Viking Quest

Detox diets, juice cleansers, shed ‘five kg in five days’ fad plans witnessed a raging fan following a few years ago. The word diet itself is a dead giveaway for its transient respite, and a supposed nod to switch back to our old habits once the desired goal has been achieved. This state of mind makes backsliding almost inescapable.

However, weight loss is a tricky matter, if convenient solutions are normally more appealing than methods for the long haul, we don’t blame you. What is important to keep in mind is that quick results rarely stand the test of time. So, instead of dieting for the sole purpose of losing weight, it is advisable to switch to a healthier lifestyle altogether.

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Enter, the Nordic diet. As the name goes, it takes its cue from the traditional food of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

A spinoff to what’s considered perhaps the world’s healthiest diet, the Mediterranean diet, it includes an abundance of plant foods especially berries, like blueberries and strawberries, root vegetables like onion, celery, potatoes, beetroot, cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, which can be consumed freely as long as they are boiled, baked or grilled. While the Mediterranean dishes are prepared with olive oil, Nordic diet emphasises the use of heart-healthy canola oil instead.

Nutritionist Madhuri Ruia, founder, Integym, says, “Although there are no strict portion sizes and calorie restriction, the Nordic diet works on guidelines. Fatty fish like mackerel and salmon are recommended as main meals, provided they are grilled or baked, not fried.”

So, how does this diet work? It’s rather simple. “Eat little and eat often is the mantra for this lifestyle. Consuming small portions of food throughout the day (every two hours) keeps the metabolism ticking and prevents overloading of calories, thereby disallowing fat storage. When you practice this, you don’t need to worry about counting calories as most foods allowed in the Nordic diet are low in fat and sugar and therefore low in calories,” says, Anjali Mukerjee, nutritionist and founder-director, Health Total.

“That said, Nordic diet cannot be viewed as a diet. It is a way of life. When you learn to eat in a particular way and reap the benefits, you’d want to follow it for a lifetime. The diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and provides you with a large variety of foods so you would never feel the need for a cheat day,” she adds.

Compared to an average Western diet, it comprises less sugar and fat and more whole foods and fibre with substantial amounts of vegetables and seafood. While it trims a few inches off your waist, it is also widely revered as the best eating pattern for reducing cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and considered beneficial in preventing cancers. Just when you thought it manages to tick all the boxes, this pre-dominantly plant-based diet advocates local and seasonal foods that also makes it a friend to the environment. Consider this, a meal plan equivalent of a superhero.

From the October 2017 issue of L’Officiel India.