Nicaragua: Now we're face to face
Famished from a full day of activities, we decided to re-energize with Nicaragua's version of fast food. We chose from one of the various street vendors (though they all offer basically the same variety of options) and within two minutes we each had a plate full of semi-nutritious satisfaction in our hands. My fellow volunteer friend ordered first, and was served a plate of rice, red beans, fried plantains, cabbage salad, and beef. I asked for the same option, minus the beef, a request to which the lady serving us responded by giving me an "are-you-sure-about-that" look. Yes, I was sure and no, my decision didn't leave me feeling dissatisfied.
While finding vegetarians among the Nicaraguan population is not as common as it is among any given selection of Peace Corps volunteers, I have found that the diet is generally accepted here.
I work in six different high schools and within the past two weeks I've been questioned about my dietary habits in four of them. For the most part, people are simply curious. Whereas during my time in Mexico I faced quite a bit of criticism and persuasion to change my diet, the Nicas seem to respect and almost admire somebody who has the willpower to say no to meat.
Now that doesn't mean they are quick to jump on the bandwagon. Most will continue with the diet they have always had (I'm not saying that's a good or bad thing). The dietary fads here have more to do with finding the miracle food, drink, or other consumable remedy which contains all of the vitamins to prevent cancer, AIDS, and any other potential sickness. Such a thing doesn't exist (fyi) despite various claims made by people trying to make a peso or two from selling their cure-all products here.
What can we conclude from today's analysis of the Nica diet? Basically, nutrition education can be of major benefit around here.
While finding vegetarians among the Nicaraguan population is not as common as it is among any given selection of Peace Corps volunteers, I have found that the diet is generally accepted here.
I work in six different high schools and within the past two weeks I've been questioned about my dietary habits in four of them. For the most part, people are simply curious. Whereas during my time in Mexico I faced quite a bit of criticism and persuasion to change my diet, the Nicas seem to respect and almost admire somebody who has the willpower to say no to meat.
Now that doesn't mean they are quick to jump on the bandwagon. Most will continue with the diet they have always had (I'm not saying that's a good or bad thing). The dietary fads here have more to do with finding the miracle food, drink, or other consumable remedy which contains all of the vitamins to prevent cancer, AIDS, and any other potential sickness. Such a thing doesn't exist (fyi) despite various claims made by people trying to make a peso or two from selling their cure-all products here.
What can we conclude from today's analysis of the Nica diet? Basically, nutrition education can be of major benefit around here.
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