The previous Great NEWS post was Happy Healthy Travel Tales and Tips Part 7 Fiji and today we follow up with Part 8 Madeira. Are you concerned with the disturbing transitions, trends and troubles around the US and world regarding happiness and health? These posts share medicinal messages when received with eager ears, eagle eyes and earnest enthusiasm because they offer hidden hints, imbedded insights and subtle suggestions for you to be even more happy, healthy and holistic. Part 8 Madeira reveals the many traps, trends, tricks and troubles observed to share some simple steps to help you.
Marketing experts say it takes at least 7 messages over time for a new connection or idea to be linked in our conscious mind. Behavior experts say it takes at least 21 days of action, progress and reinforcement to create a new habit. Even if the content of these posts seem a bit repetitive the benefits for your health are huge.
Madeira, Portugal is a beautiful island paradise off the coast of Africa.
It is essential to observe and outline the big challenges we all face and offer better choices because it is easy to go into a trance and not realize the unhealthy influences all around us while at home, travel and work.
My Royal Caribbean transatlantic 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 Funchal, Madeira it was easy to see the best and worst of modern living. Madeira, Portugal is a beautiful island paradise off the coast of Africa.
Traveling is terrific yet reminds me of the sad state of the union in the US and most countries. It inspires me to help more people focus on being happy and healthy. Due to economic chaos and corporate greed many people are now struggling even more. People are confused about their finances, health, lifestyle and well being.
When you forget the basics of what to stop doing and what to start doing to be happy, healthy and holistic you suffer. More people are seeking coaching, education, guidance and wisdom about everything that contributes to a healthy lifestyle and technology is making it easy. Our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual wellness depends on education and encouragement so read further for words with wisdom.
This travel series is a selection of stories written to help people move away from the sources of pain in order to help them move towards the sources of pleasure. Our possibilities and probabilities for great news and perfect health can take a quantum leap when we free ourselves from diseases and synthetic medicines. It requires an investment of energy and time to master health issues, holistic health and natural nutrition strategies and the long term benefits and rapid results are rewarding. Traveling is a great metaphor for health and lifestyle making it easier to share a magnetic message because most people enjoy traveling when it is exciting, fun and rewarding.
Magical Madeira
A magic moment occurred when a vendor had fresh carob pods in the farmers market. Carob is also called St John’s Bread and comes from evergreen trees related to peas so the fruit is actually a legume pod. Carob can be used as a substitute for cacao and cocoa powder in recipes. The market had many other great foods for sale.
Remember it is better to discuss what is great about someone or something first before discussing any areas that can be improved. Madeira has fantastic beauty, crops, food and lifestyle. The island is well known for its fruits, greens, meats, vegetables and wines.
Madeira is an island with incredible agriculture, beaches, beauty, history, mountains and people.
Madeira is a beautiful island paradise that produces a wide variety of foods for the locals and export markets. Most families in Madeira realize the importance of having community and private gardens for growing delicious and nutritious foods. The hills are filled with an abundance of healthy foods due to their unique climate and location.
Madeira is an island with incredible agriculture, beaches, beauty, history, mountains and people. Madeira is famous for its history and strategic location for food, shipping and travel. Christopher Columbus sailed here often on his voyages. The variety of beverages, cultures, foods, smells and tastes is a result of its proximity to Europe, Mediterranean Sea and Africa. In Madeira you find a smorgasbord of American (Standard American Diet – SAD), Asian, British, Indian, Mediterranean, Portuguese and Spanish foods.
Madeira is located in the eastern Atlantic with plenty of rainfall, rich volcanic soil and good topography to yield many food crops. Many foods are grown year round on Madeira with others being seasonal. Due to Madeira’s climate and location it has the right conditions to either grow or import foods for incredible selection.
Funchal and Fantastic Foods
Madeira 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, codfish, dorado, herring, mackerel, marlin, sardines, snapper, tuna, wahoo), shrimp, squid and other sea foods.
Fruits: apples, avocados, bananas, cherimoya, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, lemons, limes, mango, olives, oranges, papaya, passion fruit, pineapple, plantain, plums, tamarind and tangerines
Grains: barley, corn, maize, rye, wheat
Medeira is successful at growing great fruits, grains, greens, herbs, legumes, nuts, seeds, tubers and vegetables.
Greens: arugula, bok choy, cabbage, celery, celery root, chard, collards, dandelion, fennel, kale, lettuce, (endive, escarole, green leaf, iceberg, radicchio, red leaf, romaine), mustard greens, napa cabbage, spinach.
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: beets, carrots, cassava, garlic, onions, parsnips, potatoes, radish, sweet potatoes, turnips, yams, yucca,
Seeds: grapeseeds, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower
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 weed, yucca,
Foods in Madeira can be prepared in a harmful or healthy fashion based on 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 so productive and rich that most whole foods in Madeira 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.
Sugar cane is grown here and excess refined sugar consumption and sweet treats are a serious problem in Madeira. Refined sugar has a long history tied to slavery that still exists today wherever it is grown.
Due to the amazing agriculture industry and some imports from nearby Africa and the Mediterranean the variety in Madeira is outstanding.
Due to the amazing agriculture industry and some imports from nearby Africa and the Mediterranean the variety in Madeira is outstanding. Food prices and selection are great compared to most countries. It is easy to find a good selection of fresh, healthy and nutrient dense organic whole foods in Madeira at local family stands and farmers markets. You will find basic healthy foods 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. Funchal has been infiltrated 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 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 abundant low cost food easily.
Funchal has many small farms and gardens which provide a renewable and sustainable food system. Many locals plant a small garden in their community garden, open space or yard. Living close to the earth and growing their own food like fruits, greens, herbs and vegetables helps people be happier and healthier there. Gardening is great for your happiness and health in many ways besides the nutrient dense organic whole foods grown.
SAD, Sick and Stressed in Madeira
Unfortunately the various powers that ruled Madeira over harvested the native trees and stripped away a lot of the valuable topsoil with plowing and terracing. Using 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. Rich soil, steep terrain and traditional farming helps Madeira grow very healthy foods.
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is gaining a foothold in Madeira and becoming 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 Madeira. 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 Madeira. The country and people are spending more on healthcare to drug companies and hospitals. Diabetes and weight issues are increasing in Madeira.
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.
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. More 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 people in Madeira are active, fit and walking regularly, too many 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 Funchal 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 Madeira and Portugal economy and standard of living.
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.
Madeira and Portugal 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 Funchal are dehydrated and over acidic. This is a global problem and negatively impacts everyone who wants to be happy, healthy and in harmony.
Madeira is a beautiful place to live or visit for great food, quality of life and traditional values. Unfortunately like many other places it has many temptations as well. Madeirai is well positioned to benefit from their abundant food, rich volcanic soil and strategic location near the EU. Unfortunately the ferry between Portugal and Funchal has been cancelled so the main way to get there is flying. Funchal is a great place to step back in time and enjoy a simpler life.
This Great NEWS post is the Happy Healthy Travel Tales & Tips Part 8 Madeira. There are always simple steps and smart solutions to help anyone committed to fresh foods, holistic health and terrific travel. This Part 8 post on Madeira 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 9 Bahamas
[…] 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 […]