Category: Brazil

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Eating the Brazilian Way for Better Healtlh

There’s something magnetic about Brazil.

It’s not just the beaches, the music, or the rhythm of life—it’s the way people live.

I recently went on my 9th trip to Brazil, and already just a few weeks later, I want to go back.  I guess I’ll have to wait until I retire until I can spend more than 2 weeks at a time per visit.

If you’ve ever sat down for a meal in Brazil, you’ll notice something immediately: nobody’s in a rush. Meals are social, often shared with family or friends, and filled with color, flavor, and laughter. And as it turns out, that same joy at the table is one of the reasons Brazilians are among the healthiest and most beautiful people in the world.

When Cida and I and our big list of extended relatives and friends went to a Churrascaria (Brazilian Steakhouse), I kind of knew what to expect . . .  tons of food, spectacular salad bar, and a never-ending supply of steaks, chicken, and seafood.  But what amazed me was that the restaurant was full to capacity with every single seat being occupied, and there was a waiting line of around 50 people.  The interesting thing that I noticed was that everyone in the entire restaurant was having a great time, even though they didn’t know each other.  If a person was depressed or had lots of anxiety, I’m sure it would go away.  Click HERE to watch this brief 20-second video clip of what I’m talking about.

The secret isn’t found in a fad diet or a supplement—it’s in the country’s deeply rooted food culture.

 

Why Brazilian Food Is So Healthy

Brazil’s traditional way of eating has remarkable similarities to the Mediterranean Diet, often cited as the world’s healthiest. The difference? Brazilian meals come with a tropical flair—and a cultural rhythm that celebrates both nourishment and connection.

A typical Brazilian diet emphasizes:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruits (many exotic to the rest of the world)

  • Beans and legumes—the cornerstone of most meals

  • Rice (often paired with beans for a perfect protein balance)

  • Fish, chicken, and lean meats cooked simply with olive oil, herbs, and lime

  • Minimal processed foods, with a preference for cooking from scratch

The picture above is the meal that I ate at the Brazilian Churrascaria.  Notice the healthy items of greens, rice/beans, sushi, potatoes, and ceviche;  kind of resembles the Mediterranean Diet if you plan it right. This is the type of food I ate during my entire stay in Brazil considering my health condition after a heart attack a few months ago.

It’s this simple, balanced approach that has given Brazil excellent public health statistics compared to many Western countries. The traditional diet naturally helps control cholesterol, improve digestion, and support a healthy heart.

And perhaps not coincidentally—Brazilians are consistently recognized for their strong, vibrant physiques and natural beauty.  They are also pretty good in soccer too!  It’s not vanity; it’s vitality.

The Staples of Brazilian Eating

In Brazil, food is life. And every meal reflects that balance between nourishment and pleasure.

Common daily staples include:

  • Rice and beans (arroz e feijão) — the classic duo that appears in almost every home

  • Fresh tropical fruits like papaya, mango, açaí, passion fruit, and guava

  • Grilled fish or chicken seasoned simply with garlic and lime

  • Salads of tomato, lettuce, and hearts of palm, often dressed with olive oil and vinegar

  • Vegetables like kale, collard greens, and pumpkin

  • Cassava and plantains, both nutritious and versatile

And yes, a small glass of red wine at dinner is common for many adults—when approved by their doctor, it can be heart-healthy and even relaxing.

The Brazilian Way of Eating

In Brazil, food isn’t just fuel—it’s connection. People make time to eat together. Families gather around the table, and lunch (not dinner) is often the biggest meal of the day.

There’s no “eating on the go,” no gulping meals between meetings. Instead, meals are savored. It’s this mindful approach that helps digestion, reduces overeating, and keeps stress low.

Eating is a leisure experience, not a chore. That alone is a powerful shift in mindset for better health.

