What Is Blue Zones Diet? Does it work for weight loss?

Blue zones refer to the 5 places around the world where the residents live the longest and happiest lives. It includes Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, The province of Ogliastra in Sardinia, Italy, The community of Seventh-Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California and The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.
People living in the blue zone live the longest lives because of their approach towards food, rest and relationships with family and social circles.

Influenced by the people and their dietary habits, National Geographic Fellow and author, Dan Buettner came up with the blue zone diet. It majorly consists of foods consumed by the people living over there, which helps them maintain an active lifestyle and stay fit for long years. The blue zone diet is abundant in plant based nutrition, features very minimal meat and dairy and emphasizes on pure, raw foods which aren't very processed.
Here is how the Blue zone diet can help you lose weight.

The blue zone diet contains approximately 95% of green, leafy vegetables. They are low in calories but high in fiber, which promotes a feeling of fullness and helps reduce cravings and overall calorie intake. They provide essential nutrients and antioxidants, supporting overall health during a weight loss journey. The low glycemic index in leafy veggies and beans, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and cravings. Incorporating greens and beans into your diet can aid in shedding excess pounds while maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet.

People living in the blue zones believe in holistic eating. Sourdough and multigrain breads are thus the preferred forms of bread out there in contrast to the processed white flour that we are habitual to eating.
Even when it comes to oils for cooking or drizzling over salads or soups, people living in the Blue Zone prefer unprocessed, olive oil as compared to the soybean or sunflower oil that we Indians dominantly use. Thus, using extra virgin olive oil as compared to the regular variants can help aid your weight loss journey.

Water is important for your health, no matter what diet you are on. Thus, if you are on the blue zone diet, try to maintain hydration mostly in the form of water, avoiding any sugary or extra drinks. Thus, try to limit processed juices, soft drinks (even the diet or zero sugar ones) and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners. If your taste buds need a little change, try coffee or tea (minimally sweetened), or add a few cut fruits to your water to incorporate a little flavour.
Adding a few cucumber slices, strawberries or lemon wedges can enhance the flavour.

People living in the blue zones consume very little meat. Meat consumption is usually limited to celebrations or similar occasions. One exception is fish which is better in nutrients as well as calories as compared to other meats. The diet also calls for fish that are low on the mercury levels. Even when chicken or turkey is consumed, one should limit the amount that they eat as they are both higher on calories.

Along with following a diet plan, to manage your weight, it is necessary to engage in healthy living. Exercise, mindfulness, social activities, digital detoxes, etc are important to lead a healthy lifestyle. Along with following the diet, it would also help if people take out some time of the day to exercise or practice yoga or just meditate to clear their mind and thoughts. Try reading 5-10 pages of a book everyday to enhance knowledge and take out sometime from professional commitments to focus on family and happiness.
A holistic approach is the best and most sustainable way to lose weight and keep it off.

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