Recently, the story of an American woman who lost about 20 pounds without following a special diet has drawn attention to healthy lifestyle habits.
She credits her weight loss to adopting a “European dining culture and lifestyle.”
Richa Prasad, a 39-year-old content creator, moved from Seattle to Portugal about two years ago. Her YouTube channel gained widespread interest after she shared how she naturally shed weight, without extreme workouts or strict diets, simply by adjusting to her new environment.
Prasad says her eating habits changed dramatically after relocating to Portugal. Back in the U.S., she often ate on the go, but this behavior felt out of place in Europe, naturally shifting her approach to food.
“I used to think eating while walking was efficient, but you rarely see that in Europe,” Prasad explains. “In Portugal, mealtime is treated as a sacred cultural experience.”
She observed that locals take time to savor their meals, focusing on conversation and connection rather than just the act of eating. This mindful approach also extends to social drinking, where the emphasis is on interaction rather than consumption — a stark contrast to what she was used to in American culture.
Instead of strict diets or hours in the gym, Prasad attributes her transformation to small, consistent lifestyle changes like eating balanced meals and taking daily walks.
“Rigid diets and intense workouts can lead to yo-yo dieting and feelings of guilt,” she notes. “The real secret to long-term health is a sustainable, gentle approach.”
One of the biggest changes came from rethinking her snacking habits. Prasad naturally cut down on unnecessary snacking by eating four regular meals daily. Her routine now includes breakfast at 7 a.m., brunch at 10 a.m., lunch at 4 p.m., and dinner at 6 p.m. She adds that the fasting periods between meals helped stabilize her appetite.
Prasad’s final piece of advice is to let go of food guilt. She says that people in Portugal enjoy foods like butter, cheese, and croissants without shame.
She emphasizes, “It’s all about your mindset. Eating with guilt often leads to overeating. Finding satisfaction and joy in your meals is the key to healthy habits.”
Most Commented