Kristen Fleming holds a Master of Science in Nutrition. Over her 8 years of experience in dietetics, she has made significant contributions in clinical, community, and editorial settings. With 2 years as a clinical dietitian in an inpatient setting, 2…
Swedish Diet Plan: Are There Any Health Benefits?
An obsession with everything Scandinavian is an emerging worldwide trend. Cozy white-wall Danish interior design has become a pinnacle of minimalist luxury, and Nordic clothing style is gaining more and more attention among fashion bloggers and studios around the globe. Unsurprisingly, an interest in modern Scandinavian culture extends to the cuisine, particularly among those trying to shed excess pounds. A dietary plan named the Swedish diet is getting prominence in this context. Yet what is so Swedish in this diet, and can the rules it proposes precipitate weight loss and yield health benefits?
In fact, this is quite a complex question. The dietary plans circulating under the names «Swedish» and «Nordic» are remarkably different. The Nordic diet is a sustainable program resembling the Mediterranean diet. It includes all the necessary food groups and focuses on traditional and local fruits, vegetables, and seafood. When it comes to limitations, the Nordic diet limits red meat and bans unhealthy fats, added sugars, sweetened beverages, processed meats, and fast foods. This is a lifestyle diet, which effectively supports steady and sustainable weight loss, as well as overall health improvement (5, 2, 1). It focuses on good proteins and increases the number of fiber in your daily menu as well, all essential contributors to weight loss (3. 4).
The Swedish Diet is an entirely different story. It promises you 7 to 20 pounds weight loss in just two weeks, and has significantly more limitations. Moreover, it is claimed to skyrocket your metabolism, so you won’t gain your weight back in two years. In contrast to the Nordic diet, this is a short-term plan designed specifically for weight loss, and it is highly recommended to call it quits once the second week is over. You are allowed to repeat this diet after 3 months.
Breakfast: A cup of coffee without sugar 2 boiled eggs
Lunch: 2 solid eggs, 1 grated carrot
Dinner: 200 grams of unleatherless cooked chicken and salad
Conclusion
As you can see, the Swedish diet is more restrictive than the Nordic one, yet you might blast away your pounds much faster is that is what you’re shooting for. Still, it is an absolute must to consult your doctor before embarking on the Swedish diet. For instance, it is not recommended for people over 35 years old and those who suffer from serious diseases. Highly restrictive and very low-calorie diets like this one come with the risk of creating nutritional deficiencies and other serious health problems if not carefully monitored with the help of a licensed medical professional. In contrast, the Nordic Diet, while doesn’t promise instantaneous weight loss, is a scientifically-proven way to slim down without taking a toll on your health. It is highly recommended for everyone who wishes turn their eating habits around and and build a new healthy lifestyle from the ground up. Remember to combine your diet with the workouts aimed at weight loss to achieve even more impressive results.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!