The beauty of being in the Caribbean is that you have continuous access to natural, organic, and fresh foods. Since arriving here, I have enjoyed a seemingly endless array of fruits, vegetables, and spices. I’ve had the pleasure of receiving breadfruit, sweet potatoes, eddoes, plantains, turmeric, sorrel, golden apples (June plum), passion fruits, and even a few mangoes, which, interestingly, are not in season at the moment. The experience of being able to pick moringa leaves straight from the tree is something that truly enriches my life. While I am not dismissing the convenience of Amazon, which has allowed me to purchase some of these leaves and herbs, it undeniably feels refreshing to get organic, fresh leaves and spices locally to enrich my meals, especially when preparing dishes that utilize the amazing benefits of my moringa tea.

With an abundance of guavas on my property, there is no shortage of guava jam and jelly in my household. I am able to start each day with a nutritious power shake made from a mix of guavas, golden apples, and passion fruit. The addition of turmeric and ginger creates a delightful and energizing blend that packs a powerful punch of health benefits. And let’s not forget the invigorating sorrel beer and Mauby drink that adds a local flair to my drinks.

This lifestyle is reminiscent of my upbringing. We produced most of our foods, fostering a deep connection to the land and nature. We would gather eggs from the henhouse, while my father took on the responsible task of milking the cows in the morning, diligently scalding the milk to kill any bacteria that might pose a risk. The animals we consumed were organic, a significant point we took for granted. My mother would either kill chickens or, depending on the occasion, a goat, sheep, or even a pig or cattle for the holidays. Occasionally, she would buy freshly killed meats from a local butcher, ensuring that these sources were trustworthy and free from any harmful additives. There simply were no hormones or chemicals present, reinforcing our wholesome approach to meals.

Fish was an integral part of our diet and was caught fresh daily by local fishermen. They were often assisted by locals in pulling the nets in, ensuring a community-oriented effort. The fish were still flipping as they were sold to customers, with a portion of the catch netted out for their helpers who contributed to the labor. I vividly recall lying in bed yesterday at my parental home, awakening to the familiar sound of seashells blowing, signaling the fresh catch of the day. I am both thrilled and amazed to see that this traditional form of communication still exists, exemplifying a beautiful connection to the past and our local culture.

However, it is bittersweet to witness how unhealthy and fattening foreign foods have begun to overshadow the more nutritious local options. I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency regarding this issue. I understand that one of the contributing factors to this trend is the harsh reality of life for many, where survival often takes precedence over health. When families abroad send barrels home to help ease the burden, it is usually welcomed for its cost-cutting measures. The intentions behind these shipments are commendable, but the result can be detrimental to one’s health, leading to a reliance on less nutritious options.

So what, then, is the answer? Perhaps those of us living abroad should exercise greater mindfulness regarding what we choose to include in those barrels we send home. To elaborate on this, let me share my personal approach as an example. I make a conscious effort to ship whole grain rice, but I complement that with locally sourced whole wheat bread and brown sugar to maintain balance. I’ve also sent occasional corned beef and tuna for when the desire for a picnic strikes, but I ensure I am sourcing fresh meat and fish from local markets. Instead of opting for sugary drinks laden with artificial colors, I prefer to create my own refreshing beverages such as homemade lemonade, sorrel drinks, and vibrant fruit shakes. I make an effort to consume more breadfruit and steamed vegetables than regular bread; although I do enjoy bread, I ensure that it is whole wheat to prioritize my health.

I am not a farmer by profession, but as I embrace my time here in the Caribbean, I find myself increasingly interested in exploring small-scale farming ventures. The potential for growth and self-sufficiency in that realm is exciting and nutritious. Most importantly, it can make a significant contribution to a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing more important than know what you put into your body.

In summary, while I do send items from abroad, I strive to include the healthiest options available, especially while navigating the limitations of securing truly organic, fresh foods abroad. I make it a point to utilize local foods as much as possible and remain mindful of my own health choices. To complement my lifestyle, I place an emphasis on staying active. Although there is no gym or specialized equipment nearby, I stay engaged through a variety of chores around my home. I often utilize a very long hallway for exercise, walking back and forth 50 times and incorporating some girl push-ups into my routine until I can eventually ship some proper equipment down. When life throws you lemons, I believe in making lemonade out of those challenges. Ultimately, we are all tasked with surviving and thriving in the best ways we can; let’s embrace creativity and resourcefulness in our quest for health and well-being.