Over the past few decades, the determining factors in choosing a travel destination or a country to live in have changed dramatically.
If before it was the climate, the attractions or the good food that dominated the scenario, now people are taking more and more into consideration other aspects. Among these there is certainly the possibility of leading a healthy life, It is therefore not surprising that countries that offer opportunities to exercise, conduct healthy and diets natural spaces open to the public are climbing the charts. I have selected some 4, each able to stand out on the "competition" for unique factors.
Italy
Italy may be known for pizza, pasta and ice cream but few perhaps imagine what the country has one of the lowest obesity rates in Europe. One of the reasons is the so-called Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown its many health benefits, including reducing the risk of many serious diseases. On the other hand, nowadays, we cannot ignore a healthy diet, a habit that has now become a necessity for professional athletes ma even for the many champions of the game world.
What many do not know, however, is that adopting a Mediterranean diet does not mean eating a carbonara every day and it is not just about what you eat. In addition to following a mainly plant-based diet, rich in healthy fats such as olive oil, the Mediterranean diet influences including let's have lunch. It means making meals at home a social and shared experience, in true Italian style, and when possible, using local and seasonal ingredients. But it also means treating yourself to a glass of red wine or a slice of homemade tiramisu to brighten up your days.
Iceland
During the Icelandic winter the light is a kind of mirage, but the inhabitants of this country manage to use it to their advantage, exercising more than any other European, going to the gym often to avoid the cold and making the most of the few hours of summer by being outdoors as much as possible.
However, it is not only exercise that plays an important role in the lifestyle of Icelanders but there are also other factors that contribute. First of all, due to a population of only 340.000 inhabitants, Iceland has one of the lowest pollution rates in the world. In addition, Icelanders conduct a diet rich in fish, fermented products and skyr, a dairy product similar to yogurt low in fat and rich in protein and calcium.
Among other things, precisely the size of the Icelandic population manages to create unique social bonds. Communities are united and collaborate the founding principle of their culture. Not surprisingly, Iceland was classified the best country in the world for gender equality for seven consecutive years.
Australia
There's more to health and wellbeing in Australia than avocado toast. With sunshine practically all year round, the many fresh products and the almost unlimited open spaces, it's easy to understand why Australians are leaders in the global wellness industry.
Spending lots of time outdoors, cooking healthy, homemade meals, and exercising regularly are all building blocks to a healthy lifestyle. And they are all easily traceable right in Australia.
As for physical exercise, he was born in Sydney a special circuit that includes 45 minutes of non-stop exercises, called F45. His national fame (and beyond) is nothing more than further proof of how Australians take physical well-being into consideration.
Japan
Japan has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. In part, this is due to the fish-based diet, which has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease.
However, diet is not the only factor contributing to Japan's long life expectancy. Centuries-old traditions such as karaoke, forest bathing and bathing in the onsens I'm able to improve heart health, increase brain function and reduce blood pressure.
Of course, few of us have access to a real one onsen Japanese, but it is forest bathing, or the art of bathing in the forests it is available to everyone, in our small way. Just find a natural area (a park or even a garden) and take your time appreciating the peace and beauty of nature all around.
