The Nordic diet: high-quality protein, low-fat dairy, high-fibre carbs ... but go easy on the cured fish
- Wholefoods and minimally processed foods are at the heart of Nordic diet. If you can’t find foods specific to region, focus on its principles: fresh and local
- The health benefits of following a Nordic-type diet include a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
The traditional Mediterranean diet has a substantial body of research to support its healthfulness, but there’s a new contender in town – the Nordic diet.
This way of eating was designed by a team of scientists, nutritionists and chefs to improve public health and bolster the culinary appeal of seasonal Nordic ingredients, which are foods available in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Though it differs from the Mediterranean diet in ingredients, it is similar in principle.
Eating fewer processed foods and more whole and locally produced foods are things many people can do within their means – a Nordic-style diet isn’t meant to be a short-term or fad diet. It’s a lifestyle
The diet is based on whole and minimally processed foods: in this case, high-fibre vegetables, whole grains, fruit, dense breads (pumpernickel or real sourdough), fish, low-fat dairy foods, lean meat of all types (beef, pork, lamb, veal), beans and lentils, tofu and skinless poultry.