Imagine a diet that promotes weight loss and isn’t restrictive. Sounds crazy, right? What about a diet for people who have had no luck with vegetarian or vegan diets, but still want to support the well-being of animals and the natural environment? Turns out, such a diet exists for both of these preferences, and it might not be as outlandish as one might think. In fact, with the Nordic diet, you truly can have your cake and eat it too.
Combine the Scandinavian value of simplicity with their concern for the natural world, and what you get is the Nordic diet.
So what exactly is the Nordic diet? What does it entail? Essentially, the Nordic diet places emphasis on eating a balanced diet of whole foods, embodying the Swedish concept of lagom: nothing in excess, but nothing too little, either. According to one expert, the Nordic diet places emphasis on natural foods, specifically whole grain products, locally grown fruits, berries, and vegetables, fish, low-fat or fat-free milk products, canola oil (rapeseed oil), and vegetable oil-based margarines.
It is not too far off from its relative, the Mediterranean diet; however, there are some key differences that set the Nordic diet apart from its contemporaries.
This article will provide six compelling reasons why the Nordic diet has been recognized by nutritionists as one of the healthiest diets in the world.
1. Emphasis on Plants and Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables
There are many reasons why the Nordic diet is excellent for reducing your carbon footprint. Eating greens and buying them locally is definitely one of them. Not only will eating healthy, locally grown foods help you stay in shape, but it will also help to reduce the waste and air pollution involved in transporting food over hundreds, if not thousands, of miles. Additionally, locally harvested food won’t have nearly as many preservatives as foods that need to travel over long distances, making it both healthier and more organic.
Of course, eating local foods may not always be feasible, depending on where you live; but, going down to your neighborhood farmer’s market every now and then is a great way to spice up your eating habits and to incorporate the Nordic diet into your lifestyle. Now that’s something to feel good about!
2. It May Lower Your Risk for Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes
While there have been relatively few studies published on the Nordic diet, it shares a similar premise with the Mediterranean diet: the research topic of quite a few health studies already. The diets’ shared emphasis on plant-based meals, whole grains, seafood, and legumes has been shown to lower one’s risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This also goes hand in hand with the diets’ recommendation to eat red meats and sweets in moderation. Remember, lagom can go a long way!
3. It Can Decrease Inflammation in Fat Tissue
Of the few studies that have been published on the Nordic diet, one has shown that this manner of eating has a direct connection to reducing the inflammation in one’s fat tissue. The study cites the diet’s emphasis on “whole-grain cereal products; local berries, fruits, and vegetables; fish; low-fat or fat-free milk products; rapeseed oil; and vegetable oil-based margarines” as foods that are proven to have a variety of health benefits. One such benefit is the regulation of fat tissue inflammation “at the molecular level.”
4. It Promotes Animal Well-Being
Yes, the Nordic diet does involve the consumption of seafood and meat; however, when meat is eaten according to the Nordic diet, it is done so in moderation and only purchased from farms that support the health of their animals. For the individuals who have tried and failed at maintaining vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyles, this may be the diet best suited to their dietary needs. Not only will your body be receiving enough of the b-complex vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids it needs, but you will also be supporting farms that care for their animals, rather than ones that maintain poor living conditions.
5. It’s Great For Your Gut
One important component of the Nordic diet is fermented foods. Not only does this element add flavor to the diet’s culinary experience, but it also provides probiotics that can protect against diabetes, obesity, digestive issues, and more. Probiotics, which are basically just the friendly bacteria you want to have in your body, are also beneficial to your immune function and will help you fight off any bad bacteria that may be lingering around.
6. It Allows You to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
Yo-yo dieting is a phenomenon we all want to avoid. What’s the point of depriving yourself if your increased hunger will only make the pounds return anyway? The Nordic diet is a much better alternative.
According to one study, people who exhibited either strong initial or increased adherence to the Nordic diet over a period of seven years experienced improved long-term weight loss and management. The goal of any diet you follow should be to support a healthier lifestyle. The Nordic diet speaks for itself by showing that, not only can it help people lose weight, it is also sustainable enough to keep the pounds off for years!
7. You Can Still Have Your Sweets
I don’t need to tell you that too much of anything can be a bad thing, especially with sugar. However, the Nordic diet places more emphasis on moderation than it does on restriction. Eating the Scandinavian way isn’t about monitoring every bite you take; rather, it’s about finding enjoyment in eating a healthy, balanced diet, which includes an occasional treat. Like what was said earlier, you truly can have your cake and eat it too!
Conclusion
All in all, if you’re looking to begin eating a more balanced diet, the Nordic diet is a great place to start.
One’s health can easily deteriorate by over-indulging in foods high in refined carbs, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives; however, well-rounded dietary guidelines, such as those of the Nordic diet, can be one of the best antidotes to diet-related health problems. Not only can the Nordic diet help prevent a plethora of diseases and promote general health, but it has also been shown to help people lose weight and keep the pounds off for years!
The benefits of the Nordic diet are anything but imaginary. And while it all may seem too good to be true, this method of eating is one of the most realistic ways to invest in your long-term health.
