What it Means to Choose Health in Belize

Eating healthy can feel daunting. Among the salty snacks and sweet treats, prioritizing your wellbeing isn’t always the most appealing option. But for many Belizeans across the country, choosing the healthier option isn’t just a matter of preference, it’s a necessity. Thousands of Belizeans struggle every day with dietary restrictions, due to allergies or non-communicable diseases. Since 2017, Elsie Wolfe, Owner of Natural Choice Belize, has been helping Belizeans access the food and natural supplements they need to support their healthy lifestyle, right here in Belize. In tonight’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, we stopped by her store in Belize City for more information on health and diet culture in Belize, News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Almost a decade ago, Natural Choice Belize opened its doors in Belize City. It was founded by Belizean businesswoman Elsie Wolfe who saw a need to help others with dietary restriction like herself. Since then, she’s made it her mission to let Belizeans know that they can nourish their bodies to suit their needs right here at home.

 

Elsie Wolfe, Owner, Natural Choice Belize

“When you hear health food store, you often just think more about the herbs. But I have a passion for people who have a difficult time getting the foods that they need when they’re on a restrictive diet, whether it’s gluten-free, sugar free, dairy free, or whether it’s by choice or by certain health issues that, that they are needing to make those changes. And I had some health issues growing up and that as I got older I realized that diet change might be the answer to some of my health problems. And there wasn’t that much options in the country, let alone in the city that many years ago. And there still isn’t that much. So  I really wanted to, because I had a need for some of these options. So other people also needed that those options.”

 

Wolfe’s store is stocked top to bottom with foods that you may not be able to access regularly and some that you simply may not be aware of. Many of the foods grown right here in Belize may be an option to fulfill the dietary needs you have been struggling with.

 

Elsie Wolfe

“We import a good amount of our things that we have in my store. But we also have some local stuff and we do have this jungle remedies. It’s a hairy guy from Cayo. He makes this, and this is an herbal supplement, a very herbal supplement that I personally use that was really beneficial for some of my issues that I was facing a couple years ago. And so this is a local Jungle Remedies bitters. That is really helpful for ladies to have different hormonal issues. And yeah, that’s a local product that we’re very proud of, that we still have access to.”

 

One locally grown food that’s been a fan favorite among Belizeans are chia seeds. Many people soak them in water or eat them in baked goods, but Wolfe tells us how this heathy snack can become a delicious, filling meal.

 

Elsie Wolfe

“Chia seed and Greek yogurt, they’re not just food to satisfy your cravings. They’re also nourishing our bodies. And Chia seed is grown locally and it’s high in Omega-3 and it has lots of fiber and it gives you energy. But when you mix it with Greek yogurt, it becomes more than just a swelled up little seed that’s kinda slimy. But which may be not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you mix it with Greek yogurt and some a sweetener of choice or berries or fruits or whatever to sweeten, it becomes an actual meal.”

 

It’s no secret that the typical Belizean diet encourages the consumption of high amounts of salt and sugar. And every year, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension continue to be one of the leading causes of death in the country. Wolfe believes that with more education and community support, those wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle and eat to suit their body’s needs can achieve their goal.

 

Elsie Wolfe

“I think for those who’ve never really dealt with some serious health issues, it’s more difficult for them to understand why someone would change over to a different approach to diet. And unfortunately, some people have to hit rock bottom and to order to understand why the switch is necessary or why other choices might be something that is on the table for certain people. There, there is definitely, I’m not sure I would call it a pushback. But on awareness, I do have some customers that do share that they don’t have the support from their family and friends because they’re, their eating lifestyle is so different and this they may have no other choice because they’re diagnosed with certain allergies and you have no option. And so there’s definitely more awareness needed to understand how allergies work and how certain, food sensitivities work.”

 

Natural Choice Belize is located on Independence Drive in Belize City. And can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Eating healthy starts with a choice. Britney Gordon for News Five.