It’s safe to say that the super-refined standard American diet doesn’t incorporate nearly enough healthy foods. That’s why sometimes it’s good to look at other cultures and cuisines for inspiration. Europeans are known for having healthier weights, less heart disease, and smaller cancer rates. Try any of these seven healthy foods European girls love to eat for looking and feelings their best.
1 Fruits and Veggies
Two healthy foods European girls love to eat are fruits and vegetables. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other phytonutrients we haven’t totally figured out in the nutrition world, fruits and veggies are simply some of the best foods you can put in your body. European girls are always finding ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into their diets and so can you! It’s as simple as adding a little fruit to your morning cereal, packing more veggies into your sandwich at lunch, and adding a side salad to your dinner every day.
Frequently asked questions
2 Whole Grains
While some of the latest diet crazes advocate for consuming few carbohydrates, European girls aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty with a crusty loaf of bread. They definitely eat bread, rice, pasta, and other starches. The difference, however, is that they opt for whole grains that are fraught with fiber and essential minerals like magnesium and selenium. Incorporating this diet trend into your life couldn’t be easier—simply swap refined carbohydrates for whole grain items!
3 Full Fat Dairy
Believe it or not, Europeans aren’t afraid of fat the way Americans are. They realize that in moderation, fat can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. That’s why they don’t mind consuming full fat dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese. Even though these products have saturated fat, new studies are showing that saturated fat may not be as bad for you as we once thought. Europeans certainly don’t go overboard, but they definitely welcome a slice of creamy goat cheese with some whole grain crackers.
4 Olives/Olive Oil
Europeans definitely believe in the power of olives and olive-based product. Rich in monounsaturated fat, olive oil has been linked to the prevention of heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Obviously Europeans don’t drown their food in olive oil—a few teaspoons are all you need. But if you normally use a refined oil like corn or soybean oil for cooking, switching to olive oil is a much better investment in your health.
5 Fish
European women realize the benefits of consuming fish and other seafood products regularly. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, eating fish as little as once a week aids heart health, boosts brain function, and can help facilitate healthy hair, nails, and skin. Eat fish a couple of times a week to unleash your inner goddess!
6 Eggs
Americans think of eggs as a breakfast food, but Europeans treat eggs as a great lunch or even dinner item. Soft boiled with a drizzle of olive oil and some freshly cracked black pepper, eggs are an effortless meal on even the busiest nights of the week. Trade in chicken or meat for eggs at least once a week to reap the benefits of this protein-packed and nutrient-dense food.
7 Coffee
What would any European country be with coffee?! It seems that every nation has their own flair to this international beverage. Despite the hype over excessive caffeine consumption, coffee is actually loaded with antioxidants and linked to diabetes prevention. So don’t feel bad about indulging in a cup or two of coffee during the day—it’s the chic thing to do!
There are plenty of European eating habits and foods you can incorporate into your everyday life—all it takes is tweaking a few habits. What are some of your favorite European foods to enjoy?
