Real Food is King: Why We’re Going Back to Wholefoods Over Supplements

Here in Bali, we’re blessed with sunshine, sea breezes, and a tropical abundance of fresh produce. But living in paradise doesn’t make us immune to the daily wear and tear of modern life. Whether it’s Bali-Belly, Dengue,  post-surf exhaustion, over-pollution from vehicle fumes, overstimulation from too much screen time, or just trying to stay steady in a fast-moving world, we all need real support.

At Alive, we’ve seen it all. The wellness trends that promise to “hack” your body. We get it, supplements, protein powders, and fancy superfood blends can be convenient, and in some cases, incredibly helpful. We stock these ourselves, and we’re all for using them when needed. But at Alive, we always come back to one simple truth: nothing replaces real, nutrient-rich wholefoods. Nature made them that way for a reason -full of fibre, phytonutrients, enzymes, and all the good stuff that works in harmony with your body.

And while some supplements do have their place (we’ll get to that), we’re here to make a case for something beautifully basic:

Real food. Wholefood. Nourishment.

The kind your body actually understands. The kind your ancestors would recognise. The kind that starts with plants, not packaging.

Life in Bali is Beautiful… and Demanding

Let’s be real: life in Bali isn’t always barefoot and blissed out. Between the heat, the humidity, travel bugs, traffic chaos, late nights, and overworking (hello, laptop-on-the-scooter crew) our bodies AND minds, take a hit.

• You’ve likely had a case of Bali belly (or dengue).
• You might be dealing with low iron, fatigue, or disrupted sleep from too much screen time or EMFs.
• You’ve tried fasting, smoothies, and too many supplements and still feel flat.
• Your nervous system is whispering (or yelling): “Please slow down.”

Here’s what we’ve found after years of living here, running three stores, and talking to our amazing customers daily: you can’t out-supplement a tired body.

Why We Still Believe in Wholefoods

Wholefoods work with your body, not around it. They support your immune system, gut health, hormones, and mental clarity. They don’t overstimulate, they regulate.

• They’re bioavailable: Your body can actually recognise the nutrients and absorb them properly.
• They nourish the gut: Think pre and probiotic, fermented foods, fibre-rich veggies, and broths that support healing.
• They build resilience over time: No crashes, no quick fixes. Just steady fuel for life in the tropics.

Our Alive Pantry Staples for Bali Living

We’re constantly updating our shelves with the best local and some imported goods,  here’s what we reach for again and again:

Alive Housemade Bone Broth (Frozen)

Mineral-rich, collagen-packed, and gentle on the belly, ideal after a bout of Bali belly or just to ground your system after travel or stress.

Locally Fermented Sauerkraut & Kimchi

Your gut’s best friend. Naturally probiotic, enzyme-rich, and made by us and producers who understand traditional fermentation methods.

Activating your Nuts & Seeds

Great for on-the-go energy without the blood sugar spike. Plus, the activation process makes them easier on digestion.

Granola

A Bali breakfast staple that’s energising, light, and packed with good fats and sprouted grains.

Dried Mango, Papaya & Banana (Nothing Added)

Sweet, chewy, and rich in fibre,  a better snack than gummy vitamins or processed bars.

Herbal Teas (like Tulsi, Moringa, Dandelion)

When your nervous system feels frayed, make tea. These herbs help calm, restore, and rebalance.

Sippable Support: Functional Drinks We Love

Sometimes the best nourishment comes in a glass. These daily sips aren’t just refreshing — they’re packed with real, bioavailable nutrients that support energy, gut health, immunity, and mental clarity.

• Sparkling Water Kefir & Kombucha – Naturally fermented, full of live cultures, and a delicious way to show your gut some love.
• Fresh Ginger Shots & Jamu – Small but mighty, these Balinese staples are immunity boosters that fight inflammation and help reset the system.
• Coconut Water – Nature’s electrolyte drink. Great for post-surf, post-yoga, or post-everything hydration.
• Matcha & Spirulina – Green energy done right. Packed with antioxidants, chlorophyll, and calm-focus energy without the crash.
• Functional Hydration – Think sea salt lemonade, mineral drops, and adaptogenic herbal blends — great for supporting energy, mood, and mineral balance in the tropics.

These are the things we sip on ourselves between customers, between deliveries, between life. Real, whole, alive.

The Real Superfoods: Fruits & Veggies Still Win

Before there were powders, pills, or potions, there were plants. Whole fruits and vegetables are still some of the most powerful healing foods available. They’re full of fibre (which your gut needs), antioxidants, enzymes, hydration, and nutrients in forms your body actually understands.

• Leafy greens for minerals and blood sugar support
• Bananas, papayas & mangos for prebiotics and easy energy
• Turmeric, ginger, and garlic for natural anti-inflammatories
• Berries & tropical fruits for antioxidant power
• Root veg for grounding, especially when your nervous system’s fried

Want better skin, digestion, energy or immunity? Start by adding more colour to your plate. 

When Supplements Do Serve You

There are times when the body needs a little extra,  and when that time comes, we’ve got your back with carefully curated options like:

• B12 - for plant-based eaters, or if you’ve been feeling foggy or flat.
• Magnesium - for muscle recovery, deep sleep, and those overstimulated brain days.
• Probiotics -  especially after antibiotics or food poisoning.
• Zinc & Vitamin C - for immune support in wet season, or when coughs and colds go around.

We’re not here to sell you 20 things. We’re here to recommend what works, and help you strip it back to what’s essential.

Protect Your Mental Energy Too

Nourishment isn’t just about the gut. It’s about your mind, your mood, your ability to show up for your life and still have some peace left over at the end of the day.

• Eat grounding food when you feel overwhelmed.
• Say no to stimulants when what you need is rest.
• Keep your nervous system in mind especially if you’ve been living off iced coffees and tropical fruit bowls.
• Come in for a chat sometimes the best thing for your health is a friendly face and a fridge full of real food.

Back to Basics, Back to Wholefoods

Drop by one of our three Bali stores in Umalas, Canggu, or Kedungu — or browse online at alivewholefoodstore.com.