After eight months of living between Portugal and Mongolia, coming back to the Netherlands felt like a deep exhale. The very first thing I missed? My own bed and the comfort of our home. There’s something grounding about being back in your own space—familiar, cozy, and stable.
When we left, Jasmin was only three months old. Returning now, it felt almost like she was rediscovering her own home for the first time.
Protein Products and Accessibility
One of the biggest differences I noticed while traveling was the availability of protein products.
In Mongolia, protein powders and supplements were almost non-existent in regular stores. Of course, meat there is abundant, high-quality, and inexpensive, so perhaps supplements aren’t seen as necessary—people simply eat meat as their primary source of protein.
In Portugal, protein powders and bars were much easier to find, even in regular supermarkets.
But in the Netherlands, accessibility has reached another level. Coming back, I was surprised to see how much variety had been added in just the past eight months. From protein powders to bars and ready-to-drink shakes, it feels like the options have multiplied overnight.
Supplements, Fresh Food, and Everyday Biohacks
Another thing I missed in the Netherlands is the wide availability of supplements and clean-ingredient products. In Portugal, it was possible to order some items online, but here in the Netherlands even the local supermarket stocks MCT oil and other niche health products.
And then—fruits and vegetables. After three months in Mongolia, which truly is a paradise for carnivores, I found myself craving fresh, diverse, plant-based foods. Back here, the accessibility and quality of produce feel like such a gift.
I also deeply appreciate how walkable life is in the Netherlands. Even though our home isn’t directly close to nature, we have a small backyard—and that simple connection to green space makes a big difference in everyday wellbeing.
The Biohacking Community
Another highlight of being back is the community. Dutch people work out a lot, so gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor training spots are everywhere. And the biohacking scene here is thriving—there are regular meet-ups in Amsterdam, almost weekly, where people share experiments, ideas, and support.
The Only Drawback
If there’s one thing I didn’t miss, it’s the rain. Dutch weather can make it tricky to spend as much time outdoors as I’d like. But even with that, the Netherlands remains one of the most supportive environments for biohacking I’ve experienced.
🧭 Biohacker’s Takeaways from Returning to the Netherlands
- Appreciate accessibility – Protein products, supplements, and clean health foods are more available here than in many countries.
- Balance diet with variety – After time in a meat-heavy culture, fresh fruits and vegetables feel essential for balance.
- Movement matters – A walkable lifestyle and easy access to gyms or outdoor training make a big difference in consistency.
- Community fuels growth – Regular meet-ups and a like-minded network help keep motivation and curiosity alive.
- Embrace small green spaces – Even a backyard or balcony can provide grounding and a daily nature connection.
- Work with, not against, the climate – Rain may limit outdoor time, but there are always creative ways to adapt
Biohacking with Kate 
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