The previous Great NEWS post was Happy Healthy Travel Tales and Tips Part 8: Madeira and today we follow up with Part 9 Bahamas.  How concerned are you with the disturbing transitions, trends and troubles in the US and world regarding happiness and health?  Are you ready to learn medicinal messages received by eager ears, eagle eyes and earnest enthusiasm? These posts offer hidden hints, embedded insights and subtle suggestions for you to be even more happy, healthy and holistic. Part 9 Bahamas shares some simple steps to help you after revealing the many traps, trends, tricks and troubles observed.

Did you know experts say it takes a minimum of 7 messages for a new connection or idea to be linked in our conscious mind?  They also say it takes at least 21 days of action, progress and reinforcement to create a new habit.  When the content of these posts seems a bit repetitive remember the benefits for your happiness and health are huge when you understand the magic in the method.

Bahamas Water

The Bahamas is a beautiful group of islands paradise off the coast of Florida.

We all face challenges and choices every day. The goal is to stop the unhealthy choices and start making more healthy choices.  It is essential to stop the false illusion that most food companies are providing healthy food choices because that is not there goal.  We are surrounded by advertisements and influences while at home, travel and work determined to promote and sell unhealthy beverages and foods.

My Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise trip from Barcelona to Galveston in November 2013 opened my eyes even further to the changes and challenges people are facing.  During a port call at the city of Nassau, Bahamas it was easy to see the best and worst of modern living.  The Bahamas is a beautiful group of islands paradise off the coast of Florida.

Cruising and traveling is a great way to visit other countries.  Unfortunately it also reminds you of the sad state of the union in the US and most countries when you see how the Standard American Diet (SAD) robs people of their health.  My vision is to educate and inspire others to focus more on being happy and healthy.   Economic chaos and corporate greed has caused many people to be struggling even more with finance and food choices.   When people are confused and lack a vision for their finances, health, lifestyle and well being they struggle and suffer.

Forgetting the basics of what to stop doing and what to start doing to be happy, healthy and holistic is a recipe for failure.  When you set the intention and seek great coaching, education, guidance and wisdom you will attract the resources and role models you need.  Technology is making it easier to create and design a healthy lifestyle.  Your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellness depends on your identity and vision for being happy and healthy so read further for words with wisdom.

This healthy travel series contains simple stories with subliminal solutions, strategies, suggestions and systems to help people move away from the sources of pain and help them move towards the sources of pleasure. Yes it requires an investment of effort, energy and time to master happy habits, holistic health and natural nutrition.  Do you feel you are worth the big benefits and rapid results long term? Many people do not feel they are and it therefore things show up affecting the quality and quantity of their life here on earth.

Traveling is a great metaphor for being happy, healthy and in harmony because most people enjoy traveling when it is exciting, fun and rewarding.   The lifestyle you have is a result of the beliefs, choices and decisions you make every day, so choose wisely.  What feelings pull you toward some things and what feelings push you away from some things are the operating system and software running your life.  Your values and vision are the autopilot running your life so reprogram your conscious and subconscious  mind to regain your happy and healthy life.

Beautiful Bahamas

It is always best to discuss what is great about a person, place or thing first before discussing areas that can be improved.  Nassau, Bahamas has beautiful beaches on a beautiful island with a very interesting culture and history.   The Bahamas is in the Caribbean, close to Florida and can easily be reached by cruising or flying.

Seashells

The Bahamas is well known for its beaches, casinos, diving, fishing, honeymoons, hotels, sailing, shopping, snorkeling and tourism.

While on a Royal Caribbean transatlantic cruise a magic moment occurred when I met a vendor selling conch shells at the dock.  His name was Akeem Ferguson a member of the Christian based Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress EABIC.  At first glance you might walk right by him without investing a minute to chat and connect.  That would be your loss because he has wealth of information and knows more about enjoying healthy foods and well being than the vast majority of people in the Bahamas or anywhere.

