The previous Great NEWS post was Happy Healthy Travel Tales and Tips Part 6 South Africa and today we follow up with Part 7 Fiji. After observing many disturbing transitions, trends and troubles around the US and world it is essential to outline these big challenges and offer better choices. These posts have powerful messages when accessed with eager ears, eagle eyes and earnest enthusiasm because they contain many hidden hints, imbedded insights and subtle suggestions to help you be even more happy, healthy and in harmony. Happy Healthy Travel Tales & Tips Part 7 Fiji summarizes the many traps, trends, tricks and troubles observed on my trip and then shares some simple steps.    

It is estimated it takes at least 7 times for a new idea or message to stick it in our conscious and subconscious mind.  Additionally it takes at least 21 days of action, progress and reinforcement to create a new habit.  Even if a message seems a bit repetitive the benefits are massive.

Beach on Fiji

Fiji is a piece of paradise.

My recent trip to Nadi, SavuSavu and Namale Fiji in September 2013 opened my eyes even further to the beauty and people there.  Fiji is a piece of paradise. My last trip to Fiji was in 2010 and this one gave me some new distinctions.

My travels have reopened my eyes to the sad state of the union in the US and most developed countries. Unfortunately less developed countries are also struggling. Due to economic chaos and greed people are struggling more with their finances, happiness, health, lifestyle and well being. People are confused about what to stop doing and what to do start doing to be happy, healthy and holistic. Luckily many people are seeking coaching, education, guidance and information on exercise, fitness, health, lifestyle, nutrition, prevention, remedies and wellness and technology is helping make this easier.

Education and encouragement are essential to your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual success so read further for some pearls of wisdom. Great coaching, seminars and webinars are extremely effective and efficient ways to help you make progress and promote peak performance, Great NEWS Perfect Health is dedicated to Great Nutrition, Emotions, Wellness and Success to help people be even more happy, healthy and holistic.

This mini series is designed to help identify the source of the pains people are facing in order to help them discover the pleasures and possibilities for perfect health free from lifestyle diseases and OTC and prescription medicines. It will require an investment of energy and time to learn about the health challenges, holistic health and natural nutrition strategies.   Traveling is a great metaphor for health and lifestyle and a great way to share a message because most people enjoy traveling or did so before the detours and roadblocks that have developed.

Fantastic Fiji

It is better to discuss what is great about a country and people first before discussing the many areas that can be improved.  Fiji has fantastic food and friendly people.  An exciting discovery was that Moringa trees were plentiful on the islands and consumed by many of the Indian peoples that migrated to the islands..   Moringa is a super food tree with several edible parts.

Coconut Fruit

The coconut has super amazing antioxidants and many other health properties.

Another super food tree on Fiji is the coconut tree.  Paul at Namale resort and spa educated me on the absolutely amazing coconut tree …”Tree of Life”.  In Fiji is revered for its many benefits because every part of the coconut tree has a function and purpose in traditional Fijian life.  Coconut trees provide food, medicine and shelter.  The coconut has super amazing antioxidants and many other health properties.   Numerous articles have been written about the benefits of coconut oil for brain function, circulatory system, energy, hair, immunity, muscles, neurological health, nutrition, skin and more.  These two foods are some of the best ones on the planet.

Fiji is a beautiful paradise that produces many local and imported foods for the native Fijians and new immigrants from India and other countries.  Most families in Fiji realize the importance of having community and private gardens for growing delicious and nutritious foods.

Fiji is a fantastic country with incredible agriculture, beaches, beauty, land, oceans, people and talents.  Fiji is famous for its great culture, happy people and history.  The blended variety of beverages, cultures, foods, smells and tastes is outstanding.  In most parts of Fiji you find a smorgasbord of American (Standard American Diet – SAD), Asian, British, Chinese, Fijian, Indian, Italian, Thai and other foods.

Most of Fiji is tropical jungle with plenty of rainfall, rich soil and good topography to yield many food crops.  Most foods are grown year round in Fiji with many fruits being seasonal.  Due to Fiji’s tropical climate and location it has the right conditions to either grow or import foods for incredible selection.

Fiji Foods

Fiji is successful at growing great fruits, grains, greens, herbs, legumes, nuts, seeds, tubers and vegetables.  The country also produces a lot of grass fed natural and organic animal products and wild caught fish and sea foods.

