Running head: ECUADOR FIELD PROJECT

Nutritional Practices in Ecuador

Leah Aragon and Caitlin Martinez
California State University, Stanislaus

ECUADOR FIELD PROJECT

2
Nutritional Practices in Ecuador

I.

E. Vallejo, a 25-year old single female in Cuenca was interviewed. Dr. Oswaldo

II.

Muoz A., a public health presenter, was also interviewed.

The types of food eaten in Ecuador vary.
A. Food has many carbohydrates such as bread, rice, and mote (E. Vallejo, personal
communication, January 7, 2014).
B. Cuy is not eaten daily, only on special occasions, and costs more than beef (E.
Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).
C. Produce and meat are generally bought at the market. Other items can be bought
at a supermarket, called Supermaxi (E. Vallejo, personal communication, January

III.

7, 2014).
Meal schedules in Ecuador are different than in the United States, and have the
potential to have an effect on the countrys health.
A. Lunch usually lasts 30-45 minutes. Dinner is about 20-40 minutes. People eat
slow and take time to digest their meals (E. Vallejo, personal communication,
January 7, 2014).
B. There is a social connection to meals and it is usually eaten with family (E.

IV.

Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).

Globalization may have had an impact on health in Ecuador.
A. Ancestors only ate local food, which is why there was less disease. Fruits and
vegetables were in abundance and meat was always grass fed. Even unhealthy
foods were eaten in moderation (E. Vallejo, personal communication, January 7,
2014).
B. Since produce is grown locally, it is cheaper. It is in their constitution to not use
hormones in produce (E. Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).
1. They have high quality food over high quantity (Dr. O. Muoz, personal
communication, January 7, 2014).

ECUADOR FIELD PROJECT

C. American food, such as McDonalds, pie, meat and potatoes, and pancakes, are
available in Ecuador. It is in their culture to prefer foreign things (E. Vallejo,
personal communication, January 7, 2014).
1. While American companies such as KFC have grown, Ecuadorian food
already has greasy, fried foods (Dr. O. Muoz, personal communication,
January 7, 2014).
2. The migration from rural to urban areas contributes to the increasing rate of
obesity in Ecuador due to sedentary lifestyles and fast food options (Dawson,
2005).
3. Western-style fast food like McDonalds and KFC does not play a large part,
as it is infrequently consumed and often regarded as a treat.
4. WHO reported in 2005 that 40% of men and 50% of women were overweight
V.

and 6% of men and 16% of women were obese (Bernstein, 2008).

Apart from heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, there are other health problems.
A. Osteoporosis is prevalent due to vitamin D deficiency despite being located on the
equator (Dawson, 2005).
B. Front-line food service staff administer the tube feedings, rather than nurses, to

VI.

reduce operating costs (Dawson, 2005).

Exercise plays an important role in the health of the country.
A. Technology has decreased amount of exercise (Dr. O. Muoz, personal
communication, January 7, 2014).
B. People walk less and use buses, cars, and taxis (Dr. O. Muoz, personal
communication, January 7, 2014).
C. Gyms are available. Exercise is getting better, especially in young people (E.
Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).
D. Running is common near the river and at parks (Dr. O. Muoz, personal

VII.

communication, January 7, 2014).

Education about nutrition is a way of promoting health.
A. Information is available. There were posters about obesity, anorexia, and bulimia
at Clinica Humanitaria.

ECUADOR FIELD PROJECT

B. There is still a lack of promotion and education, but they are starting campaigns
(Dr. O. Muoz, personal communication, January 7, 2014).
C. Unlike quitting smoking or drinking, eating is a necessity and is more difficult to
moderate (E. Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).
D. Quito, has created the cyclopaseo, a pedestrian mall, to increase community
VIII.

physical activity (Bernstein, 2008).

Nutrition in children has an impact on the future of health in the country.
A. It is the parents responsibility to teach children about nutrition (E. Vallejo,
personal communication, January 7, 2014).
B. There is a campaign called Healthy Eating in schools. Vendors with soda and
candy have been removed (Dr. O. Muoz, personal communication, January 7,
2014).
C. P.E. is twice a week (E. Vallejo, personal communication, January 7, 2014).

ECUADOR FIELD PROJECT

References
Dawson, K. (2005). A year in ecuador: Reflections on being a nutrition volunteer. Canadian
Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 66 (3rd), 4.
http://ezproxy.lib.csustan.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.cs
ustan.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=2009078243&site=ehostlive&scope=site
Bernstein, A. (2008). Emerging patterns in overweight and obesity in ecuador. Pan American
Journal of Public Health, 24 (1st), 71.
http://ezproxy.lib.csustan.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.lib.cs
ustan.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=37246072&site=ehostlive&scope=site