When it comes to diets, we don’t usually stick to just one. After all, there are numerous ways to eat healthy without subscribing to a single diet, which is by focusing on every person’s individual nutritional needs instead. But then there’s the Nordic diet – and wow are we loving the majority of aspects that make it what it is! Here’s a quick run down as to the reasons why. 

 

1. It’s a wholesome way to eat.

The Nordic diet heavily focuses on food that is healthy like fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fish, seafood, and low-fat dairy. Compared to a Western diet, a study shows that the Nordic diet has less sugar and fat – red meat, other animal fats, processed food, refined fast food, and added sugars are discouraged. 

 

2. Features heart-healthy oil. 

Similar to the Mediterranean diet, one huge difference between the two is that the Nordic diet uses canola oil instead of olive oil. Considered as one of the healthiest out there, this plant-based oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, has no trans fat, and contains only 7% saturated fat – which is considered the least compared to other cooking oils. 

 

3. Helps reduce health risks. 

Since the Nordic diet features food types that provide the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that we need to stay healthy, it’s no wonder people who follow said diet have lower blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of a heart attack. It may also prevent strokes. 

 

4. Lessens environmental impact. 

The Nordic diet was created back in 2004 not just to address rising obesity rates in the Nordic countries – Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland – the creators also wanted a diet that had less environmental impact by focusing on foods that are not just locally sourced, but also sustainably produced. 

 

5. It’s not as restrictive as other diets. 

When it comes to flexibility, you won’t have a problem with the Nordic diet! It doesn’t matter if you want to go gluten-free, dairy-free, or all out vegetarian: this diet can be tweaked and interpreted the way you want, with lots of food options for you to choose from. 

 

There are so many diets out there, and the beauty in all these options is that we have the ability to assess each one of them. We get to pick out the pros and get rid of the cons, and from there, build a dietary plan that suits our unique nutritional needs. That’s the important thing: that we get the most out of these dietary guidelines to become the best and healthiest versions of ourselves!