How to Eat Like a Viking

Sure, the Mediterranean diet continues to take top billing as the world's healthiest eating plan. Low in saturated fat and high in antioxidants and fiber, the Mediterranean diet's balance of fish, olive oil, fruits, legumes and vegetables may actually help you live a longer life. But is it really the best-for-you meal plan on the planet?

North of the Mediterranean—way north—there's another eating routine that's geared toward guys who want more energy, better performance (in the gym and at home) and some extra longevity. It's called The Nordic Diet, and it's the everyday meal plan of fitness-conscious, green-minded Scandinavians from Oslo to Reykjavik.

While you might associate the region's cuisine with starch-ridden potatoes and the gravy-soaked Swedish meatballs you’re likely to find at IKEA, most Nordics eat simple food that's raw and in season.

Trine Hahnemann, author of The Nordic Diet says that Scandinavian food consumption is built on what's local, in-season and tastes good. “To be healthy, the most important thing is to eat tasty food that will fulfill your senses,” says Hahnemann. “Grains, vegetables and fatty fish will sustain you, give you more energy and lead to a better quality of life.”