Northern diet: why is it most suitable for Russian women and is it possible to lose weight with this diet?

The fewer days left until summer, the more urgent the question of how to get rid of unwanted weight gained during the stressful and cold months becomes.

While trying to lose weight quickly in a short time, many people forget that this issue must be approached with special responsibility. After all, immunity, stomach health and the state of the body as a whole directly depend on this. Therefore, instead of resorting to excessive weight loss methods using apples and kefir, it would be better to consult a doctor who will choose the method suitable for your body.

However, if you are aware of the consequences of strict restrictions or are simply interested in different food systems, you may be interested in the northern diet, which is currently one of the most popular diets.

This trendy method of losing weight became famous on the Internet as a diet for Russian women. This diet is based on traditional products of northern peoples, such as fish, berries, mushrooms and vegetables. Nutritionist Zhanna Tikhanycheva will tell you who it is suitable for and whether it is possible to lose weight without harm to your health.

Where did the Scandinavian diet come from?

There is a legend that the northern diet appeared in 2003. At the Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, chefs have rediscovered the taste of kale, wild garlic, rye and many other Scandinavian delicacies.

In one study, people were divided into two groups: the first followed the Scandinavian diet, while the second maintained their usual diet. As a result, the first group lost significant weight without counting calories. They ate less because the food they ate kept them full for longer.

What can you eat on the Scandinavian diet?

The basis of this diet is seasonal local organic foods: whole grains (rye, barley, oats), wild berries, fruits, fresh and fermented vegetables (especially cabbage and root vegetables – carrots, beets, parsnips, potatoes), herbs, nuts, Omega- Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), seafood and legumes (peas and beans) as sources of 3 fatty acids.

Followers of the Scandinavian diet eat fish two to three times a week and five servings of vegetables and fruits a day. In general, it is recommended that you cook at home and limit processed foods, sugar and red meat in your diet.

The main difference between the Northern diet and the well-known Mediterranean diet is the use of rapeseed oil instead of olive oil, as it is more common in northern climates.

What are the benefits of the diet?

The benefits of the Scandinavian diet are clear. This diet can promote weight loss, normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol and protect the cardiovascular system. In addition, thanks to its high fiber, vitamins, minerals, anthocyanin (antioxidants) and omega-3 content, it prevents type 2 diabetes, improves brain functions and reduces inflammation. And foods such as fruits, greens and algae contain a minimum of calories but a maximum amount of fiber.

This diet is also beneficial to the environment; Natural resources such as water, fuel and electricity are consumed less. Since fresh products are transported quickly and stored less, they preserve the vitamins necessary for the human body as much as possible. It is believed that the best food is food grown in your own garden, the second best food is food grown on a neighboring farm, and the third best food is food grown in your country of residence.

Disadvantages of the Scandinavian Diet

One of the disadvantages of this diet is that since it is relatively new, the number of studies is low. If you’re already following a healthy diet, you won’t notice a significant difference in how you feel.

And some ingredients will be hard to find for people who don’t live in Northern Europe; in this case, the general meaning of following such a diet is lost, since it is recommended to consume local products.