Animal products:  beef, chicken, goat, lamb and pork.  Also cheese, dairy and eggs play a major role.

Fish and Sea foods:  clams, crabs, fish (anchovies, dorado, herring, mackerel, sardines, snapper, wahoo, yellowtail tuna), shrimp, squid and other sea foods.

Avocado Fruit

Fiji is successful at growing great fruits, grains, greens, herbs, legumes, nuts, seeds, tubers and vegetables.

Fruits: avocados, bananas, bread fruit, cacao, cherimoya, coconut, dates, durian, figs, grapefruit, guava, jackfruit, lemons, limes, mango, oranges, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, plantain, soursop, tamarind, tangerines

Grains: barley, corn, maize, millet, rice, sorghum, wheat

Greens:  arugula, bok choy, cabbage, celery, celery root, chard, collards, dandelion, fennel, kale, lettuce, (endive, escarole, green leaf, iceberg, radicchio, red leaf, romaine), moringa, mustard, napa cabbage, spinach, taro and watercress.

Herbs:  basil, bay leaf, cilantro, garlic, mint, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tarragon, thyme.

Legumes, beans, peas and lentils (pulses): beans (broad, fava, kidney, red, white), black eye peas, chickpeas, green beans, lentils, green peas, peanuts, soy beans

Melons: cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon

Roots and Tubers:  beets, burdock root, carrots, cassava, garlic, onions, parsnips, potatoes, radish, sweet potatoes, taro, turnips, yams, yucca,

Seeds:  pumpkin, sesame,

Spices: black pepper, cayenne, chilies, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, curry, garlic, paprika, pepper, red pepper, sea salt, turmeric are all widely used

Vegetables: asparagus, bell peppers (capsicum), cabbage, cactus, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, okra, onions, peppers, pumpkins, squash, string beans, tomatoes,

Wild foods:  algae, aloe vera, cactus, coconuts, kelp, mushrooms, mustard greens, sea grapes, sea weed, yucca,

Most foods there can be prepared in a healthy fashion or harmful one based on many variables such as: additives, cooking method, culturing, flavor enhancers, freshness, herbicides, ingredients, MSG, oils used, organic, pesticides, preparation, preservatives, shelf life, soaking, sprouting, storage, sugar added, table salt and time factors.

In Fiji the majority of the food crops appear to be natural and hybrids. Unfortunately there are a significant amount of toxic herbicides and pesticides use.  Herbicides like Roundup used on crops contain glycophosphates which appear to be one of the most dangerous and toxic chemicals to humans and all organisms.

French Fries

Fried foods and cheap oils are taking a toll on the local population among all age groups and especially younger ones.

Excess consumption of fried foods is another problem.  Many are cooked in harmful processed and refined peanut, soy or vegetable oils.  These chemically treated and highly heated oils are a rapid recipe for being sad, sick, stressed and suffering. Fried foods and cheap oils are taking a toll on the local population among all age groups and especially younger ones. It is sad to see people eating so many unhealthy foods like soya oil when they have such an abundance of local and healthy food choices like coconut oil.

Sugar cane is grown here and excess refined sugar consumption and sweet treats are a serious problem in Fiji.

Due to the agriculture industry and imports from nearby Australia and New Zealand the variety in Fiji is excellent.  Food prices and selection are great compared to most countries.  Prices are higher in the upscale super markets.  It is easy to find a good selection of fresh, healthy and nutrient dense organic whole foods in Fiji at local family stands and farmers markets.  Basic healthy essentials are found at much better prices than the highly processed foods.

Beware it is just as easy to find a lot of fake, fast and junk foods in the markets and streets as well.  Fiji has been invaded by the SAD – Standard American Diet fast food fad and is following the US experience with disease, health and weight issues.  Fake, fast and junk foods are less nutritious and more expensive yet seem to be everywhere.  It is shocking to see chips, cookies, fries and sodas being consumed by people earning very low wages and able to get free food from the all around them.

Fiji has many small farms and gardens which provides great sustainable food system.  Many locals plant a small garden in their community garden, open space or yard.  Adults and children receive many benefits from living close to the earth and growing their own food like fruits, greens, herbs and vegetables.  Gardening is great for your health in many ways besides the nutrient dense organic whole foods grown. Coconut and other food bearing trees abound in Fiji and is a great way to sustain their ecosystem and environment while providing healthy food and trees for the community.

