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The lagom guide to physical happiness

We can’t all be naturally blessed with a flowing mane of golden hair and a lithe physique, but we can learn a thing or two from Swedes about how to look after our bodies. They take a no-nonsense approach, simply enjoying a balanced diet, neither denying themselves that cinnamon bun nor overdoing the salad. They also naturally incorporate exercise into their day, favouring the bike over a car or public transport, whether there’s sun, rain, wind or snow. So even on the busiest of days, they’ve got their heart pumping.

EATING IN MODERATION

It’s safe to say that if you’re not a fan of fish or potatoes, you might struggle in Sweden. No holiday smorgasbord is complete without them. National dishes (or husmanskost) include sill och potatis (a serving of herring and potatoes with lingonberries), köttbullar med potatismos (meatballs and mash) and pyttipanna (a mix of cubed potatoes, meat and onion with a side of pickled beetroot). Joking aside, the Nordic diet is fast being recognized for its health benefits. The average life expectancy in Sweden is 80.3 years for men and 84.1 years for women, which puts the country firmly in the top ten of the World Health Organization’s ranking system.

Nordic meals are all about balance and eating seasonal produce. In fact, a study by the Nordic Centre of Excellence demonstrated that a healthy Nordic diet can improve cholesterol levels, lower the risk of coronary heart disease and reduce inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis and Crohn’s disease).¹² In other words, it’s good for your heart and waistline!

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Eat the Swedish way

Herring: Salted, smoked, fried or pickled, there’s evidence to suggest the humble herring has been on the Nordic menu since Neolithic times. This small fish is relatively cheap to buy and easy to store. It’s a great source of vitamin D and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to prevent heart disease, help your brain function and boost your immune system.