December 11, 2018
Today, the word “wellness” is increasingly heard. It’s associated with being well, present, and healthy. It encompasses different aspects of our lifestyle. The wellness wheel includes social, spiritual, financial, environmental, emotional, intellectual, physical, and occupational categories. Today we touch on the topic of food, nutrition, and mindfulness. Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive to what’s going on around us.
A play on the word mindful, the new term “mindfoodness” has started to circulate in the world of health and wellness. The fast-paced rhythm many people live by today tends to lead us to multitask more. It’s common to eat while checking emails or engaging in another activity. This has created a disconnect between what we consume, which essentially is what we are, and ourselves. Thankfully, mindful eating, now known as mindfoodness, is gaining popularity.
It’s defined as applying attention in the moment of consuming food or beverages with the idea of paying all your attention to it. It seeks to establish a healthier and better relationship with our food. By working through the emotions and psychologies associated with eating habits, we can develop self-control and self-awareness. Mindfoodness seeks to teach respect and listening to the body’s internal signals of being satiated and full.
Costa Rica is a place that’s perfect for slowing down. If you come from a big city or live a fast-paced lifestyle, your visit to our country is the perfect opportunity to start practicing mindfoodness. In many places, food is prepared and served with patience.
The typical dish, “casado,” tends to be colorful: white rice speckled with black beans, small pieces of red and green bell pepper, cilantro, a side of green salad, possibly yellow fried plantains, and a meat that can be fish or brown meat. Before eating, count the number of items and colors on the plate. Savor each different element of such a diverse meal.
In San José, some recommendations for places to stay, with healthy restaurants, are Apartotel Villas del Río, Barceló San José, and Palma Real Hotel & Casino. In the hustle and bustle of a city, it is very important to be present. Use the quiet atmosphere of these hotels to satisfy your senses with a “casado” or another meal of your choice. Wyndham Garden Escazú offers a wide selection of wines at the El Cortijo Restaurant and a fully international menu. Some of these hotels offer room service, an option that can still allow you to be mindful while eating. In the tranquility of your room, enjoy the mountain view of the Central Valley and connect with your plate.
How can mindfoodness be practiced? It’s as simple as being aware, present, slow, and grateful when eating your food. Keeping a food journal is another way you can practice mindfoodness. By keeping track of your foods, you’ll start to become more mindful of them. Not having the phone, or thinking about messages and emails that need to be answered, is a big step. Avoiding television, music, newspapers, books, computers, screens, or other distracting stimuli is another necessity.
Savor each bite slowly and carefully. Focus on the textures, colors, and sensations it gives you. Always sit down, calm, and unhurried. Set the table and the plate as if guests were coming. Make good use of cutlery or flowers to create the atmosphere to enjoy your meal more. Adjust the fork, knife, or spoon between each bite. Don’t rush! Savor every bite and every moment. Practice as often as possible!
If you’re hiking outside the city, you’ll find yourself in peaceful environments to enjoy your meal. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection in Pérez Zeledón has a restaurant called Ambar with dim and romantic lighting where a variety of local and international dishes are served. Up in the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano at Buena Vista Lodge’s La Montaña hotel, organic and sustainable food is served, which is a delightful way to practice mindfoodness. Casa Turire in Turrialba offers beautifully decorated dishes that feature authentic Costa Rican cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. The Swiss-inspired and themed Hotel Los Héroes on Lake Arenal is another recommended place to relax and fully enjoy a great Tico meal. Lastly, make sure to check out the restaurant Kantala at Río Celeste Hideaway Hotel, also on Lake Arenal. The space is surrounded by gardens, and the outdoor dining experience is unique.
You might visit the beach during your stay in Costa Rica, where restaurants often offer a beautiful view, providing an opportunity to relax even more while eating. Don’t get completely distracted! Keep focusing on connecting with your plate and all the elements that make it up, but also enjoy the incredible view. You might be served a mix of tropical fruits, another colorful dish: vibrant orange papaya, bright yellow mango, fresh red watermelon, and white-yellow bananas. You’re also likely surrounded by the trees that gave life to these very fruits you’re eating. Be.
In Uvita, Hotel Cristal Ballena’s bar and restaurant Pura Vida serves international dishes and fresh cocktails right in front of the ocean. It provides a sunset view that is unique. Karahé Beach Resort in Manuel Antonio has a restaurant called Canto del Mar that serves seafood arrangements and other typical dishes that delight and enhance your mindfoodness experience.
Captain Suizo is one of the first boutique hotels in Tamarindo located in front of the bay. Its restaurant El Barco is surrounded by tropical gardens with exotic trees and the sound of ocean waves. On Mondays and Wednesdays, they have marimba music to create a unique atmosphere. The Asturian chef is always updating recipes with his European influence.
At Mistico Hanging Bridges Park or Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica, you can enjoy a good lunch amidst a large biological corridor that has hundreds of birds, insects, trees, flowers, and plants. In either of these regions, you can easily start practicing mindfulness. Lush nature is everywhere. You are surrounded by green in all its shades and forms, and your mind will begin to relax gradually. Take a long walk in the jungle! When it’s time to sit down to eat, you will naturally find yourself grateful for the food on the plate. Be sure to enjoy every bite.
Last but not least, to make the most of your wellness trip, make sure to rent a car. If you are looking to explore the various corners of Costa Rica, we recommend Europcar and Solid Car Rental for a much more comfortable and entertaining adventure.
Additionally, we recommend several travel agencies: Amadeus Travel Agency, Reparto de Costa Rica, Costa Rica para Todos, Discovery Travel, Only Costa Rica Travel, and Ciudad de Vacaciones. Ara Tours, Viajes Tam, and Swiss Travel offer tailored packages that can be wellness and gastronomy-oriented, including a combination of nature, yoga, healthy homemade meals, hot springs, spa treatments, and meditation areas.
Costa Rica is a great destination to start eating mindfully. Not only does the scenery encourage you to slow down, but also most cooks and chefs put a lot of passion and healthy ingredients into the dishes they serve to visitors. Costa Ricans take pride in serving and providing the best to people who visit the country, and food is a significant element of that. So go ahead, take your time to enjoy every bite of your casado!
Gabriela Mateo