In order to lose weight, there are those who starve themselves by undergoing completely unbalanced diets. While it is true that they begin to see results quickly, it is also true that their health is undermined. Without a doubt, they pay a very high price for looking good in the mirror.
There are hundreds of different diet options. Many of them guarantee rapid and significant weight loss. But, in general, they tend to be unbalanced and, therefore, often threaten life itself.
This mistake, many times, is made by getting carried away by people’s comments and not going to a specialist. Nutritionists are the ones who have the necessary training to determine, based on your height, weight, age and level of physical activity, which diet is best for you to practice.
Likewise, this person will also be in charge of monitoring your evolution and verifying that no type of anomalies are occurring during the process, which guarantees that you will enjoy good health while losing weight.
Are you looking for a diet? Would you like to investigate the ones that exist? Do you want to know its benefits? Would you like to know what restrictions they impose? Have you ever heard of the Nordic diet? If not, you have nothing to worry about.
Through this post I will share with you a series of characteristics that identify this diet. Also, you will know what the correct way to do it is and what benefits it offers to your health.
Knowing all these details will make you make a good choice. Remember that it is not only about looking, but also about feeling good. It is also recommended that the diet you start is not momentary, but that it lasts for a while until it changes your eating habits for the better. Let’s see how to do it.
Instructions for doing the Nordic diet
The Mediterranean diet is known to many. This is a diet that is closely related to the gastronomy and lifestyle of the people who inhabit the area that bathes this sea.
More recently, however, a strong competitor from Northern Europe has emerged. This is the Nordic diet. It has been so successful that it is among the most recommended by the World Health Organization in 2018.
The Nordic diet consists of a pattern that is framed in the countries from northern Europe, such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, etc. It is based on the use of food produced locally, which is in season and under the premise of respect for nature and the recovery of the culinary culture of the entire territory.
In a few words, it can be said that it is based on four sustainable principles: health, gastronomic potential, sustainability and Nordic identity. Now, what do you need to know to carry out this diet correctly?
What do you need to do the Nordic diet?
To be able to do the Nordic diet, you need to be aware of what foods are allowed by it. They include:
- Green leafy and root vegetables. Some of them are: cabbages, broccoli, beets, onions, turnips, potatoes, cabbage and carrots. However, if you don’t like these vegetables or can’t find them easily, you can substitute any other green leafy vegetables that are in season.
- Berries and fruits of the forest. For example: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Not only are they delicious fruits, but they are also very versatile and healthy for the body.
- Oats, barley and rye. They are whole grain and unrefined cereals that are also a source of healthy carbohydrates. Moreover, they are also a source of protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins.
- Fish and shellfish. The recommendation is to focus on the consumption of fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, etc., since these fish are responsible for providing a significant amount of omega 3 and vitamins. In view of this, it is permissible to eat fish on several days of the week.
- Canola oil. Unlike the Mediterranean diet, which is based on the consumption of extra virgin olive oil, in the Nordic diet, the main option is canola oil. This type of oil contains monounsaturated fat, which is healthy for our body.
- The algae. Being a food of Asian origin, it is not so easy to find. However, it is included in the Nordic diet due to how healthy it is for the human body.
- The legumes. Among the most common are beans and peas. But, if you prefer, you can include any type of legume, since they are foods rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
At the same time, you need to know what foods are prohibited in the Nordic diet. Among them are the following:
- Tran’s fats, including processed vegetable oils.
- Fast food, such as pizzas, hamburgers, tacos, etc.
- Fizzy drinks.
- Refined sugar.
- Processed and ultra-processed foods.
- Additives, such as flavorings, preservatives, colorants, etc.
Ideas for a Nordic menu
- For lunch: you can bet on legumes, such as lentils, beans and chickpeas. During the summer, you can make them in cold dishes, such as salads. While, during the winter, you can consume them in broths and soups. Other days you can opt for vegetable dishes, such as broccoli, cauliflower, potato salad, etc.
- For dinner: enjoy blue fish. You can do it baked, grilled, steamed, in vinegar, with tomato and much more. You can accompany it with mushrooms or mushrooms.
- Dessert or snack: choose the fruits that are in season, such as strawberries, watermelons, pineapple, melon, etc. These will be responsible for providing you with fiber, water, antioxidants and minerals.
Remember that you can use any type of aromatic herbs. This variety will give you the opportunity to give different flavors to your dishes. Among the most recommended are dill, spring onion and fennel.
In this diet, moderate intake of meat, eggs, cheese and yogurt is recommended. So, if you choose quality ones, you can enjoy them a couple of times a week. What else should you know about the Nordic diet?
Tips for doing the Nordic diet
It has been shown that those who follow the set of dietary guidelines proposed by the Nordic diet have been able to perceive many positive effects, not only in terms of health, but also when it comes to generating significant weight loss.
In fact, it is known that in Scandinavia, the rate of obesity is much lower than in those countries that do not follow this diet. But, in addition to that, some of its benefits are:
- A significant drop in blood cholesterol levels.
- The improvement of blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, kidney failure and even a stroke.
- Weight loss.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties. In this way, it reduces the chances of developing diseases, such as cancer, arthritis and different heart conditions.
As you have been able to realize, there are many benefits of following the Nordic diet, so it is worth trying. This diet has the different nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy, which is why it is an excellent option to obtain the figure you want so much.
As a last recommendation, I tell you that it is important that you drink a large amount of water a day, between 2 and 3 liters. This will help you get rid of toxins and deflate the body. Also, it would be good for you to accompany this diet with a balanced exercise routine.
If you put these recommendations into practice and follow the parameters of the Nordic diet to the letter, you will not only enjoy good health, but you will also show off an enviable figure.
