What does the Nordic diet look like?
This photo series showcases the foods that Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans enjoy most of all
Photo: Daytona Strong
You guessed it; seafood three times a week does its part in keeping Norwegians healthy.
Daytona Strong
Outside Oslo
There may be something to all the fish and potatoes that we Norwegians like to eat. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, it turns out that the Nordic diet may have notable health benefits. Researchers put some parameters around their Nordic diet, namely seafood three times a week; lots of berries, root vegetables, and whole grains; poultry and game if desired but no red meat; and rapeseed (canola) oil instead of butter. Oh, and don’t forget the restriction on butter! With the study in mind, we thought we’d take the opportunity to visually showcase some of the primary elements of the Nordic diet.
Photo: Daytona Strong
Berries
Imagine a wild berry that’s been ripening in the summer sun and is bursting with flavor when you happen upon it at its peak. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Berries – which have long been a staple in how Norwegians eat – are also key to the Nordic diet.
Photo: Daytona Strong
Root Vegetables
It takes little more than a handful of new potatoes tossed in some fresh dill to round out a meal of salmon and grains. Better yet, potatoes (and many more root vegetables) store well, making them an ideal food in the cold, harsh winter months.
Photo: Daytona Strong
Whole Grains
Bread, cooked wheat berries tossed in a salad, porridge – these are just a few examples of the delicious ways to eat whole grains.
Photo: Daytona Strong
Seafood
Fish three times a week – especially fatty fish like salmon and mackerel? No problem! The seafood that has historically been so plentiful in Norwegian waters is full of healthy fats (not to mention delicious).
Daytona Strong is the voice of Outside Oslo, a blog exploring her Norwegian heritage and love of great food. Check out her blog at www.outside-oslo.com and follow it at www.facebook.com/OutsideOslo and http://www.twitter.com/OutsideOslo.
This article originally appeared in the Aug. 16, 2013 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.