SAD, Sick and Stressed in Fiji

The Standard American Diet (SAD) has become entrenched in Fiji and a detriment to the people.  In every city and town it seems the big Standard American Diet (SAD) businesses are selling burgers, cereals, chips, coffee, cookies, fries, pasta, pizza and sodas are dominant forces impacting millions of lives.  These fast foods are harming many people and future generations in Fiji.   It is unfortunate to see a few dozen food companies dominate most people’s food consumption.

Highly processed and refined foods such as: biscuit, bread, cakes, candy, cereal, chicken bits, crackers, cookies, croissants, donuts, energy drinks, French fries, juices, ketchup, macaroni and cheese, margarine, pancakes, pasta, pies, pizza, processed oils, salad dressing, sandwiches, sodas and spaghetti have replaced many of the traditional foods in Fiji.  The country and people are spending more for healthcare to hospitals, medical care and prescriptions.  Diabetes and weight issues are big problems in Fiji.

Obese Woman

Many families have at least one member dealing with health problems relating to: arthritis, blood pressure, blood sugar, diabetes, digestion, immune function and weight while losing their energy, health and vitality.

Many families have at least one member dealing with health problems relating to: arthritis, blood pressure, blood sugar, diabetes, digestion, immune function and weight while losing their energy, health and vitality.  Many are facing OTC and prescription medications as a result.  Many food manufacturers and providers use artificial sweeteners, cheap ingredients, cheap labor, chemical contaminated ingredients, excess refined sugar, GMO ingredients, MSG, micro waved foods, processed refined oils, table salt, unsanitary and unhealthy practices.

Many people are consuming too much cooked and processed foods and not enough fresh raw foods like fruits, greens, herbs, nuts, roots, salads, seeds and vegetables.  It is essential to consume at least 50% of your foods raw for optimal health.  Too many of the Fijian’s are cooking  with aluminum pots and Teflon coated pans which can have very harmful consequences.

While many people in Fiji are active and fit and more are looking for ways to do so too many are following the foreign influence with harmful consequences.   There is a very high benefit when you consistently eat, educate, energize and exercise for optimal health.  Many people in Fiji are struggling financially and experiencing declining health due to unhealthy food and lifestyle choices.  This is also a serious threat to the Fijian economy and standard of living.  This unhealthy trend is leading to harsh consequences.

When people focus their attention on healthy agriculture, air, disease prevention, ecosystem, education, environment, exercise, food, lifestyle, nutrition, prenatal care and water it is easier to make healthier choices.  Commitments to education and empowerment can resolve the problems caused by the sad, sick, stressed and stupid society being promoted by companies putting profit before people.

Fiji is facing the same challenges as the rest of the developing world.  Alcohol, crime, drugs, poverty, tobacco and violence reduces people’s competitive performance, position and productivity.  As a result of unhealthy eating habits, excess caffeine and sugar consumption and lifestyle choices the majority of people in Fiji are dehydrated and over acidic.  This negatively impacts anyone who wants to be happy, healthy and in harmony.

Paradise of Fiji

Fiji is a beautiful paradise to visit with abundant potential and food resources.

Fiji is a beautiful paradise to visit with abundant potential and food resources.  Unfortunately like many other countries it has many people struggling with debt, in poverty, living paycheck to paycheck, malnourished, sick, under employed, uneducated and unemployed.  Fiji is well positioned to benefit from their rainfall, rich food resources and strategic location near Australia.

This Great NEWS post is the Happy Healthy Travel Tales & Tips Part 7 Fiji.  There are always simple steps and smart solutions to help anyone committed to fresh foods, holistic health and terrific travel.  This post on Happy Healthy Travel Tales and Tips Part 7 Fiji is shared to help you discover the big challenges so you can decide on better choices each day.

What is your current Gap?

How educated, empowered and excited do you feel for being happy, healthy and in harmony long term? What shifts have occurred in your community that are helping or hurting your health?

Mastery Action Plan (MAP)

What action plans will help you be even more happy and healthy at home, at work or while traveling? What helpful books, resources or websites have you discovered?

Call to Action

What comments, commitments or concerns do you have for being happy and healthy at home or while traveling?

Next week the Great NEWS blog will share:

Happy Healthy Travel Tales and Tips Part 8 Madeira