The Nordic Diet WHAT IT IS, HOW IT WORKS... WHERE’S IT FROM? The Nordic countries include Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Greenland. The “Nordic diet” is based on their traditional ways of eating. Like the more famous Mediterranean diet, it’s not really about weight loss. Instead, it's a delicious way to eat healthy. So, what foods does it include?
WHAT CAN YOU EAT? This style of eating is based on these guidelines: • More fruits, vegetables, and seasonal and organic foods when possible • More whole grains • More food from seas, lakes, and the wild • Higher-quality meat and less of it • Less processed, less sugary foods • Cook at home more • Waste less
98
HE & SHE
Like the more famous Mediterranean diet, it's not really about weight loss. Instead, it's a delicious way to eat healthy. See what foods are included.
WHOLE GRAINS Think whole-grain crackers from Sweden or the dark, dense sourdough rye bread from Denmark called rugbrod. Or you can also choose any other high-quality “complex” carbohydrates that are rich in fiber. They also have lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect your cells. BERRIES They’re a big part of the Nordic way of eating and when you eat lots of them, you’re less likely to gain weight. They’re also a good source of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which seem to keep your veins and arteries healthy and flexible, and may help lower your blood pressure.
CANOLA OIL The Mediterranean and DASH diets include olive oil. The Nordic diet generally uses canola oil instead. Like olive oil, it’s low in saturated fat and higher in healthy monounsaturated fat. Also, it has alphalinolenic acid, an omega-3 that may help protect your brain, including from stroke.
ROOT VEGETABLES AND TUBERS Carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes are typical. Though they can be high in calories, they also give you fiber, which takes longer to digest and keeps your blood sugar more stable. And they’re loaded with nutrients that help protect your cells, lower your cholesterol, and help fight infection.
