Skinny Spain Part I

     This is the first thing I saw when I walked into the local supermarket in Salamanca, named Carrefour.  I was astonished that there were rows and rows of fresh food as far as the eye could see.  I wondered to myself, "where is all the junk food?"  In the United States, usually the junk food takes up 90% of the store and occupies the center of the supermarket, while the fresh food lies on the periphery.  In Spain, I walked around for 15 minutes before I could find the processed products.  You are probably wondering why it took me so long... No I am not directionally challenged and no I was not drunk at 1pm.  I couldn't find it because the junk food was downstairs and I had to use the escalator located in the very back corner to find it.  After I rode the escalator down, I had to pass aisles of beauty products before I finally found the cookies and yummy cereals.

     The layout of the supermarket literally blew my mind.  Since I've been here, it is clear that there are SIGNIFICANTLY less fat people here thanks to the Mediterranean diet, less cars, the culture, and little things like the layout of a supermarket.

     The mediterranean diet consists of ...

• Many vegetables, fruits, legumes, and high quality grains
• Some fish, birds, and less dairy products
• Olive oil as the typical condiment (from the Romans)
• A little bit of wine
• Reduced intake of sugars and sweets
• Little to no "fast food"
• Paired with constant physical exercise

     Spaniards have maintained a healthy diet that creates a high quality of life.  However, it is clear that the American influence is gradually penetrating the rich culture and imposing negative effects on Spain.