LIVING AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE #76

By Rhonda Jones

I have written about Blue Zones before but what are they exactly and why are they important?

Blue Zones are areas around the world where the members of the community seem to live longer and healthier lives. They have been studied for decades to determine what they do or have in their area that causes such great benefits. People living in Blue Zones have a ten times greater chance of living to one hundred than people living in the rest of the world. They seem to have longer, healthier lives but why?

There are several common traits that tie all of the Blue Zones together. First, most people practice not overeating. They usually eat until they are 80% full and stop. Next, they usually get a lot of movement during the day either walking, gardening, squatting or other forms of movement. This movement is integrated into their everyday lives, so they don’t just spend an hour at the gym. They clean house, walk to the market for food or ride a bicycle and garden. They take naps, put family first and drink wine moderately or not at all. Most importantly, they ALL eat a predominantly plant- based diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Here is a look at each Blue Zone.

Okinawa, Japan: Okinawa is famous for having the longest-living women! They eat a diet of lots of sweet potatoes, and they have tofu or soy products twice a day. They use herbs like turmeric liberally for the anti-inflammatory properties and they only eat until they are 80% full. They have an active and supporting social life to reduce anxiety and loneliness and they have lots of movement in their everyday life.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Residents are known for their strong bones and happy hearts. Staples in their diet include beans, corn, squash and tropical fruits. Their water is naturally high in calcium and magnesium, so they have unusually healthy bones. They prioritize family and faith and have a strong social fabric.

Ikaria, Greece: Ikaria is an island, and the residents live 8 years longer than average Americans. Their diet is rich in olive oil, potatoes, beans and herbal teas. They drink some wine with meals and eat minimally processed foods. They also have daily exercise, naps and lots of social interaction.

Loma Linda, California: The large population of Seventh Day Adventists have created a culture of wellness and longevity. They eat primarily vegetarian or vegan foods, avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking and emphasize whole, unprocessed food in their diet. They are a faith- based community providing social support and observe the weekly sabbath that encourages rest and spiritual renewal.

So, how can we incorporate the Blue Zone lifestyle and longevity into our own lives? To achieve Blue Zone results, we would need to adopt most of the Blue Zone habits.

1. Let’s start with a whole food, minimally processed, plant-based diet. In most Blue Zone, at least 95% of food consumed is beautiful fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.

2. Drinking moderately or not at all. Most living in the Blue Zones drink very little and what they do drink is usually wine with meals.

3. Integrate exercise in your life and make it a daily habit. Cleaning house, gardening, walking to the store if you can, or riding a bicycle. The key is consistent, moderate activity throughout the day.

4. Spirituality and social connection is prominent throughout the Blue Zones. Staying connected to others will create a positive attitude that will extend your life and lift your spirits.

Make your community a Blue Zone!