In today’s world, we are increasingly taking the easy way out and reaching for ready-made, highly processed dishes and products that are not good for our health in the long run. With the growing awareness of the dangers of consuming too much fats, sugars and chemical enhancers, many people try to reach for solutions to offset the effects of such nutritional “sins”. Recently, the Mediterranean diet has been popular in this regard, but it has strong competition in the form of the life-extending Scandinavian diet.
The Nordic Diet, i.e. traditional Norwegian, Swedish or Danish cuisine, is a way of eating based on the healthiest nutrients. This is evidenced by the fact that, according to statistical studies, only slightly more than 10% of the population in these countries is overweight or obese. What’s more interesting, they do not avoid unhealthy food at all, after all, almost every European reaches for it at least once a week. However, the Nordic diet can mitigate the effects of such “sins” and (used on a daily basis) prevent weight gain, increase in blood cholesterol levels and diabetes.
Food good for taste and health
This type of nutrition is a good option for people who have trouble sticking to slimming diets, and at the same time want to keep their figure in check. The Scandinavian menu affects the body already in the genes, because it reduces the activity of those responsible for the development of serious inflammations and diseases, e.g. cancer. Of course, a great booster here will be physical activity, which we should not forget. Half-hour walks, runs or the increasingly popular Nordic walking are enough. It is important that the movement is regular and in the fresh air!
What exactly is this unusual diet based on?
On what is the healthiest in nature. The Nordic diet focuses on eating plenty of vegetables, fish and whole grains. Its main principle is to provide the body with wholesome nutrients, i.e. dietary fibre, protein and unsaturated fatty acids, e.g. omega-3 acids present in fish.
In order to follow the Scandinavian diet, you should eat oily fish (e.g. salmon) at least two or three times a week, legumes and root vegetables, and products containing as little processed cereal grains as possible. For fans of bread, the good news is that bread is acceptable, but only if it is dark and whole grain. In the Scandinavian countries, it is especially popular in the form of pumpernickel.
In the Nordic diet, more than 30% of our daily intake should be vegetables, both the above-mentioned root and legume vegetables, as well as brassicas. At the same time, small amounts of fruit are eaten, mainly in the form of an addition to main dishes. The diet of the Scandinavians also includes meat, especially venison, but not more often than twice a week. All this with the addition of nuts, rapeseed oil, low-fat dairy products (eaten every day! e.g. for breakfast or dinner), as well as large amounts of herbs, nutmeg and pepper.