Is the Nordic Diet Right for You?

By Kristin Sidorov
Diet trends claiming to be the next weight-loss phenomenon are nothing new and, usually, each is doomed from the start (Dukkan, your days are numbered). But the new Nordic Diet is proving to be more than a fad, with its holistic approach to food and healthy regional cuisine that has nutritionists and experts pushing for more research. That's because it's not just a diet; it aims to transform your diet, and some studies show that it really works.

Much like the beloved Mediterranean Diet, the Nordic Diet focuses on a balance of traditional foods that are staples of its region, but with a cold-climate twist. Lean meats, heart-healthy fish, root vegetables, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich berries are all classic foods in Scandinavian cuisine, providing a bounty of key nutrients.

In this region, where food comes from and how it is prepared are just as critical as the food itself. The diet is based on local, seasonal foods that are cultivated and prepared as naturally as possible from scratch. Instead of heavy oils and butters, fresh herbs, vinegars, and creamy yogurts are traditionally used to flavor the dishes. The cuisine is refreshing and earthy, and while the concept may feel new and modern, it's actually anything but. The Nordic Diet is based on deep-rooted Scandinavian food traditions, and the idea is simple: Keep your food clean and local, eat a variety of foods in healthy moderation, and cook it yourself.

Preparing your own food is at the foundation of taking control of your diet and ultimately your health. This involves changing old habits, requiring dieters to change the way you think, especially about food. When you connect with what you eat, your relationship to it changes, and isn't that the ultimate goal of any diet? The Nordic Diet's philosophy is just that, and while not everyone is (nor desires to be) a gourmet chef, you can still find that connection between your food, your diet, and your health.

Get started with these classic Scandinavian recipes, including Glödstekt Forell i Folie (Foil-roasted Trout), Kjötsúpa (Lamb Soup), and Sillsalad (Herring Salad).

Tell us: Have you ever had tried Scandinavian cuisine? What's your favorite dish?

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