Sample 7-Day “Eat Like a Brazilian” Meal Plan

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Papaya with lime and a slice of whole-grain toast with white cheese

  • Lunch: Grilled chicken, rice and black beans, sautéed kale

  • Dinner: Baked fish with vegetables, small glass of red wine

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with açaí, banana, and oats

  • Lunch: Shrimp with coconut milk, rice, and fresh salad

  • Dinner: Lentil soup and fruit salad

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Mango and a handful of Brazil nuts

  • Lunch: Rice, beans, grilled tilapia, and mixed vegetables

  • Dinner: Tomato and hearts-of-palm salad, slice of cassava bread

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Coffee with milk, tapioca crepe with banana

  • Lunch: Beef stir-fry (small portion) with beans and green salad

  • Dinner: Vegetable stew and grilled plantains

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Yogurt with granola and passion fruit

  • Lunch: Chicken with okra, rice, and beans

  • Dinner: Vegetable soup and small piece of fresh cheese

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Guava and black coffee

  • Lunch: Baked fish with cassava purée

  • Dinner: Tomato salad with olive oil and a slice of avocado

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Papaya bowl with oats and honey

  • Lunch: Feijoada (light version) with collard greens and orange slices

  • Dinner: Grilled chicken and vegetable medley

The Dark Side (and How to Avoid It)

Of course, modern Brazil has its temptations. American fast-food chains have taken root, caipirnha’s (alcoholic drink with a lot of sugar) red meat consumption can get excessive, and the irresistible bakeries—selling pastries and coxinha (fried cheese and chicken croquettes)—can make self-control tough (Cida in the photo below contemplating whether or not to order a Brazilian pastry).

But that’s the point: it’s about balance. You can enjoy the occasional treat without losing the essence of the Brazilian approach—real food, shared meals, and moderation.

Eat smart. Savor slowly. Move often.

When you do, your health reflects the same vibrant energy that Brazil is known for.

PS: If you’d like a personalized nutrition and fitness plan built around the Brazilian way of eating—healthy, flavorful, and sustainable—I offer virtual coaching across Brazil and all of Latin America at a very reasonable fee.
Reply with “BRAZILIAN FIT” and I’ll send you details and a free starter guide.

 

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The Power of Forest Walking

If you’ve ever stepped into a forest park and felt your stress dissolve almost instantly, you’ve already tasted one of the most underrated fitness and wellness secrets available—forest walking.

Today I was reminded of this on my visit to São Francisco de Assisi Park in Curitiba (we’re so lucky, it’s a new municipal park 4 blocks from my in-laws house), where the paths weave through dense, green canopies. The air feels thicker somehow—but not heavy. It’s alive. You breathe in and realize this is what your lungs were made for.

Here’s what’s fascinating:
Studies show that walking on varied terrain with inclines, soft soil, and natural resistance from grass and roots burns up to 20–30% more calories than walking on flat pavement. A 45-minute forest walk can easily burn an extra 70–100 calories, depending on pace and incline.  And today, we even brought our 7-month-old grandson, Caleb, in the stroller for even an additional 20% – 30% more calories burned (he and Cida loved it too).

But the benefits go far beyond the calorie count.

When you walk through dense vegetation, your body is doing something profound. The trees release oxygen and natural compounds called phytoncides—they boost your immune system, reduce cortisol (stress hormone), and even lower blood pressure. It’s why after 20 minutes in a forest, your nervous system begins to switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and recover.”

In other words, your walk becomes therapy.

Walking in the city is still good—but it’s mostly physical. Walking in nature engages your body and your mind. It pulls your attention outward, calms racing thoughts, and resets your emotional state. Regular walkers in forested areas have shown better mood stability, improved sleep, and enhanced creativity compared to those who only walk in urban settings.  And believe me, this is exactly what I needed in order to relax and recover from my recent heart attack incident that nearly took my life 7 weeks ago.

And here’s something fitness pros love: because your stride naturally adjusts to uneven ground, forest walking improves balance, ankle strength, and joint mobility—especially useful for preventing injuries during other workouts.

Safety & Recommendations:

  • Wear supportive footwear with grip; forest paths can get slippery after rain.

  • Walk with a partner or let someone know your route.

  • Stay hydrated—even cooler forest air can mask sweat loss.

  • Avoid headphones occasionally; tune into the sounds of nature to fully engage your senses.

  • Take short breaks to breathe deeply—three slow inhales through the nose, three full exhales through the mouth. Feel the difference.
     

Walking in a place like São Francisco de Assisi Park isn’t just about movement—it’s about renewal. Your body works, your mind clears, and your spirit relaxes. You’ll come out lighter, sharper, and somehow more connected to the world around you.  Look for a great local park in your area and try this.  In Sugar Land, my 2 favorite parks to forest walk are Oyster Creek Park and Culligan Park, both off of HWY 6.  

So next time you plan a “workout,” don’t overlook the simple power of a forest walk. It’s fitness that feeds your soul.