The Blue Zones Solution - Dan Buettner

The Blue Zones are five regions in the world where people live the longest.  They are Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Icaria (Greece) and among the Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California.

Buettner talks about the foods that they eat and the lifestyles that they live.  From Wikipedia:

The people inhabiting Blue Zones share common lifestyle characteristics that contribute to their longevity. The Venn diagram highlights the following six shared characteristics among the people of Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda Blue Zones:

• Family – put ahead of other concerns
• Less smoking
• Semi-vegetarianism – the majority of food consumed is derived from plants
• Constant moderate physical activity – an inseparable part of life
• Social engagement – people of all ages are socially active and integrated into their communities
• Legumes – commonly consumed

In his book, Buettner provides a list of nine lessons, covering the lifestyle of blue zones people:

1. Moderate, regular physical activity.
2. Life purpose.
3. Stress reduction.
4. Moderate calories intake.
5. Plant-based diet.
6. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine.
7. Engagement in spirituality or religion.
8. Engagement in family life.
9. Engagement in social life.

I really enjoyed this book.  While I've already implemented several of the items in my life (daily physical activity, stress reduction, social life, engagement in spirituality), since reading this book, I've increased my consumption of legumes and nuts, and I'm incorporating a pescatarian diet.

I give this book a solid 10/10, and I intend to read this again.