Did you know that there are Blue Zone regions around the world that are reportedly the places where the longest living people live? If there is one things we’ve learned from these regions is how much your diet can make a difference in your life, and the best part is that you don’t have to live in these Blue Zone regions to eat a Blue Zone diet. This round-up is some of my fav Blue Zone Recipes that are healthy, easy, and can contribute to having a long, healthy life!

History of the Blue Zone Diet

Blue Zones were invented by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Explorer who set out on an expedition to Japan to investigate how long people live there, from his discovery, he wanted to explore other regions in the world and report on high longevity among their people. This introduced the five original Blue Zone regions:

• Okinawa, Japan
• Sardinia, Italy
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Ikaria, Greece
• Loma Linda, California

Even if you don’t live in a Blue Zone, you can totally eat a diet similar to those that are enjoyed in Blue Zone regions. This round-up is a series of Blue Zone Recipes that help you do just that.

How to Make a Blue Zone Meal

Blue Zone Recipes are recipes that contain some of these key ingredients:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole Grains
• Beans
• Only about 5% of their diet contains meat and is usually a lean protein source such as seafood

On top of your diet, what sets these Blue Zone regions apart from others is also their lifestyle. They are physically active, have low stress levels, rich social interactions, and their are low reports of disease in their regions which can be attributed to their diet and lifestyle.

Advertisements

FAQs

Blue Zone Recipes

Healthy Blue Zone Baked Gnocchi

This healthy Baked Gnocchi recipe is Blue Zone-friendly because it's loaded with healthy ingredients like artichokes, arugula, zucchini, and drizzled with a fresh orange dressing.

Blue Zone Sheet Pan Gnocchi

This sheet pan gnocchi recipe is Blue Zone Diet-friendly. It's entirely versatile, healthy, and the perfect meal for a busy night.

Black Eyed Pea Soup (Blue Zone Ikarian Stew)

This delicious, hearty soup is so good for you, Greek-inspired, and will warm you from the inside during the cooler months.

Easy Recipe for Baked Cod (Blue Zone Meal)

This delicious recipe for baked cod is Greek-inspired with Greek dressing and is considered a healthy Blue Zone meal.

Black Eyed Pea Salad

This black eyed pea salad is fresh, a Blue Zone meal, and so good-for-you!

Baked Greek Salmon, Gnocchi and Lentils

This Greek Salmon recipe is an easy dish to make on one pan in your oven on those busy weeknights. Paired with gnocchi and lentils, you'll have a full, complete meal to serve your family.

High Protein Salad (with warm lentils + chicken)

This High Protein Salad is made with warm lentils and chicken. It's easy-to-make in only 15 minutes and is a great recipe for meal prep.

Creamy Tomato Butter Beans

This delicious Butter Beans recipe has a tomato base that is made creamy with tahini. It's the ultimate comfort dish.

Warm Butter Beans Recipe

I'm seriously obsessed with butter beans these days! This butter beans recipe is so easy to make and makes a great lunch or side dish.

Steelhead Trout Recipe

An easy, colorful and healthy steelhead trout recipe that is Greek-inspired and so good for you.

Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes)

This Greek Lentil Soup aka Fakes just reminds me of growing up. The lentils combined with the flavors of the onion and spices, and tomato broth is just SO comforting for fall!

Greek Barley Salad

This Greek Barley Salad is so easy to make, and the perfect recipe to prep for a healthy lunch to reach for all-week-long.

Other Ways to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

Outside of eating a healthy Blue Zone diet, there are some other things I like to incorporate into my life to stay healthy. Here are some other improvements you can make in your life:

• Drink Water: Drinking water and staying hydrated is so important. It helps your body, your skin, everything. I always carry my water bottle around with me to really help increase my intake and ensure I’m at least getting 2L a day.
• Daily Walks: Daily walks have made such an impact on my life. Whether rain or shine, cold or hot, I ALWAYS make sure to prioritize my daily steps. It helps clear my head, and is so good for my body but also my mental health. If you’re struggling to get steps in. Try adding it into your schedule or even just starting small by taking the stairs, parking further away, or adding in a walk around the block on your lunch hour.
• Sauna: I have an infrared sauna from SunHome Saunas and I love it. The heat doesn’t feel as intense as a regular sauna, so even if you’re not a big sauna person you’ll love it, but it is also loaded with benefits. Improved circulation, sleep, and helps with muscle recovery. It seriously is my favorite thing I’ve added into my routine where I see such a noticeable impact on my day-to-day.

What are some ways that you like to stay healthy?