Healthy Secrets from Around the World

Let’s face it. The United States is one of the most unhealthiest countries due to our love of convenience foods (fast food, microwave dinners, etc.) and our huge portion sizes. For example, my family decided that we wanted take-out Chinese food a few weeks ago. The three of us ordered one dish each. The dishes were so huge that we all made three meals out of them!

Several countries are known for their healthy eating habits, so let’s explore what they do right. In Sweden, they eat a lot of fish. Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart healthy. The main focus of food in Spain is seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Seafood is low in fat and high in protein. Japan’s citizens eat broth-based soups, vegetables, fish, and rice. Due to their healthy lifestyle, Japanese women and men live longer and healthier than anyone else on earth.

How can Americans improve their health and lose a few pounds?

Focus on portion sizes – use a salad plate for your meals instead of the larger dinner plate.
Limit your time spent in a fast food drive-thru – prepare your own meals at home so you know exactly what you’re eating. If you must have a drive-thru burger, limit it to once every few weeks.
Eat more fruits and vegetables – have two vegetables with a lean protein for a meal. You can live without the mashed potatoes loaded with butter. Instead of eating a piece of cake for dessert, enjoy some fruit instead.
When eating at a restaurant, order a take-out box when you order your entree. When you receive your entree, immediately cut it in half and place one-half of it in the take-out box.
Walk as much as possible – don’t drive around the parking lot at the mall or Wal-Mart searching for an empty space close to the store. Park at the end of the lot and walk. Not only will you get into the store faster, you will burn a few calories also. If at all possible, leave the car at home and walk to your destination.

Now, I just need to listen to my own advice and do them more often. If you have any other suggestions to add, please contact me or comment below.