Blog Post #17: Blue Zones
Let’s touch on this topic before we do any deep dives into diets or lifestyles that can be beneficial. I read the book, The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, during my Master’s program. The book talked about communities all over the world, and in these communities there were people living to be 100 years old! These people were not only living, but thriving. The author, Mr. Buettner, went on a journey to find the secrets or health, as well as longevity.
We all know that the Western diet/culture is full of fat, sugar, and being sedentary. The portions in the Western lifestyle are huge, exercise is usually not a part of daily life, and the foods eaten are not normally nutritious. This lifestyle can also lead to disease, like heart disease and cancer being the top two disease states cited. This kind of lifestyle has pushed its way into other cultures around the world. However, there are some cultures and communities that have pushed the Western culture away, and have stayed true to their longevity secrets. Mr. Buettner found that the environment, the lifestyle, and the food are important factors for a healthy life. Mr. Buettner travels to five different places all over the world, and reported his findings in his book. There are two Blue Zones in Greece, one in Sardinia and the other in Ikaria. Here are some of the lessons:
- In Greece, eating a lean, plant-based diet can be beneficial. Eating nutritious foods (like drinking goat’s milk) and having the occasional glass of red wine are also secrets of the community. For exercise, just taking a walk can help, but having daily movement is essential. In community, laughing with friends and celebrating your elders have shown to be beneficial. Putting your family first has also shown great benefits.
- In Japan, everyone has a purpose in life. Once you find your purpose, then you live with intent. For diet, the citizens rely on plant-based foods, enjoy gardening, and eat soy. They also have a strong social network, and focus on the present. They enjoy sunshine and always include physical activity in their lives.
- In Loma Linda, California, the community take breaks, as well as find sanctuary with each other, and among the church. Everyone spends time with like-minded friends, and gives back to the community. The community stays fit by focusing on a healthy weight or BMI, as well as focusing on healthy snacks (usually nuts). They also focus on plant-based diets, eating meat in moderation, as well as eating a light, early dinner.
- In Costa Rica, the community urges people to find your life’s purpose, and to keep a focus on family. They also say keeping strong social networks help to elongate your life. In terms of nutrition, they eat a light dinner. In terms of exercise, they get adequate amounts of sun.
I highly recommend reading the full book if you are interested. I kept my copy of the book after school was done, and I keep reading it over and over again! I have highlighted, underlined, and marked many of the pages. See if you can incorporate some of the life lessons into your daily life.
Practical Ways Towards “Peachy” Living
1) See where you can get a copy of the book, whether online or a hard copy.
2) See if you can read the book in a book club! Discussing the book and its secrets may be beneficial to swap recipes or meal ideas. You may also find a group of people to work out with from reading the book together.
3) See if you can incorporate these longevity secrets into your daily life, and start small. Remember S.M.A.R.T goals from blog post #15? Go small and steady when trying to change aspects of your life.
