13 Healthy Diet Habits from Around the World

By Annie Tucker Morgan, DivineCaroline

When it comes to eating (and many other indulgences), the United States is a culture of excess. To the average American, bigger plus faster equals better; we shovel massive quantities of food and beverages into our mouths on the go, scarcely taking time to taste what we’re consuming … and then we complain about how much weight we’re gaining. Meanwhile, diners in other countries favor moderately sized but well-rounded portions, savor their meals in a leisurely fashion with friends and family members, and make exercise part of their daily life. Is it any surprise, then, that so many people in other cultures sustain enviably trim figures without depriving themselves of culinary enjoyment? Let’s learn how they do it.

Eat at Home More Often Than You Eat Out (Poland)
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans spend an average of 37 percent of their food budget on eating out, compared with only 5 percent among Poles. No wonder U.S. obesity rates are so high: restaurants here are notorious for serving oversize, calorie- and fat-laden portions. By eating our meals at home, we not only have much more control over the ingredients we put in our mouths, but we also save money and get to spend quality time with our families. It’s a win-win.

Go Nuts for Nuts (Africa)
Packed with protein and often healthy fats, nuts can serve as a nutritious and filling replacement for meat and poultry. In Africa, particularly in Gambia, peanuts are a common complement to vegetables and spices in numerous soups and stews—and perhaps it’s no coincidence that this nation has not only no problems with obesity, but also one of the lowest international incidences of all types of cancer.

Make Friends with Rice and Beans (Brazil)
Americans tend to think of starchy foods as the enemy, but according to a study published in the journal Obesity Research, a diet focused on rice and beans (in contrast with a typical Western diet), such as the kind Brazilians espouse, reduces people’s risk of becoming overweight by approximately 14 percent. Low in fat and high in fiber, it’s a winning combination that stabilizes blood sugar and leaves people feeling satisfied.

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Read more: Diet & Nutrition, Eating for Health, Food

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Anne G.

12:57AM PST on Dec 6, 2011

Great and interesting article, factual and not absurd, thank you.

send a green star

Heidi R.

7:56AM PDT on Oct 3, 2011

I love your writing. Thanks for not only giving tips, but giving the reasons why it's important. I think you're right, we get too obsessed about 'starving ourselves' and forget the glories of eating well! As one of my favorite wellness gurus said, "it's not eat less and move more, it's eat BETTER...!"

Jayne B.

12:00PM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

Thanks for the healthy tips!

Michele W.

9:52AM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

Thank you

Faith B.

7:43AM PDT on Aug 21, 2011

great article, thanks :)

Daniel K.

2:31AM PDT on Aug 4, 2011

I try to have a balanced diet. I love tasty foods and spices and eat a lot of fruits. I am also cautious when eating, so that I wont get to full. But, I can also enjoy a Coca-Cola too.

Jo A.

1:43AM PDT on Aug 4, 2011

Great healthy habits! Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer C.

4:32PM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

Excellent article. Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

Robyn L.

6:50PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

One note: when eating fermented (pickled) vegetables, they need to be 'live," which most commercial pickles are not.
Pickle various veggies yourself and get a wide range of flavors and textures, from kimchi to jalapenos, to cucumbers, carrots, onions or cauliflower.
or pick up some live kombucha.

Sara W.

4:06PM PDT on May 31, 2011

Thanks! I didn't know vinegar was good for you!