POPSUGAR UK

We Think We Found the Easiest Diet in the World — the Scandi Sense Diet

16/05/2018 - 03:55 PM

When it comes to diets, we usually turn to the most trendy ones to try out. The problem with this is the most popular ones tend to be a lot more restrictive [1] and will not work for everyone. This is the reason most people do not stick to diets [2] that gain a lot of buzz. These diets are focussed on calorie counting and eliminating food groups, but the Scandi Sense Diet is different. Haven't heard of it before? Then it's time to learn more now.

What Is the Scandi Sense Diet?

The Scandi Sense Diet started in Scandinavia and made its way across the globe thanks to Suzy Wengel, author of The Scandi Sense Diet [3]. The name of the diet says it all. It focuses on sensible eating [4] — yes, it really is that simple. The problem with a lot of other more popular diets is that we forget to listen to our bodies. We are so focussed on cutting out carbs and dairy, only eating 1,400 calories a day or only eating for eight hours of the day that we fail to understand how our bodies operate anymore. The Scandi Sense Diet brings that back by challenging you to not only learn to nourish your body but also learn a thing or two about nutrition.

The Daily Mail reports that now 1 in 50 people in Scandinavia are on this diet [5] so it must be the real deal. Its own creator, Wengel, lost more than 85 pounds in 10 months. The best part is that she kept it off. All the diet entails is understanding the portion size of certain food groups using your hand for guidance. Being aware of how much protein, fats, and carbs your meals should have will not only naturally prevent you from eating more but it will put you in a healthy and sustainable calorie deficit for weight loss all while having a balanced diet.

How Does the Scandi Sense Diet Work?

Every meal is made up of four handfuls of food. Depending on your weight, your hand size will differ, which is perfect for estimating your body's energy needs for the day.

Now handful one and two must be veggies. This can be a salad, steamed veggies, or grilled veggies.

Handful three is protein like eggs, fish, or poultry. Since this diet is focussed on whole foods, it's best practice to avoid processed meats.

Handful four is carbohydrates! This can be anything from sweet potatoes, rice, and pasta to fruit, bread, and cereal. The more complex the carb, of course, the better.

Wait . . . aren't we forgetting about fats? Even though fats don't have their own handful, the diet allows one to three tablespoons of fat in each meal. Healthy fats [7] like avocados, coconut, nuts, and seeds are key when picking your fats on this diet, too.

Is This Even Considered a Diet?

Yes! A diet shouldn't be something you stick to for a week or a month. A diet should be a way to balance out your nutrition to fit your everyday lifestyle [9]. The reason a lot of people don't feel like it's a diet is because it's not restrictive. Even though you are limited to four handfuls of food at every meal, this tends to be more than enough to satisfy.

You don't need any fancy equipment to measure your food. You don't need to purchase fancy ingredients for meals on this diet. You don't need to spend so much money on supplements. All you need is REAL good wholesome food.

What a Day on the Scandi Sense Diet May Look Like

A typical day may look something like this for example.

As long as your plate doesn't exceed four handfuls of food you're on the right track. If you are finding it difficult at the beginning to make it from meal to meal without getting really hungry, feel free to incorporate healthy snacks.

Is It For Everyone?

Of course! There are no rules when it comes to fitting your favourite foods into the diet. If you want to have dessert, skip the handful of carbohydrates at dinner. If you are not feeling that slice of bread at breakfast, opt for an extra handful of veggies or protein. This diet is extremely flexible, making it a great fit for all.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/What-Scandi-Sense-Diet-44848949