With all of the holiday buzz and craziness in our world right now, I almost forgot to talk about Blue Zones! Have you heard of Blue Zones? Or watched the new series called: Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones on Netflix. I highly recommend. It sure is eye-opening and inspiring. The series is hosted by Dan Buettner who has been researching and writing about Blue Zones for a while.
The idea is that there are five locations around the world where the residents live longer than anywhere else. The five locations are:
Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, CA USA; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica
What makes these places special? Is it the location? Or is it the practices of the people therein?
I do hope you watch the series. But here’s an overview of the Blue Zone principles.
Move Naturally. Many of the Blue Zone residents garden, or sit on and have to get up off the floor, or walk hills because that’s where they live.
Purpose. Have a sense of purpose each day. Or “why I wake up in the morning.” A simple example is having a garden to tend to.
Down Shift. Each zone has a different way to shed stress, but it’s part of the equation.
80% Rule. Stop eating when you are 80% full. No need to stuff our faces until we feel sick. Many cultures stop eating much earlier in the day too.
Plant Slant. Beans are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Most of these cultures eat plant-based, if not plant-exclusive. Okinawans eat a lot of purple potatoes, which I just started eating lately. And Dan Buettner, shared, “…the diet associated with longevity is 95-100 percent plant-based…””…The five pillars of every longevity diet in the world are: whole grains, tubers, greens, nuts and beans.” (From the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine magazine.)
Wine at 5. All the Blue Zone residents (except for Adventists in Loma Linda) drink moderately and regularly. Ideally with food and friends! I don’t drink much anymore, and there are certainly people who choose not to drink at all. But if it’s working for the Blue Zoners, maybe there’s some merit.
Belong. Most belong to some faith-based community. While participating in a religion isn’t required, being part of a spiritual community (or your version thereof) may be beneficial.
Loved Ones First. Family first, including aging parents nearby.
Right Tribe. “The world’s longest-lived people chose- or were born into- social circles that supported healthy behaviors.” Who we choose to spend our time with influences important health choices.
While their activities and cultures differ, there are some commonalities between them all.
I’m already plant-based and include many of the Blue Zone habits into my lifestyle, yet, there is always room for improvement. And I’ve increased the number of purple potatoes and sweet potatoes in my life! This is a yummy improvement and one you can make today.
Looking for more direction to start eating plant-based? Or add more into your repertoire? Or go totally vegan? It’s not as hard as you may think, and it is so rewarding. Whether through the classes I offer or one-on-one coaching, there are multiple ways to live a Blue Zone inspired life. Feel free to reach out for a free consult.
Or simply commit to trying plant-based for January. We will be celebrating Veganuary. Find out more here.