Does this ancient way of eating deserve a place in your meal plan?<\/p>\n
THE WATERMELON DIET HAS GONE VIRAL \u2014 HERE’S WHAT EXPERTS SAY ABOUT THE WEIGHT-LOSS TREND<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Registered dietitian and food blogger Lauren Harris-Pincus, based in New Jersey, spoke with Fox News Digital about the details of the diet, its benefits and caveats, and smart ways to implement it.<\/p>\n The Viking diet contains a significant amount of meat and animal fat compared to the Mediterranean diet, which also promotes whole foods. (iStock)<\/p>\n What did the Vikings eat?<\/strong><\/p>\n “[The Vikings] were limited to the foods available<\/a> to them at the time,” Harris-Pincus said. “Their diet focused on clean, sustainable foods, which is why we are discussing its health benefits today.”<\/p>\n The Viking (or Nordic) diet mirrors today’s popular wellness plans, according to the dietitian. “Similar to the Mediterranean diet<\/a> \u2026 it\u2019s based on whole foods,” she said.<\/p>\n YOUR DAILY SANDWICH COULD BE MAKING YOU SAD AND ANXIOUS, HEALTH EXPERTS WARN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Ultraprocessed foods have been making headlines, with some reports stating that Americans get over half their calories from lower-quality, unhealthy food groups.<\/p>\n Fiber-rich carbs like fruit, veggies, legumes, nuts and whole grains “support gut health and help to prevent lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease<\/a> and some cancers.”<\/p>\n “It\u2019s not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Harris-Pincus shared some of the staples of the Viking diet, listed below.<\/p>\n Beer and mead (a honey-based fermented drink) were also common, sometimes even consumed by children due to lack of clean water.<\/p>\n While the high fat content helped Vikings survive cold winters, the excessive amount of saturated fat poses a cardiovascular risk, experts say. (iStoc)<\/p>\n Potential downsides<\/p>\n Despite its natural, unprocessed appeal, the Viking diet could have some nutritional downsides<\/a>.<\/p>\n “This diet contains a significant amount of meat and animal fat compared to the Mediterranean diet,” Harris-Pincus warned.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “While the high fat content helped Vikings survive cold winters, the excessive amount of saturated fat is a cardiovascular risk<\/a>.”<\/p>\n The preserved nature of Viking-era food also meant high sodium, which is another heart health concern. Plus, the beer-heavy lifestyle doesn’t align with healthy lifestyles.<\/p>\n “Anyone can include more whole foods, especially fiber-rich carbs, while limiting highly processed foods high in sugar, fat and sodium.” (iStock)<\/p>\n Tips to eat like a Viking<\/p>\n To make the most of a modern-day Viking diet, Harris-Pincus suggests skipping the mead while stealing some of the smarter habits<\/a>.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “Anyone can include more whole foods, especially fiber-rich carbs, while limiting highly processed foods high in sugar, fat and sodium,” she said.<\/p>\n Something as simple as cooking more at home and focusing on quality ingredients<\/a> could have positive effects, according to the expert.<\/p>\n For more Health articles, visit\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>www.foxnews.com\/health<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “It\u2019s not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment,” Harris-Pincus said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “However, cooking at home with whole-food ingredients high in protein and fiber is always a good idea.”<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/viking-diet-3.jpg\")
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