For those of you who know Adelaide Nutrition, you'll know that we are all for encouraging people to eat more plants and find moderation in their eating.
So why all the fuss? One reason is longevity. Let's have a deeper look.
Have you heard of blue zones? Blue zones are 5 places in the world that have the longest living and healthiest people. People living in blue zones eat mainly plant based foods such as vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and legumes.
They are not restrictive with their eating, rather they eat plant based foods 95% of the time and include 5% meat and fish. This equates to small portions of meat only 5 times per month. They consume alcohol such as wine in moderation.
Sardinia, Italy and Icaria, Greece, are two blue zones that follow a mediterranean style diet that includes lots of home grown vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, red wine, oily fish and small portions of lean meat once a week.
The Mediterranean style of eating also encourages 60ml of olive oil per day!! That's a good amount of deliciousness right there.
Sleep, exercise and having strong social connections are three other non diet related factors that play a large role in longevity. Individuals living in blue zone countries have good social networks, they do moderate exercise and get enough sleep.
Health is much more than simply diet so it's important to look at all the factors that contribute to good health and longevity and find a balance that works for you.
For more information about the blue zones and Mediterranean way of eating; here are some links for you:
Until next time!
Mattea Palombo,
Accredited Practising Dietitian