While selling the shells was his business his real gift is the friendly and happy way he shared his wealth of knowledge about a super healthy lifestyle and way of being.  Without having much this man has way more gratitude and happiness than most people who have a lot more yet are failing to be happy and healthy.  He is a super star example of what the Bahamas has to offer.  This man could easily be teaching others how to regain their happiness and health.  If you visit the Bahamas give him a call at  +1242-565 3732 or email him at akeem.a122@gmail.com and support this intelligent entrepreneur.

The Bahamas is well known for its beaches, casinos, diving, fishing, honeymoons, hotels, sailing, shopping, snorkeling and tourism.  Unfortunately they are not known for having the healthiest lifestyles.  industry, fruits, greens, meats, vegetables and wines.

The Bahamas are beautiful paradise islands that provide a limited variety of foods for the locals.  Many families in Bahamas realize the importance of having private gardens for growing delicious and nutritious foods.  The islands are fairly flat and sandy so the healthy foods are more limited  due to their unique climate, location and soil.

The Bahamas are a group of islands famous for its history and strategic location for banking, food resupply, shipping and travel.  Many different navy’s sailed here on their voyages. The variety of beverages, cultures, foods, smells and tastes is a result of its shipping and trading routes and connection to Africa, Europe, Mediterranean and US..  In Nassau you find a smorgasbord of American (Standard American Diet – SAD), African, Asian, British, Caribbean, Creole, Indian, Mediterranean and Spanish foods.

Bahamas is located in the western Atlantic and northern Caribbean with plenty of rainfall, rich volcanic soil and flat topography to yield many food crops.  Many foods are grown year round on Bahamas with others being seasonal.  Due to the Bahamas’s climate and location it has the right conditions to grow a good selection.  Unfortunately due to high winds, poor soil management, sandy soil and excess sunny warm climate many foods must be imported.

Bahamas is getting better at growing more fruits, grains, greens, herbs, legumes, nuts, seeds, tubers and vegetables.  The country also produces a very limited of grass fed natural and organic animal products and abundant wild caught fish and sea foods.

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

Variety of Seafood

The Bahamas islands has great seafood.

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

Fruits: avocados, bananas, coconut, dates, grapefruit, guava, lemons, limes, mango, oranges, papaya, pineapple, plantain, plums, sapodilla and tangerines

Greens:  arugula, bok choy, cabbage, celery, celery root, chard, collards, kale, lettuce, (green leaf, iceberg, romaine), mustard greens, napa cabbage,

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,

Melons: canary, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon

Roots and Tubers:  carrots, cassava, garlic, onions, potatoes, radish, sweet potatoes, yams,

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

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

Wild foods:  algae, aloe vera, cactus, coconuts, kelp, mustard greens, sea grape and sea weed.  Unfortunately the Bahamas coconut trees have been hit by a lethal yellowing disease and many trees have died and many others are sick. This has reduced coconut production which is one of the best foods on the planet.

Foods in Bahamas are prepared in a harmful or healthy fashion 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, TLC and time factors.

Fortunately the soil is somewhat productive and rich enough that many whole foods in Bahamas are fresh, local and natural. Unfortunately there are some toxic herbicides and pesticides used.  Herbicides contain glycophosphates which may be one of the most dangerous and toxic chemicals to humans and all organisms.

Excess consumption of fried foods is a problem because the high temperature harms the quality of the food and oil.  Highly processed and refined vegetable oils are not good for frying.  These chemically treated and highly heated oils are a rancid rapid recipe for being sad, sick, stressed and suffering. Fried foods and cheap oils are taking a toll on the local population. It is sad to see people eating so many unhealthy fried foods when they have such an abundance of local and healthy food choices.

Some sugar cane is grown here and excess refined sugar consumption and sweet treats are a serious problem in Bahamas.    Refined sugar has a long history tied to slavery that still exists today wherever it is grown.  Sugar cane is used to make rum which is another problem due to over consumption.

Fruit

Due to the small by growing agriculture industry and imports from nearby islands and the US the variety in Bahamas is fairly good.

Due to the small by growing agriculture industry and imports from nearby islands and the US the variety in Bahamas is fairly good.  Food prices are high and selection is lower compared to many non island countries.   It is fairly easy to find a good selection of fresh, healthy and nutrient dense organic whole foods in Bahamas at local family stands and farmers markets.  Basic healthy foods are available at much better prices than the highly processed foods.

