Every year, a new, exotic-sounding diet makes waves in the health and fitness industry, claiming to be the key to permanent weight loss.
Choosing between these diet fads can become overwhelming, especially since many are not as healthy as they claim to be.
In this article, we’ll compare two of the newest diet trends: the New Nordic Diet and the Mediterranean Diet.
What Is The New Nordic Diet?
Created by scientists, nutritionists and chefs back in 2004 to combat rising obesity rates in Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden), the New Nordic Diet (NND) isn’t actually new. However, much of the research surrounding it is.
Unlike many fad diets, the Nordic diet uses balanced meals that leave you feeling full and healthy. Simply put, the NND focuses on whole, locally grown foods and restricts refined sugars, pre-packaged meals, additives and red meat.
Benefits
According to this article published on Prevention, recent studies on the NND rely more on health biomarkers than simple diet surveys, positioning this eating plan a step ahead of its competition.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found the NNR diet to have the following benefits on participants:
- Lower levels of bad cholesterol
- Better insulin sensitivity
- Improved blood pressure
- Weight loss
Speaking of weight loss, research shows people who followed the NND lost approximately 10 pounds without even limiting calories.
Another perk? Supporters of the NND claim fewer problems actually sticking with the diet than those who follow other eating plans, including the Mediterranean Diet.
How Does The New Nordic Diet Compare To The Mediterranean Diet?
The two diets are very similar, but there are a few key differences. For one, the NND promotes eating lean wild meat (think elk and venison) rather than the more “traditional” lean meats the Mediterranean Diet recommends.
Perhaps the most significant difference between the two is the type of oil each promotes. While the Mediterranean style promotes the exclusive use of olive oil, the NND advocates for canola oil. This is important because canola oil has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio than its olive counterpart.
How You Can Try The Nordic Diet?
Even if you don’t live in one of the Nordic countries, you can maintain a New Nordic style of eating. Here’s how:
- Avoid processed foods, additives, pre-packaged meals, and refined sugar;
- Consume only local, organic produce that’s in season;
- Eat lots of whole foods—like whole grains, whole wheat, nuts, seeds, beans, and foraged foods (think: berries and moss).
- Up your intake of responsibly caught fish;
- Limit meat, sticking to wild, lean, free-range, and grass-fed options as much as possible.
How You Can Try The Mediterranean Diet?
Although the Nordic Diet is higher in omega-3 and omega-6, it’s significantly more costly. Additionally, finding wild, free-range venison and elk in Amarillo can be a challenge.
A great way to transition from the standard Western Diet to the NND would be to start with the Mediterranean Diet. Because they are so alike, the Mediterranean Diet provides a similar palette and health benefits. The Mediterranean Diet is also easier to start because most of the food options are readily available at the grocery store.
Want to learn more about the Mediterranean Diet? Download our free guide below.
