Most people have heard of the very-popular Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes healthy grains, olive oil, fish, and nuts. The New Nordic Diet, a variation of the Mediterranean diet, was developed in Copenhagen by chefs from Noma, named the “Best Restaurant in the World” by Restaurant magazine in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Although the New Nordic Diet originated in another part of the world, there are has some similarities in the types of foods, and can help people with weight loss , especially compared to a standard Danish diet of sweets and high-fat cheeses and meats. So what makes the New Nordic Diet different from other diets?
One of the staples of the Nordic diet is heart-healthy canola oil. Fatty fishes such as salmon and herring help people to feel satisfied. The diet focuses on leaner cuts of meat and seasonal, higher-fiber fruits and vegetables such as carrots, berries, cabbage, and root vegetables such as beets. People are encouraged to cut back on sugar, salt, and higher-fat dairy products such as butter.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition compared 181 men and women who ate either the New Nordic Diet or a standard Danish diet. After six months, the Danish dieters lost an average of 3 pounds and ½ inch from their waistlines, versus 10 pounds and 1 ½ inches from their waistlines for the Nordic dieters. Blood pressure also dropped in the Nordic dieters by 5 points as compared to 3 points for the Danish dieters.
In a study reported in the Journal of Internal Medicine, researchers split the 166 participants into 2 groups- 70 were asked to eat normally and 96 followed the healthy Nordic diet. At the end of the 18 to 24 week trial, the Nordic diet group demonstrated significant health improvements, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol readings for improved cardiovascular health.
Delicious, heart-healthy, satisfying, loaded with fresh, seasonal produce- maybe it’s time to expand your culinary horizons and try the New Nordic Diet!
Teri
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