Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
The Blue Zones Method was invented by Dan Buettner. The method is based on the lifestyle of people from 5 places (blue zones) in the world, where many people live longer and healthier lives.
On the homepage you can compare this method with different diets.
[Adwords item: InArticle-ad]
Buettner states that people in the blue zones live longer than average and that various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems and obesity are less prevalent there.
Buettner's book mentions 5 blue zones:
Dan Buettner has studied the lifestyle and diet of the people in these zones to try and find out why life expectancy is higher and how people become old while staying healthy.
In the blue zones, people mainly eat plant-based products. They eat a relatively large amount of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grain products, nuts and seeds. They also drink water, coffee and tea. (Red) wine is consumed 1-3 times a day, but not in all blue zones: the Seventh-day Adventists do not drink alcohol at all.
In the blue zones, people often cook for themselves. Breakfast is usually the largest meal.
Processed products, including products with added sugars, are eaten rarely in the blue zones.
In the blue zones, relatively little meat (about 5 times a month) and fish (about 3 small portions a week) is eaten. Eggs (2-4 per week) and cow's milk products are also consumed less. Instead of cow's milk products, goat's milk and/or sheep's milk products are often used.
People in the Blue Zones get enough exercise through their daily activities. Think of (long) walks to do shopping, gardening or walking up and down stairs.
Besides food, many other aspects are mentioned that could contribute to the long and healthy life of the people in the blue zones. They have little stress, a strong social life with strong family ties and engage in spiritual or religious activities.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any) diet.
Dan Buettner has published several other books on blue zones. We've listed a selection of ad links from Amazon, Apple and Ebooks of such books for you:
A similar diet is the Pioppi diet, as this diet too looks at the eating and living style of the inhabitants. Examples of other diets that are based on the eating style of a certain area are the Mediterranean diet and the Japanese diet.
Did you notice a mistake on this page? Please let us know.
Incorporate enough exercise into daily activities (gardening, climbing stairs, etc.).
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.