Traveling for Health: Healthy Food and Sports in Different Countries
Traveling is a way to change scenery and see new places, as well as an opportunity to discover the healthy habits of other cultures. Due to studying each country you can have a unique perspective on nutrition, physical activity and the balance between body and soul. If you think about it, the value of our health is like an ancient roman coin value: it is very fragile and should be protected as much as possible, because it is not easy to preserve it in today's reality, and it depends on us to preserve its integrity by filling our lives with quality habits. Today we are here to study the attitude of people to health in different countries, to learn the secrets of their healthy lifestyle, to be inspired by the traditions of healthy eating and active leisure. So let us figure it out together.
Healthy Food in Different Countries: Traditions and Superfoods
Each cuisine of the world keeps its own health secrets. Traditional dishes both delight with flavor and tell us how people from different parts of the world take care of their health. National proverbs and sayings often reflect the wisdom of ancestors and their attitude to nutrition and health.
Japan: Minimalism and Longevity
「医者に金を払うより、料理人に払え」(It is better to pay a chef than a doctor). This proverb emphasizes that proper nutrition is the key to good health.
The Japanese are known for their longevity, and this has a lot to do with their diet. The Japanese diet is based on fish, seafood, rice, vegetables and fermented foods such as miso and natto. If you are close to the Japanese philosophy and their attitude towards food, try adding miso soup to your menu. This simple but vitamin and probiotic rich soup is a great way to start the day.
Interesting fact: In Okinawa, where many long-lived people live, yams replace rice in the diet and green tea with jasmine is a daily beverage.
Mediterranean Cuisine: The Flavors of Health
“Chi mangia bene, vive bene.” (He who eats well, lives well) is Italian wisdom reflecting the philosophy of enjoying delicious and healthy food.
In 2010, UNESCO included the Mediterranean diet in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The main products of this cuisine are fresh vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fish and moderate amounts of wine. By the way, even studies show that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.
Tip: Cook vegetables in olive oil with garlic and herbs - it is not only healthy, but also incredibly tasty. Here, a prime example of the Mediterranean diet is Greek salad, rich in antioxidants, or Spanish paella with seafood, rich in protein and healthy fats.
Scandinavia: Fresh and Natural
“Bättre bröd än blod” (Better bread than blood) is a Swedish saying emphasizing the importance of healthy eating and avoiding unnecessary risk.
Scandinavian cuisine (known as the Nordic Diet) is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity and benefits. It is based on fish, whole grain products, root vegetables, wild berries and mushrooms. Interestingly, in Finland and Sweden, cloudberries, a wild berry that contains more vitamin C than even oranges, are highly valued. So it is a great idea to add fresh berries (such as blueberries or cloudberries) to your morning oatmeal or smoothie to enrich your diet with antioxidants.
Another example of a healthy dish: Baked Salmon with dill and potatoes is a simple but incredibly healthy dish that is easy to make at home.
Sport and Activity in Travel
Physical activity is an important element of a healthy lifestyle, which traveling makes even more exciting. New environments and unusual landscapes can inspire activities that are hard to try at home.
Hiking: The Mountains Are Calling
Mountain hiking is a great way to enjoy nature and have an effective workout for the whole body. Climbing strengthens the muscles in your legs and torso, and the clean mountain air helps your body recover.
Norway: The Trolltunga Trail is one of the most famous trails in Scandinavia. This 10-hour hike across mountain plateaus and lakes offers magnificent views and a sense of triumph over oneself.
Switzerland: The Matterhorn region is a hiker's paradise. Routes of varying difficulty pass by alpine meadows, glaciers and mountain lakes.
Tip: To get the best experience, make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes with good cushioning and non-slip soles and check the weather beforehand (especially in the mountains) as it can change every 2 hours. It's also a good idea to use a mobile hiking app (such as Komoot or AllTrails ) to find routes and keep track of your location.
Cycling: Wheels Instead of Buses
Bicycling is not only environmentally friendly, but also an enjoyable way to explore new cities and natural attractions. Interestingly, there are more bicyclists than residents - approximately 23 million to 17 million people. So the most logical places to take memorable bike rides would be:
The Netherlands: Here, bicycling is a way of life. Amsterdam and Rotterdam offer thousands of kilometers of bicycle paths, and routes through the Hoge Veluwe National Park will delight nature lovers.
France: Cycling routes in the Loire Valley allow you to visit medieval castles and vineyards while enjoying the region's unhurried atmosphere
Lifehack: Bicycle rentals abroad are often available through mobile apps such as Donkey Republic or Lime, which allow you to find the nearest rental shop.
Water Sports: A Workout for Body and Soul
Water sports combine physical activity with the energizing effects of being close to nature.
Hawaii: Surfing on the famous beaches of Waikiki is suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Here you can take lessons from experienced instructors.
Egypt: Diving in the Red Sea is a unique opportunity to see coral reefs, exotic fish and underwater caves.
Tip: Even if you are not ready to try surfing, paddleboarding or kayaking are great alternatives for beginners. But when trying new things, don't forget the tried-and-true: be sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF, as the water intensifies your exposure to the sun's rays. And for underwater adventures, buy an inexpensive underwater camera to capture the amazing world that is hidden from ordinary eyes.
Beyond Food and Sports: What Else Can You Discover
Traveling is not just a chance to explore new horizons, but also a great way to start a hobby like coin collecting or even just to bring a piece of another country home. Coins found in different parts of the world can tell a whole story about a country's culture, events and traditions.
For example, in France, you can check out local souvenir shops or Monnaie de Paris machines where you can find commemorative coins dedicated to famous French landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or French cuisine. For example, the 2 euros depicting croissants and baguettes are a great addition to your collection.
And in Australia, you can easily find coins dedicated to the local flora and fauna (such as the famous 1-dollar coin with kangaroos or 50 cents with unique designs of koalas and parrots). These specimens make great souvenirs and additions to your collection.
How can you determine the value of your find and learn more about it? Modern technology makes this process easier: the Coin ID Scanner app can help you quickly identify the characteristics of a coin. Just take a photo and you will get information about the country, date of issue, rarity and market value of the coin. It is convenient both for professional numismatists and for tourists who want to keep a memorable souvenir.
Take the Best of the World
Every journey is not just a change of scenery, but an opportunity to discover something new: be it a healthy habit, the taste of a dish, inspiration from nature or even a rare coin. When we travel, we do more than just enrich our inner world, we also learn how to take care of ourselves by drawing experiences from other cultures. Is it not the best way to remind ourselves that health, activity and harmony with ourselves are treasures worth cherishing? Let each of your journeys be a small step towards a bigger goal - a full and happy life.
