4 Healthy Third World Habits
Eat simpler. Fast food and convenience foods are a big help when it comes to taming a frenzied schedule. But fast food is not simple. In the third world, pre-prepared foods loaded with chemicals and other preservatives are still more of a novelty than a staple (though this is changing.) A typical repast in many parts of the world is a plate of beans and rice with a little bit of meat (maybe) and some vegetables. Different types of beans and different spices distinguish one cuisine from another (think of Mexican flavors versus Indian flavors.)
In tropical climates, fruit often takes center stage. An adventure tour guide who climbs and cycles his way through rural Vietnam for a living told me that in the hot summer months, his typical meals consist of fruit and some water. One of the most spectacular meals I have ever eaten was in Thailand: a perfect bowl of papaya chunks topped with a squeeze of lime juice. So try cutting back to the basics. Notice how delicious a few simple ingredients can taste, and experiment with herbs and spices for flavor. Martha Stewart is probably not coming to dinner at your house, so there’s no need for multiple courses, sauces, or garnishes.
