KNOWING HOW TO MAKE GOOD CHOICES ON HOW TO DECIDE TO INCLUDE A FOOD AS PART OF YOUR FOOD CULTURE.
Crazy diets, rigid restrictions make you FEAR and GUILT about eating, consequently distancing you from the pleasure of eating, from a good relationship with food.
Today, after living here for more than 3 years, I have been updating my approach, mixing a little with the knowledge of the University here and improving my service, adding everything that is positive about living here!
There are ways to find a healthy diet, there are ways to work on your relationship with food, without having to forbid you to eat what you love, there are ways to add practicality to your busy life.
If you are looking to improve your diet, achieve your best self, improving your health and self-love, I want to be your professional on this journey!
*References:
Moldonato et al., Dietary Patterns and Years Living in the United States by Hispanic/Latino Heritage in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)The Journal of Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, 2021.
Martínez Steele et al. Population Health Metrics (2017) 15:6
Baker et al., Ultra-processed foods and the nutrition transition: Global, regional and national trends, food systems transformations and political economy drivers. Obesity Reviews. 2020;1–22.
Louzada MLC, Cruz GL, Silva KAAN, Grassi AGF, Andrade GC, Rauber F, et al. Consumption of ultra-processed foods in Brazil: distribution and temporal evolution 2008–2018. Rev Saude Publica. 2023;57:12.
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