It is also easy to find a lot of fake, fast and junk foods in the markets and streets as well.  Nassau has been infiltrated by the Standard American Diet (SAD) fast food fad and is following the US experience with disease, health and weight issues.  Fake, fast and junk foods contain very low quality nutrition and are more expensive yet seem to be everywhere.  It is shocking to see cereal, chips, cookies, fries and sodas being consumed by people earning low wages and able to access local low cost foods easily.

Bahamas has small farms and gardens which provide a renewable and sustainable food system.  Many locals plant a small garden in their open space or yard.  Growing your own food like fruits, greens, herbs and vegetables helps people be happier and healthier.  Gardening is great for your happiness and health in many ways besides the nutrient dense organic whole foods grown.

SAD, Sick and Stressed in Bahamas

Unfortunately the various powers that ruled Bahamas destroyed many of the native trees and stripped away much of the valuable topsoil with plowing and same crop overload. Modern farming practices does more harm than good by causing the soil to dry out and exposing the soil to the rain and wind which cause erosion.  Small scale renewable and sustainable organic farming is the solution.  Composting, greenhouses, hydroponics, organic farming and protecting the soil will help the Bahamas grow more healthy foods.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) has gained a strong foothold in Bahamas and is a detriment to the people.  It seems the big Standard American Diet (SAD) business models are selling burgers, cereals, chips, coffee, cookies, fries, pasta, pizza and sodas to the detriment of the people.  These fast foods are harming the adults, children and future generations of Bahamas.   It is sad to see a few dozen food companies dominate most people’s food intake.

Highly processed and refined foods such as: bread, cakes, candy, cereal, crackers, cookies, croissants, donuts, energy drinks, French fries, juices, ketchup, margarine, pancakes, pasta, pies, pizza, processed oils, salad dressing, sandwiches and sodas are replacing many of the traditional foods in Bahamas.  The country and people are spending more on healthcare to drug companies and hospitals.  Diabetes and weight issues are increasing in Bahamas.

At least one member of most families is dealing with health problems related to: arthritis, blood pressure, blood sugar, diabetes, digestion, immune function and weight while losing their energy, health and mobility.  Many people are using OTC and prescription medications as a result.  Most food eateries and manufacturers are using artificial sweeteners, cheap ingredients, cheap labor, chemical contaminated ingredients, excess refined sugar, MSG, micro waved foods, processed refined oils, table salt, unsanitary and unhealthy practices.

Many people are consuming excessive 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 cultured and raw for optimal health.

While many young people in the Bahamas are active, fit and walking regularly, too many adults and kids are following the foreign influence with harmful consequences.   There are many benefits when you consistently eat, energize and exercise for optimal health.  Many people in Nassau are experiencing declining health due to unhealthy food and lifestyle choices which will cause them to struggle even more financially.  This unhealthy trend is also a serious threat to the Nassau and Bahamas economy and standard of living.

Boat

Bahamas is a beautiful place to live or visit for beaches, good food, slow pace of life and traditional values.

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

Nassau and the Bahamas are facing the same challenges as the rest of the world.  An excess of alcohol, coffee, 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 Bahamas are dehydrated and over acidic.  This is a global problem and negatively impacts everyone who wants to be happy, healthy and in harmony.

Bahamas is a beautiful place to live or visit for beaches, good food, slow pace of life and traditional values.  Unfortunately like many other places it has many temptations as well.  Bahamas is well positioned to benefit from their banking, food, rich coral and volcanic soil and strategic location near the US.   Unfortunately being an island the main way to get goods and people there is by ship or flying and this makes everything imported more expensive.

This Great NEWS post is the Happy Healthy Travel Tales & Tips Part 9 Bahamas.  There are always simple steps and smart solutions to help anyone committed to fresh foods, holistic health and terrific travel.  This Part 9 Bahamas post is shared to help you discover the big challenges so you can make better choices and decisions 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 city and country 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, role models 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 10 Belize