I never thought a change in location could change so much about how I feel. But here I am, in the lush, sticky beauty of Costa Rica, and my body feels… light. Light in a way that feels more internal. My skin? Clear. My stomach? Calm. My mood? Brighter. And it all traces back to one thing: food.
Let me be honest with you—I am DEFINITELY no dietitian. Back home in the States, I eat when I can(barely), skip meals when I’m busy, and like most Americans, I fall victim to the convenience of fast food. I’d easily drink 2-3 sodas a day if they were around, and I rarely stop to think about how my body responds. The portion sizes? Huge. The ingredients? Processed. The feeling afterward? Heavy.
But Costa Rica has offered me a new perspective on nourishment. Here, food is fresh. And I mean fresh. You can taste the difference in every bite. Juices are made from real fruit. Meals are balanced and made with care. And while soda is technically available, it’s not the first option. When fruit juice is free and flavorful, and you’re sweating daily from hikes, you naturally reach for water. It makes a difference.
Back in the U.S., it’s no secret that our diets are slowly killing us. According to the CDC, more than 70% of adults are overweight or obese, and diet-related illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure are on the rise. This isn’t just about appearance—it’s about quality of life. But the solution doesn’t have to be complicated. Eating better can change everything.
During this trip, I’ve noticed how deeply tied my energy, mood, and even my skin are to what I’m eating. For the first time in months, I haven’t had a single breakout. I don’t feel sick after meals, and I don’t get that sluggish, bloated feeling I’m used to after eating heavily processed food. The food here supports you—it doesn’t weigh you down.
Ladies, let me take a moment to speak to you directly. If you’ve ever struggled with period cramps, did you know that diet plays a major role in menstrual health? Multiple studies, including research published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, have shown that a diet rich in whole foods especially fruits, vegetables, and water can help reduce the intensity of cramps. Cutting down on sugar, caffeine, and greasy processed food can actually make your period more manageable. I’ve felt that first-hand on this trip. My cycle came and went with little pain, and that in itself felt like a miracle.
And it’s not just about what you avoid it’s about what you consume. Great health starts from within. We can buy all the creams in the world, but if we’re not treating our bodies right from the inside, the surface will always show it. What you eat is your skin care, your wellness plan, and your therapy.
Let’s talk fruit, because that’s one of my favorite parts of this entire experience. It tastes different here. The pineapples? On a whole new level. We had the chance to visit a pineapple farm, and I learned so much that I wish I could package and bring home with me.
We got to look through rows of pineapple plants, watch how they’re grown, harvested, and distributed, and best of all? We got to try them fresh, straight from the field. Juicy. Sweet. Tangy. Perfect. And here’s a tip I’ll never forget: we’re doing it WRONG back home. Typically, we pick a yellow-ish pineapple from the grocery store, leave it on the counter for a few days to “ripen,” then cut it and refrigerate it. But what’s actually happening is fermentation.
Here’s the correct method: pick the greenest pineapple you can find. Cut it as soon as you get home, and put it in the fridge to stop the fermentation.
Want another fun fact? The top of the pineapple is the sourest part, the middle is the sweetest, and the bottom is the least sweet. So if you’ve got an annoying sibling, maybe give them the top and keep the center for yourself.
Just saying.
This entire trip has opened my eyes not just to medicinal plants, but to the broader world of food, health, and wellness. Ive been studying traditional plant-based medicine, and while that’s still my focus, I find myself thinking more and more about the connections between natural remedies, environmental sustainability, and nutrition. There’s a whole world of knowledge wrapped up in what grows from the earth. Should I consider a future in nutrition or even environmental nutrition?!
There’s nothing like looking good and feeling good and it all starts with what’s on your plate.
So no, I may not be the girl who can name every plant on a hike. I may complain about the bugs and crave a good air-conditioned nap. But when I sit down for a meal here, surrounded by good people, fresh food, and the sounds of the rainforest I know I’m being nourished, body and soul. And that makes it all worth it.
Today I challenge you to take some time to really evaluate what you’re consuming on your plate, in your cup, and even in your environment. How does it make you feel? Not just in the moment, but hours or even days later? Our bodies respond to what we feed them, and that goes far beyond food. Energy, emotions, habits, it all matters. And at the end of the day, this body we live in isn’t just ours it’s God’s temple. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). So treat it with care, nourish it with love, and be mindful of what you allow inside. Because you deserve to feel good, inside and out.
From the Inside Out -Kyla M. Williams
The fruit is sweet,
but the healing is deeper.
Not just in the taste,
but in the stillness after.
My skin breathes.
My body thanks me.
My spirit rests.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31
Let food be more than filler.
Let it be fuel.
Let it be joy.
Let it be love.
Talk to you all next week 🦋
Dope!!