Healthy eating centers on the home. You do what you can to ensure your diet doesn’t get out of control. It typically involves watching The Food Network and reading some foodie blogs for inspiration. You put everything you have learned into practice by replicating the dishes. And, voila – your healthy eating plan is born. But, wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the house and experience new cuisines? Isn’t that the Holy Grail for foodies? Checking out some healthy eating destinations.
The answers are yes and yes because the world is a big place full of exotic and delicious ingredients. And, the only way to try them in all their glory is to travel to their natural habitat. So, pack your bags and book your tickets because it’s time for an adventure. To keep it healthy, you can’t bring the same attitude you would normally take on vacation. Otherwise, you’ll pile on the pounds. Sure, Italians don’t suffer from heart disease much, but you will with fatty sauces and carb-loaded pizzas.
To avoid any unfortunate surprises, it’s best to choose health-conscious destinations. Here are five you will want to keep in mind.
China
The cuisine of the Orient isn’t a secret. Americans chow down on deep-fried noodles and sautéed chicken like it’s going out of fashion. It’s one of the imports which is most at risk thanks to Trump’s tariffs! So, the idea the motherland of the food is healthy is a little strange. Isn’t it the same?
The answer is hell no. For starters, China is transforming into an economic powerhouse but it wasn’t always this way. To this day, there is widespread poverty. As a result, the history of the national dishes is meat-free to save money. In fact, only one-fifth of Chinese meals use animal products. Without the meat, there are fewer fats and carbs to impact your health. Plus, they are loaded with vegetables, some of which are superfoods. You’ll find plenty of kale and seaweed, two plants full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.
One basic change is the portion size. On average, the dishes are small and are enough to quench your hunger. Rice and noodles contain plenty of fiber so these ingredients go a long way in keeping you full.
Japan
Just across the water is China’s eternally enemy, Japan. Weirdly enough, the cuisines are similar yet separate. Both are incredibly healthy, yet Japan comes out on top regarding health and well-being. According to this www.japantimes.co.jp article, the country leads the way in life expectancy at a whopping 83.4 years. China is down at 76.1.
Of course, there are extenuating circumstances but the WHO believes the Japanese diet is a core value. After all, sushi is a variety of lean fish dipped in light sauces. The fact it’s raw only adds to the nutrient levels. Then, there are the vegetable-based dishes. Unlike, their neighbor, Japan consumes a lot of cruciferous, leafy greens which fight diseases such as cancer. And, if that wasn’t enough, soy products are incredibly popular.
Is there anyone for tofu? There should be because www.verywellfit.com has a list of pros and they are impressive. 0mg of cholesterol is probably the one which stands out the most.
USA
America is the home of unhealthy food. It’s the place where there is a program entitled “Man Vs Food.” And, some of the challenges don’t seem that demanding. That is how familiar the public is with eating heart-busting meals such as burgers and ribs and deep-fried catfish. Although the majority of the country suffers from obesity, there are pockets which are healthy.
Maine is in the Northeast and it has a traditional diet of seafood because of its location. Venture to the tip of the east coast and you’ll find a mix of tasty lobster and crab and anything else which gets caught up in the net. Plus, it’s cheap as there is plenty to go around. New Orleans is another fantastic place to eat thanks to its history. Situated in the Deep South, it has French Colonial roots the restaurants’ menus reflect this fact.
If wine is your thing, the States actually have some hotspots for aficionados. Www.HermannWineTrail.com has more info on the likes of Missouri as a hub for vintners in the US – you could even trek the Ozark mountains afterward if you wanted to work it off! As any doctor will tell you, a glass of red is good for heart health. Just don’t drink the vineyard dry!
Sweden
Swedes are the envy of the world. With their blonde, flowing locks and slim bodies, they are the ideal picture of beauty. But, Swedish people don’t have an innate gene which makes them gorgeous. No, it’s down to their lifestyle as they exercise lots and eat healthily. This makes Sweden one of the healthy eating destinations.
A typical Swedish meal will consist of fish, boiled potatoes and cabbage and greens. However, it isn’t what they eat but how they prepare their dishes. Usually, everything will be salted and left to rest to bring out the flavor. Salting sounds unhealthy, but it’s another form of pickling, and https://delishably.com points out the benefits. Or, they will boil and stew and steam ingredients to help it keep its nutrients.
Of course, let’s not forget the R&R process. Sitting in a sauna after a healthy meal is excellent for the skin as it removes harmful chemicals. Sweden, here we come!
Vietnam
It’s no coincidence that three of the five healthy eating destinations are Asian. Their love for vegetables is a factor, as is the fact they don’t rely on meat to flesh out meals. In general, it’s the same around the region, from China and Japan to Thailand and Cambodia. Vietnam is similar yet it has a twist.
The Vietnamese love soups. Not only are traditional ones meat-free and full of veggies, but they are mainly stock. So, all you consume is flavored water with rice noodles for fiber. As there are hardly any calories, this diet is very healthy and it stops you from overeating. They are two core values of a stable diet.
Finding the Best Healthy Eating Destinations
Finding the best healthy eating destinations just takes some exploring. Are any of the above locations on your vacation list? Which cuisine do you want to try?
