Health Tips from the Spanish Lifestyle

The beach in Valencia

I had the amazing opportunity to go to Spain with my family over spring break. I learned so much from this trip, and I noticed a few cultural differences that seemed to make the Spanish culture healthier than the American lifestyle to which I'm accustomed.

For one, Spaniards aren't so fast-paced about everything. They don't usually start work until 9 or 10am. They take a two to three hour work break in the afternoon, and really take their time in the evenings over a light meal with family and friends.
 In the US, we really hate wasting time. We're always rushing to do things. We push our kids into days packed with school and extracurriculars. College students drink pots of coffee to pull all-nighters. Adults work overtime at the office to get a promotion. I've noticed in myself that I have a hard time just savoring free time. I always have something I should be doing, and it crowds my mind. To put it simply, I just don't know how to relax. It's almost a foreign concept to me. Even crocheting is busywork incorporated into my relaxation time. Since I've come home from Spain, I've become more conscious of how worked up I feel after a long, hard day, and I'm starting to worry about the affect it's having on me. Maybe it's time for me to clear up my schedule a little bit and just learn to chill out already.

A relaxing day in beautiful Toledo

Secondly, Spanish eating habits are more metabolically friendly. They eat their largest meal in the middle of the day. In some non-touristy areas, they even served five-course meals for lunch! When we eat a big meal then go to bed, whatever we don't need for tissue repair is often stored as fat. Eating most of your calories in the morning and afternoon gives your body time to use them.

Jamón, manchego cheese, and Spanish wine for tapas!

Third, tapas are pretty much the best idea ever. You order a few very small plates of food, and split them with your family or friends. Then, you order a second round or go to a different restaurant or bar. The time it takes to get that second round of food gives your brain time to process how full you really are. You end up eating less because your hormones have time to catch up with your stomach. Another great thing about tapas is the variety. Instead of chowing down on one delicious dish, you can try several! Next time you go out with your friends, try splitting a few appetizers instead of ordering individual plates. Maybe the tapas idea will strike a chord with you, too!


I had a great Spring Break, and I hope this post helps me share some of the trip with you!