‘World’s best new diet’ reduces belly fat and ‘slashes your risk of diabetes and stroke’

Nutritionists and health enthusiasts are talking about a new way of eating that may even surpass the Mediterranean diet, known as the “world’s best.”

A study this month has gone viral after suggesting that people who eat an “Atlantic” diet have a significantly lower risk of chronic health problems.

Researchers studied 200 families living in rural northwest Spain and found that those who ate an Atlantic diet for six months had lower odds of developing metabolic syndrome (a group of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and large waist size). I discovered that it can be done.

Metabolic syndrome can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Sarah Bockhartonline wellness platform nutritionist and diet coach RWL“Even if we can change our diets to slightly reflect the Atlantic diet by eating more seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and sustainable proteins while cutting back on ultra-processed foods, we ‘s health status, and ultimately their lifespan, could be significantly improved.”

People on an Atlantic diet living in northwestern Spain and Portugal live very similar to people on a Mediterranean diet living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

This diet has been proven to be beneficial for the heart and can also help reduce the risk of heart disease.

However, on the Atlantic Diet, people consume three to four servings of seafood and red meat per week, along with large amounts of seasonal vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and olive oil.

In the diet, chestnuts, potatoes and bread are preferred over pasta.

Long-time followers of the Mediterranean diet have begun to wonder if the Atlantic diet might be a significant upgrade.

But what makes it different, and why are health enthusiasts suddenly praising it?

atlantic vs mediterranean

Both diets emphasize fresh foods, whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, pasta), healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts), and high-quality foods such as pastries, potato chips, and hot dogs. Processed and “beige” foods are excluded.

However, the Atlantic diet has taken a slightly different course, relying heavily on fish and seafood caught in the cold Atlantic Ocean.

It also contains more starch than its Mediterranean counterpart because it incorporates varieties with higher intakes of root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and beets, as well as legumes (lentils and beans).

You can also eat a little more red meat than the predominantly plant-based Mediterranean diet.

The meals are hearty and flavorful yet nutritious and always follow the season rather than using ingredients imported from other countries.

staple food of mediterranean diet

• Carbohydrates – Pasta
• Protein – lean meat and cheese
• Fats – olive oil, avocado, cheese
• Vegetables – tomatoes, peppers, kale, zucchini, beans
• Avoid highly processed foods
• Preferences – Eating seasonally, cooking from scratch
• Other main foods – red wine, artichokes

staple of the atlantic diet

• Carbohydrates – potatoes, legumes (lentils, beans)
• Protein – Red meat, including seafood and red meat
• Fats – olive oil, avocado, cheese
• Vegetables – Root vegetables: carrots, beets, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnip greens, cauliflower.
• Avoid highly processed foods
• Preferences – Eating seasonally, cooking from scratch
• Other main foods – chestnuts

Riding the wave of benefits

The Atlantic Diet is not about dieting or restricting your diet.

However, the high fiber and protein content is beneficial for weight loss and reducing excess fat, especially around the stomach, as it keeps you full and helps prevent hunger pangs.

Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the risk of heart disease.

Foods with a low glycemic index help regulate blood sugar levels and are ideal for diabetics.

Sarah says: “People who are aiming for a heart-healthy, balanced eating plan should really try and implement a lot of these dietary focuses.

“In short, the Atlantic diet can benefit most people by providing a wonderfully nutritious diet for our bodies and minds.

“This is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is well researched and shows many health benefits.”

The Atlantic diet can be completely different from the way you already eat, and the idea of ​​overhauling this can be overwhelming.

Sarah says: “We find that people who follow the ‘British Diet’ tend to consume large amounts of ultra-processed convenience foods because that’s how we’ve learned to eat and how our taste buds… Because it’s something you’re used to.”

“People living in the Atlantic region were raised differently, always taught to cook from scratch, and have a common exposure and education in seasonal foods.

“If you want to follow the Atlantic way, it’s really important that you take the time to learn about fruit and vegetables and when they’re in season in the UK. Many of us don’t know what grows when. I am committing a crime.”

Sarah admits that while switching to an Atlantic diet can be very beneficial, it can also be costly.

she says: “Eating fresh fish the same way you would if you lived on the coast would be very expensive in the UK, so eating it this way could be difficult from a budget standpoint.”

But some changes are easy and can get you one step closer to a healthier diet.

These include:

• Replace white bread with whole wheat bread
• Add fish instead of chicken to curry
• Cooking dishes centered on seasonal vegetables
• Cook with olive oil instead of butter or vegetable oil
• snack on nuts