Nordic Diet and Fitness

Have you had a chance to read about the new Nordic diet in this month's issue of Viking? In it, Kari Schoening Diehl asks the question: Could the diets of Scandinavians play a major role in their health and well-being?

This is a question that I've wondered about for a couple of years, after reading an article on the topic in Women's Health magazine back in 2009. Called "Land of the Lean," the article explores why Norwegians are among the fittest, leanest people in the world. The writer credits Norwegians' lifestyle, combined with healthier food choices and smaller portion sizes, as factors that contribute to Norwegians' fitness.

However, Norway isn't immune to the health challenges the rest of us face. As highlighted in "Tipping the Scales," in Viking's February issue, Norway's obesity rate has risen from 7 percent to 11 percent since the early 1980s. Though the rise in Norwegian obesity is significant, it pales when compared to the rate in the United States, which was 32% in 2008.

You'll find Diehl's article, including a recipe for gravlax, in the August issue of Viking!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user plindberg.