Atlantic diet seafood

The so called Atlantic Diet is rich in fish, vegetables and fruits

The Atlantic Diet Foundation and the Galician Association for the Atlantic Diet Studies are trying to prove that the benefits of this diet are higher than the Mediterranean one. They say that the rate of centenarian people is 300% of that of some Mediterranean regions. It is supposed to be because their olive oil, vegetables, fruits and fish intakes are also higher than in those other regions.



It is probably true. Galician is one of the best gastronomic places in the World. They may have a better nutrition pattern, better habits… but there is something undeniable. They are fantastic followers of the Mediterranean Diet willy-nilly!

You only have to see their Decalogue:

Atlantic Diet Decalogue:

1. Eat lots of fish (sea and river) and shellfish (mollusks and crustaceans), which constitute the vast natural reserves of the Atlantic current.
2. Eat plenty of plant foods: cereals, potatoes and vegetables.
3. Try to have a high consumption of fruits and vegetables.
4. Use olive oil as the main cooking fat, especially as oil dressing.
5. Consume dairy products daily.
6. Meat consumption is important and should be done in moderation.
7. It is recommended fluid intake, drinking water as priority of excellence. The wine must be taken through moderate consumption, responsibly, intelligently and accompanied with food.
8. Prepare the food in the easiest way, in order to maintain the quality of the ingredients and their nutritional value.
9. Keep to the Atlantic traditional eating habits. Learn to eat and to enjoy it.
10. Do physical activity or exercise every day. It is as important as what you eat.

(They probably forgot to include the eggs, a very important resource of the Galician gastronomy. They also forgot to specify that the olive oil should be virgin ).

We highly recommend going to Galicia! It’s a region you will never forget.

More about the Atlantic Diet

Atlantic diet cradle: Galicia, located in the north of Spain

Spain and Portugal map: The atlantic diet, in the north west

The Atlantic Diet is an entirely artificial concept. Portugal and parts of the Spanish coast border the Atlantic Ocean, sharing some nutritional habits with the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula. With the growing popularity of the Mediterranean Diet, there was an attempt to establish a new concept, the Atlantic Diet, encompassing countries such as Iceland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Portugal, and Spain. They could have also included countries like the USA, Canada, Mexico, and all other Atlantic bordering nations, including those in Africa, without fundamentally altering the non-existent similarities in eating habits proposed by the Atlantic Diet founders.

The Atlantic Diet, a marketing endeavour

The Atlantic Diet has been formulated as a somewhat ambiguous theoretical diet, borrowing heavily from the Mediterranean Diet but emphasizing a higher consumption of fish over meat. However, the Atlantic Diet has failed to gain traction as a recognized dietary pattern in Portugal or Spain. Even diets like the Atkins Diet, albeit known for its risks, have garnered more followers. It appears to be more of a marketing ploy than a genuinely successful dietary movement.

Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that the Atlantic Diet, which emphasizes fish, vegetables, and olive oil, undoubtedly offers health benefits. While it may not have deep cultural roots like the Mediterranean Diet, it remains a nutritious and safe dietary option.

A Culinary Delight

The Atlantic Diet is characterized by its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, seafood, and olive oil. While meat is less prominent in the promoted diet, its consumption is not as restricted in practice. The quality of products is excellent, and regional gastronomy serves as a significant tourist attraction. Seafood, in particular, is highly esteemed in Spain.

Olive oil is a staple in both Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, and meals are often accompanied by a moderate intake of red wine. Dairy products, cereals, and nuts also play a role in this diet. Consequently, the Atlantic Diet incorporates all the essential elements of a recommended nutritional pattern, contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Traditionally, the gastronomic culture of various Atlantic regions has been shaped by locally cultivated or obtained products. This dietary pattern has accompanied the lifestyles of countries such as Spain (especially Galicia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country) and Portugal for centuries. While regions like French Brittany and the United Kingdom (specifically Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland) claim adherence to this nutritional model, their cuisines may incorporate other elements that diverge from it.

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