Healthy living in Ecuador is the norm, not the exception. The
lifestyle in Ecuador naturally encourages better mental, physical and
spiritual health.
Whether it’s fresh sea breezes or crisp mountain air, bright
sunshine or misty cloud cover, soothing green vistas or dramatic peaks,
the laid-back attitude of the people, the lilt of Ecuadorian flutes or
the zest of Ecuadorian food, good
health caresses you wherever you go in Ecuador.
Recently a couple from North Carolina who’ve been living in
Ecuador for 6 weeks excitedly told us they’d lost about 16 pounds
each since coming here. They exercise their two large dogs daily,
walk just about everywhere they go, and climb a set of stairs to their
second floor apartment. The increased physical activity is paying
off as the pounds effortlessly disappear.
The added benefits of more natural sunshine and thus more vitamin D
shows in the glow of their skin. There is a bounce in their walk
that belies their age.
We often hear health reports from enthusiastic travelers or residents
who are experiencing an increase in
energy levels, mood, vitality and overall well being. Two
friends who are moving to Ecuador permanently comment that every time
they come they quickly lose several unwanted pounds, just by walking to
the market and into town.
Because there is such good public transportation in Ecuador, there is
seldom any need for a car. So instead of driving to the grocery
store or the bank or to pick up the laundry, people walk much more.
I walk up four flights of stairs many times a day and can now
practically run up them. In the beginning the exertion left me
red-faced, gasping for air, and certain that death was imminent, but my
body and lungs have adjusted and now it’s quite easy.
The Great Natural Beauty Here Encourages
Healthy Living in Ecuador
The abundance of natural beauty in Ecuador draws me outdoors like a bee
to a flower. I notice that taking a break from work to walk
around town or a few blocks into the countryside, not only gives my
body a workout, but also fills my
soul with meaning and connectedness to life. Even watching
cows grazing in a field of yellow flowers or kids playing soccer in the
schoolyard never fails to lift my spirits.
For whatever reason people come to Ecuador, an increased connection to
nature and the great outdoors seems to be part of the equation.
Hikers climb the volcanoes or walk around lakes, hills and country
paths.
Cobbled roads practically beg to be explored by foot, bike or
horseback. Prancing paso finos, an elegant Spanish breed of
horses, whinny from paddocks and fields. Cotacachi shops can
fulfill your riding fantasies immediately, offering high-end saddles,
boots and riding equipment at low-end prices.
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