There are 5 original Blue Zones (Ikaria Greece, Loma Linda California, Sardinia Italy, Okinawa Japan and Nicoya Costa Rica) where people live longest and more importantly healthiest.
I discovered the Blue Zones many years ago and then studied it in more detail during a Tufts University graduate class. I became a Blue Zone "Ambassador" and have watch the content and insights continue to grow. I visited Ikaria, Greece and spent 7 days immersed in the Island's lifestyle and food.
There is so much I can share about the Blue Zone mindset but I will limit this article to give you a jump start to three:
1: The Power of 9
Move Naturally - Get outside, walk, garden.
Purpose - Have a daily reason to get up and going.
Down Shift - Shed stress. Nap, Happy Hour, Meditate. Go for a Stroll. Just slow down daily.
80% Rules - Stop eating when 80% full.
Plant Slant - Eat more whole foods. Limit meat.
Wine at 5 - Enjoy a daily glass of wine (red preferably) with a friend & food. If you don't drink alcohol (like me) enjoy some dark chocolate instead!
Right Tribe - Build and sustain a strong social network.
Loved Ones First - Commit to a life partner and invest time in your immediate and extended family (and those you choose as family).
Belong - Faith in whatever you believe.
More details can be found here.
2: 9-Food Rules
Below are the essential "rules" when choosing food. When you consider food as fuel, and eat to provide your body with nutrients and energy - you can still enjoy deliciousness as you will see in the next section!
Eat 90-100% Plant Based
Retreat from Meat
Go easy on Fish
Eat a daily does of beans (pressure cook to remove Pectin Proteins)
Slash Sugar
Snack on Nuts
Sourdough Bread preferred
Drink mostly Water
Go mostly Whole Foods
More details can be found here.
3: Most-Loved Blue Zone Recipes
From soups, stews and sauces to breads, bowls and banana oatmeal cookies! Check out some of the most-loved Blue Zone recipes to start your year off with scrumptious nutrition.
More details can be found here.
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