When I ask my Guam-based health coaching clients about their diet and goals around food, a few responses come up pretty consistently: “It’s hard to eat healthy on Guam,” or “I don’t know where to find healthy options.”
When I moved back to Guam at the start of 2020, after spending nearly 14 years off-island in California and The Netherlands, I also had a hard time adjusting my diet.
I came from living in cities for most of my adult life where access to fresh, locally grown, healthy food was the norm and there were always plenty of plant-based items always on the menu.
As the founder of a wellness business, and also as a health coach, I was determined to figure out what my routine would be for accessing healthy food on a regular basis, and how I could share this with my clients who were looking to do the same.
My goal of cooking the majority of my meals at home, and eating primarily plant-based, made me soon realize that it would require a bit more time, and a few stops on the grocery shopping route. Here have been my picks for where to shop:
Simply Food
Located in Agana Heights, Simply Food is a small vegetarian grocery store where you can find items such as bulk grains and nuts, dried fruits, vegetarian meats, organic beauty products and environmentally friendly sundries.
While you’re there, check out their all-vegetarian menu of fresh lunch items (and desserts!) including $8.99 lunch specials ranging from CHamoru to Mexican to Indian cuisines. To make it easy, you can also order online, and delivery is also now available through Good to Go.
Pay-Less O.N.E
While my neighborhood Pay-Less is a staple in my weekly grocery shopping route, I also love popping into Pay-Less O.N.E. (Organic + Natural + Education).
Located next to Dededo Pay-Less, you can shop from over 2,000 products picked by their supermarket dietitian that are non-GMO verified, USDA organic, fair trade certified, and free from dairy, gluten and additives.
For extra savings, check out the Dinanche Deals flyer (also available on their website) and bring your own reusable bags. Calvo’s Lifestyle Club members also receive an additional discount on natural and organic purchases.
Pomika
What started as a search for incense, led me to Pomika Sales, one of my favorite finds upon returning home. Located in Tamuning, Pomika is a retail and wholesale provider of Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian and other exotic spices, herbs and groceries.
You can find many ayurvedic ingredients including Indian spices, ghee, teas and more. I love shopping here for certain dried goods in bulk. They also welcome special orders!
Local produce
Finally, two local businesses that have made access to farm fresh produce easy are:
Farm To Table consumers can purchase a subscription of harvest from the farm(s) and will receive a pre-assembled mixed bag of local and seasonal produce such as leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, herbs and eggs. Weekly pick-up is convenient in Hagåtña, Mangilao and Dededo or by delivery.
Guåhan Sustainable Culture offers farm fresh produce bags that can be ordered online and picked up at Sagan Kotturan CHamoru and CHamoru village. I love being able to also add on special local items like local honey from Hafa Adai Honey, Denanche’ hot pepper drizzle and even plants and seedlings for my garden.
Would you prefer to order takeout or dine in at a restaurant? Stay tuned for part 2, where I’ll be highlighting a few of my favorite menu items from local restaurants.
Check out the full article here.
Livia Marati is a women’s holistic health coach and founder of Ina Wellness Collective. You can send her questions and comments at livia@inawellnesscollective.com.