AS a former military officer, Father Orisi Vuki attributes his enduring strength and vitality to the disciplined lifestyle and healthy habits instilled during his time in the Army.
He shared that he continues to apply these principles in his daily life, believing that maintaining good health is not just a personal choice, but a spiritual responsibility.
He also believes that people should see the gospel in action through how believers live, and that actions often speak louder than words when it comes to spreading the Christian message.
At home, Father Orisi ensures that his family follows a balanced and mindful diet.
He has designated two to three days each week for meatless meals, during which the family eats only vegetables such as cabbage or other meals like dhal, avoiding meat and processed foods like tinned fish.
Father Orisi shared that when there’s a vegetable dish prepapred for the family, it is plain vegetables without an addition of any meat.
“This is not only a health-conscious decision, but also one that reinforces discipline and intentional living,” he said.
“My family is accustomed to these dietary practices and supports the lifestyle, making it a shared commitment to wellness and faith.”
Father Orisi said he integrates traditional and natural remedies into his family’s daily routine.
He said they regularly consume herbal medicine made from Fijian plants, which are boiled each morning in large pots.
“These herbal preparations are a long-standing tradition in Fijian culture, valued for their natural healing properties.
“My family embraces the benefits of Indian spices, which we boil in water and bottle for daily use.”
He said spices such as jeera (cumin), lesom (garlic), Metis (fenugreek), and lawang (cloves) are known for their medicinal qualities, and the practice reflects a blend of cultural wisdom and health awareness.
When it comes to grocery shopping, he chooses Extra Supermarket as it is closer to home and also convenient.
He said Extra Supermarket has everything under one roof. He spends about $300 to $400 every fortnight on grocery items and says he buys mostly in large quantities. He also buys in bulks from Cost-U-Less from time-to-time.
Father Orisi shared that Extra Supermarket is also both convenient and reliable for his family, offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce typically found in local markets.
“Apart from buying vegetables and root crops at the Flagstaff Market, we sometimes buy from Extra as it is right there infront of us.”
He enjoys the variety and accessibility the supermarket provides.
Father Orisi encourage fellow shoppers to remain vigilant when buying groceries and always check product labels and expiry dates to ensure safety and quality.
He also also emphasised the balance between convenience and consumer responsibility when shopping at large retail outlets like Extra Supermarket, which continues to meet customer needs with dependable service.