Losing weight isn’t easy, and it often makes us long for a magical diet. Eating a healthy but unappetizing diet seems to be a tough task. However, Scandinavians have a different and better approach to staying fit. The Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark – have found the perfect diet for losing weight. Learn more about he 5 Scandinavian slimming secrets.
While the obesity prevalence was 42.4% in the United States in 2017-2018, Scandinavians have never had a high obesity rate. Along with a healthy weight, their culinary culture also promotes longevity, as Scandinavians have one of the longest life expectancies. Just like the Mediterranean diet, the traditional Nordic diet and active lifestyle have been gaining popularity.
The Difference Between the Mediterranean and the Nordic Diet
Popularity isn’t the only common factor between the Mediterranean diet and the Nordic diet. The main difference between the two diets is the fat source. The Mediterranean diet prefers olive oil, whereas the Nordic diet favors rapeseed oil, also called canola oil. Apart from the oils, they are both whole foods and plant-based diets. They are better for the environment too, as they don’t include red meat. The Mediterranean and Nordic diets share similar advantages. Chronic illnesses, such as cholesterol, cancer, and heart diseases, can be prevented through these diets.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Scandinavia Is One Of The Healthiest Regions In The World
How the Nordic Diet Works
The best part about the diet is that it doesn’t promote calorie counting. It’s not crash dieting, but a way to completely transform your lifestyle for the better. The Nordic diet includes plant-based and seasonal foods, with lean protein and healthy fats. It has plenty of organic produce, so you just need to visit your local farmers’ market. Canola oil provides the right amount of healthy fats and the sustainably caught fish will keep you satiated for a long time. Whole grains like legumes and oats, wild foods, and carbohydrates in the diet are considered the best nutrients for weight loss. The promising results of the Nordic diet are backed by research, too. Therefore, it’s a safe and healthy approach for weight loss.
What Are the Scandinavian Slimming Secrets?
When you look at someone with a Nordic background, it’s easier to get jealous. Why? Well, their thin waists and slim figures are the dreams of anybody trying to lose weight. The secret lies in their traditions and diet, so you just have to add the following strategies into your lifestyle to shed those extra pounds.
Related: 6 Scandinavian Health Philosophies We Should All Embrace
Eat the right nutrients
Scandinavians follow a moderate approach in every area of life. They avoid less or excess use of anything, be it food or other activities. As a result, the Nordic diet contains the right nutrients in a balanced amount. Unlike common diets, it doesn’t cut off on carbohydrates and dairy. Since it is mostly cold in the Nordic countries, their diet includes a variety of cold-weather foods. Root vegetables, apples, plums, and pears are the commonly eaten fruits and veggies. They are rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, all of which are essential for a healthy body. Fatty fish, such as mackerel and salmon, provide omega-3 fatty acids. They are beneficial for your heart health, as well as your mental health.
Exercise and socialize
Most people exercise alone in gyms or at home, as it has become the norm nowadays. Scandinavians follow a different strategy by combining socialization and exercise. They have sports clubs for every sport and you can find them throughout Scandinavia. If they wish to expand their social circle, Scandinavians join a sports club. It connects like-minded people together, especially through their similar interests in exercise. Surprisingly, sports clubs aren’t limited to your house, but the workplaces also have their own social sports group.
Related: Why More People Should Be Eating the Nordic Diet
Walk around the city
Despite the cold climate in Nordic countries, people prefer to walk around the city. Whether it’s freezing cold or snowing, you’ll find people either walking or bicycling. Public transportation combined with walking is the common way of commuting. People also use bicycles to travel to work or colleges.
Have smaller meals
Along with a healthy diet, Scandinavians also emphasize portion control. They have smaller meals and eat often, instead of the regular big meals. Research has found that smaller meals are more beneficial for health, as they lower cholesterol levels and maintain blood sugar levels. While a big meal may cause an increase in both. The Nordic diet contains grains with high fiber content, which has been shown to support maintaining weight loss. Fiber keeps you full for a long time, so eating smaller meals packed with fiber can be great for slimming down.
Breathe in fresh air
Scandinavians spend a part of their day outside regularly. This is derived from their philosophy of spending time in nature for a healthy life. They spend this time exercising or simply enjoying the beautiful views and fresh air. The exercise adds to their weight loss and nature helps to regulate stress.
5 Scandinavian Slimming Secrets – Conclusion
Scandinavians’ lifestyle is the major reason for their healthy body. They don’t follow any fad diets, but a few healthy approaches. When it comes to weight loss, Health Canal has always encouraged a healthy lifestyle change. Try including these healthy habits in your daily life and you’ll see the benefits.
5 Scandinavian Slimming Secrets, written dedicately for Daily Scandinavian by
Kanza Javed. Kanza is a writer and a storyteller. She possesses a passion for writing and has delivered outstanding content to readers around the world. She enjoys writing about lifestyle tips and wants to assist others in living healthier lives. Her published articles in the healthcare field have piqued the interest of many readers and have helped them improve their quality of life. When she is not writing, you will find her reading books, spending time in nature, and taking long walks.
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