Americans certainly aren’t known for their healthy diets. What sets the healthiest countries apart?
In Iceland, people live simple, clean lives. Everyone spends a lot of time outside and drinks lots of fresh, glacial water. Surrounded by a black sea and natural hot springs, they eat very specific types of food. Seafood, lamb, and eggs are staples of the Icelandic diet, as well as simple greens and dairy products from healthy cows. They use olive oils to add flavor to entrees and salads. While their diet may not be very fancy, it helps to keep the people of Iceland healthy and happy.
Japan is healthy for similar reasons. The Japanese diet is based mostly on seafood, rice, and fresh vegetables. The people of japan are a resilient people, who focus on long life, peace, and taking dutiful care of their bodies. This care and precision has led to a very healthy lifestyle. Many people in Japan employ a special secret to maintaining perfect health, which is eating until you are 80% full. This practice is called “Hara Hachi Bu” and it is said to contribute to longevity.
In mediterranean countries people, again, eat lots of lean seafood and flavor-fresh vegetables with olive oil. In countries like Greece, it is common to savor your food. The act of savoring makes you take your time with your meal, giving you more time to feel full. Decadent foods like stuffed olives and gelato are meant to be enjoyed slowly, while chatting with a friend. The greeks are certainly onto something.
The world’s healthiest countries seem to have a few things in common. They all enjoy a rich diet of lean seafood, fresh vegetables, and light, flavorful seasoning. Focusing on subtle flavors and the slow enjoyment of a dish, or even stopping before you’re totally full will help you live a longer, healthier life.