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If living a happier and healthier life in 2022 was one of your New Year’s resolutions, this article is for you! Dr. Danielle Fleming has gathered life-hacks shared by the people from the healthiest areas of the world.

By: Dr. Danielle Fleming

History of Blue Zones – Blue Zones

Have you heard people talk about Blue Zone populations? Wondering what and where they are, and what makes them so special?! I have answers!

Blue Zones is a trademarked term – dubbed by Dan Buettner – identifying world regions with the longest-living, healthiest populations. These are the populations with the most centenarians. People here tend to live happier, more fulfilled lives, too. Yay! 

There are five Blue Zones around the world: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California, USA; Sardinia, Italy; Icaria, Greece; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. Dan and his team found that people in these areas share several common lifestyle factors that contribute to their longevity and health. 

These 9 common factors are:

1. Moving naturally and often 
2. Knowing their purpose in life
3. “Down shifting” i.e. de-stressing activities 
4. 80% rule (stop eating at 80% full and don’t eat late at night)
5. Plant-based diets with minimal meat
6. Light-moderate wine drinking frequently (but not heavy binging)
7. Belonging to any kind of faith-based community
8. Prioritizing family ties
9. Being surrounded by the right people that promote healthy lifestyles

I’m sure many of us want to live long, thriving lives in every aspect (thriving vs surviving). Drawing inspiration from the Blue Zone populations could help us do that, so knowing and implementing these factors is a first step! 

Think about which ones you need more of in your life, and actions to take based on that.

Like for me, I am working on surrounding myself (and BEING ONE) with people that promote the lifestyle and goals I am looking for (#9) so I can #levelup and continue to grow.

Additionally, The Blue Zones organization has lead to further research and movements related to promoting health and longevity. For example, my friends gifted me The Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook (I need to utilize it more!), which contains all kinds of healthy recipes based off of the research around what people in the Blue Zones typically eat. My friends made me the Minestrone Soup from Sardinia (enjoyed with red wine) and…BAM!

Let’s point out some of these recipes – you may find some new faves or get the book yourself for more!

Sardinia:

• Minestrone 3 Ways – Minestrone with Fennel and Wild Garlic
  Beans, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, potatoes, onion, celery, garlic, fennel, pasta, chard, squash, tomatoes
• Cabbage and Sun-Dried Tomato Saute
  Sun-dried tomatoes, cabbage, green onions, sweet onion, EVOO
• Spaghetti with Walnut Pesto
  Walnuts, spaghetti, garlic, parsley, EVOO, salt
• Sardinian-Style Pizza
  Garlic, EVOO, tomatoes, basil, veggie broth, pane carasau bread (or pitas), optional pecorino cheese

Okinawa: 

• Sweet and Spicy Carrot Medley
  Carrots, onion, sesame oil, dashi or veggie broth, chili paste or red pepper flakes, mirin
• Sweet Potato and Onion Hash
  White sweet potatoes, onion, carrots, oil, dashi broth, scallions, soy sauce
• Iced Banapple Tumeric Smoothie
  Banana, apple, turmeric, soy milk, ice
• Savory Rice Porridge
  White rice, miso, dark green leafy greens, dashi broth

Nicoya:

• Veggie Hash with Corn and Onions
  Chayote squash, corn, red or yellow peppers, onion, cilantro, celery, garlic, cilantro coyote, achiote paste
• Fried Green Plantains
  Plantains, veggie oil
• Bean Soup Three Ways – Black Bean and Potato Soup
  Chayote squash, carrot, potatoes, culantro coyote, onion, garlic, veggie stock, black beans
• Horchata:
  Rice, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar

Icaria:

• Winter Potato Salad
  Potatoes, dill, EVOO, red wine vinegar, arugula, spinach, onion, romaine, radish
• Hummus With Parsley
  Chickpeas, garlic, EVOO, red wine vinegar, parsley
• Honey Cookies
  Orange juice, honey, lemon, vanilla, cognac/rum, EVOO, flour, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg
• Tomato Pasta Soup
  Veggie broth, tomato, tomato sauce, EVOO, orzo/pasta

Loma Linda:

• Longevity Smoothie Bowl
  Almond milk, banana, blue/blackberries, kale, spinach, almond butter, flax, turmeric, cinnamon – toppings!
• Quick Cornbread
  Flax, cornmeal, flour, soy milk, applesauce, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, corn
• Veggie No-Meat Balls
  Chickpeas, garlic, bread crumbs, oregano, basil, spices
• Coconut Chia Pudding
  Coconut cream, coconut milk, agave, lemon zest, chia seeds

Which ones sound good to you?! I know healthy cookies, pizza, and horchata sound YUMMY to me! Share with your buddies and get cooking!

Disclaimer — All the information that you find on our blogs and social media pages is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as your personal professional diagnosis, or treatment. Come and see us for your excellent, personalized care! https://rauschpt.net/

Reference:

History of Blue Zones – Blue Zones

The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 – Dan Buettner 

Dr. Danielle Fleming, PT, DPT, CSCS, Pn1

daniellef@rauschpt.net 

Dr. Danielle, our “Wellness PT” is a certified nutrition and wellness coach, and promotes a holistic approach to health. Let’s talk! We are here to help. Give us a call for a complimentary consultation. We would love to meet you.

Did you know there’s no prescription needed from a doctor to see us – but we will communicate your progress and treatment to your doctor if you’d like us too! 

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