I'm from Costa Rica: Here's what we eat every day for a long, healthy life—it's our 'secret to longevity'

Costa Rica is home to one of the world's Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives than average. I'm from a small town in the region of Cartago, called Llano Grande, which is known for its rich agriculture. 

As a cookbook author and cooking teacher who was born and raised here, I have always felt that our diet and "pura vida" lifestyle is our secret to longevity. 

To Costa Ricans, what we eat is just as important as the experience in the kitchen and around the table. We deeply value the community that comes with cooking. Growing up, I always helped my family prepare our meals, and even harvested some of the ingredients. 

Lunches and dinners always lasted for at least an hour, and it was our time to talk about our day. This kind of mindful, collective approach to food is something I love to share with the students who take my cooking classes. It is not just about the food we eat, but the connections that happen around it.

The best way to describe Costa Rican cuisine is simple and fresh. Our diet relies highly on staples like fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans.

Here are some of the foods that I cook and eat every day to feel healthier and happier in the long run.

1. Beans

Beans are a great source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals. They have been linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. 

Black and red beans are the most popular, usually served as part of a casado (our traditional dish of rice, beans, veggies and protein) or as a soup consisting of beans and vegetables.

Chickpeas and lentils are popular here and can be used as a substitute for the traditional black beans.

2. Fresh fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables in Costa