Around the world, health gurus and travelers alike are making “Blue Zones” their next home. These select areas of the world have higher rates of people living above-average lifespans, with many reaching past the age of 100. There are currently only 5 officially identified Blue Zones:
- • Okinawa, Japan
- • Sardinia, Italy
- • Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- • Ikaria, Greece
- • Loma Linda, California
These areas are associated with factors such as a healthy diet, active lifestyle and low stress. As a result, the people in these areas have low rates of chronic disease, which helps to extend their lives. One thing common to Blue Zones is that those who live there primarily eat a 95% plant-based diet. Although most groups aren’t strict vegetarians, they tend to only eat meat around once a week. Their diets consist mainly of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish and lean meats. They also follow the 80% rule, which means they stop eating when they feel 80% full. This prevents them from eating too many calories and promotes a feeling of fullness. In addition, people in Blue Zones consume alcohol in moderation, get in a minimum of 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, get an average of 7 hours of sleep a night with 30-minute daytime naps or “siestas,” have a robust spiritual life, and enjoy a healthy social network. The bottom line: Blue Zone regions are home to some of the oldest and healthiest people in the world.
