Nutrition trends

By Wendy Freeman

The traveler who is lucky enough to spend time on the island of Anguilla will no doubt feel a sense of peace, calm and health just by being here.

The weather, beaches, outdoor life and abundant seafood promote a healthy lifestyle. But for those who wish to take health to a deeper level; to create and maintain a strong and healthy body, the keys are exercise combined with great nutrition.

What is good nutrition and how can you achieve it here?

Some of the nutrition trends for 2010 include the concepts of eating foods that are: local, natural, clean and sustainable.

Local organic hydroponic farming in Anguilla has become a major source of delicious fresh produce; from the succulent tomatoes, and tender baby lettuces, to the rich variety of other vegetables.

Local eating for good nutrition is a way of getting the most of the vitamins and minerals found in food. Anytime your food has to travel a long time and distance to get to your plate, it begins to loose many of those important vitamins. Wouldn’t you rather eat a juicy sweet just picked tomato rather than one that has been sitting in a cold cardboard box for weeks?

Another obvious choice for locally produced foods is the exceptional availability of seafood. The fish that are caught and served here satisfy not only the idea of fresh from source to plate, but also another nutrition trend of 2010, less red meat. We have all read over and over the exceptional benefits of seafood over red meat; from the inherent omega 3’s, to the lower bad fats, the benefit of fish protein as an aid to building lean muscles.

What does it mean if food is natural and clean?

Basically, it means that what you eat is not processed, fortified or loaded with additives and artificial flavoring.

Clean food is “inherently nutritious”; it is real, and fresh. Imagine the difference between a tasty local fishburger with a salad made from local vegetables, or a frozen meat patty with processed frozen fried potatoes.

Finally, sustainable eating is food that is produced using methods that do not contribute to pollution, or environmental damage. Anguilla’s organic and hydroponic farms are a perfect example of that, little energy is used, there is little waste which can be recycled and used for fertilization.

Anguilla is blessed to have all of the elements necessary for great  eating, whether dinning out  at the numerous exceptional local restaurants, or cooking at home.

Either way, eat well to live strong.