Close Menu
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Truth Republican
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Guns & Gear
  • Healthy Tips
  • Prepping & Survival
  • Videos
Newsletter
Truth Republican
You are at:Home»Healthy Tips»Ancient ‘Viking diet’ makes a comeback: Here’s what to know before you try it
Healthy Tips

Ancient ‘Viking diet’ makes a comeback: Here’s what to know before you try it

Buddy DoyleBy Buddy DoyleAugust 9, 2025No Comments3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr WhatsApp
Ancient ‘Viking diet’ makes a comeback: Here’s what to know before you try it
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The Vikings may be best known for raiding and sailing, but now their eating habits are also drawing attention. 

The “Viking diet” — sometimes called the “Nordic diet” — is rooted in what Norse people ate from the 8th to 11th centuries, and it’s currently having a modern revival. 

Does this ancient way of eating deserve a place in your meal plan?

THE WATERMELON DIET HAS GONE VIRAL — HERE’S WHAT EXPERTS SAY ABOUT THE WEIGHT-LOSS TREND

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.

What did the Vikings eat?

“[The Vikings] were limited to the foods available 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.”

The Viking (or Nordic) diet mirrors today’s popular wellness plans, according to the dietitian. “Similar to the Mediterranean diet … it’s based on whole foods,” she said.

YOUR DAILY SANDWICH COULD BE MAKING YOU SAD AND ANXIOUS, HEALTH EXPERTS WARN

Ultraprocessed foods have been making headlines, with some reports stating that Americans get over half their calories from lower-quality, unhealthy food groups.

Fiber-rich carbs like fruit, veggies, legumes, nuts and whole grains “support gut health and help to prevent lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.”

“It’s not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment.”

Harris-Pincus shared some of the staples of the Viking diet, listed below.

  • Vegetables: onions, garlic, leeks, cabbage, carrots, turnips, parsnips
  • Nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts
  • Fruit: raspberries, bilberries, plums, wild apples
  • Meat: from cattle, pigs, sheep, ducks, hens and even horses or geese
  • Seafood: herring, salmon, mackerel, plus whale and seal meat
  • Grains: rye, barley, oats, millet, buckwheat
  • Dairy: milk, butter, cheese
  • Eggs, plus salt and spices for preserving food

Beer and mead (a honey-based fermented drink) were also common, sometimes even consumed by children due to lack of clean water.

A bearded man eats food outside

Potential downsides

Despite its natural, unprocessed appeal, the Viking diet could have some nutritional downsides.

“This diet contains a significant amount of meat and animal fat compared to the Mediterranean diet,” Harris-Pincus warned.

“While the high fat content helped Vikings survive cold winters, the excessive amount of saturated fat is a cardiovascular risk.”

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.

Person eating seafood and other whole foods

Tips to eat like a Viking

To make the most of a modern-day Viking diet, Harris-Pincus suggests skipping the mead while stealing some of the smarter habits.

“Anyone can include more whole foods, especially fiber-rich carbs, while limiting highly processed foods high in sugar, fat and sodium,” she said.

Something as simple as cooking more at home and focusing on quality ingredients could have positive effects, according to the expert.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

“It’s not important, wise or practical to follow the Viking diet exactly in our current food environment,” Harris-Pincus said. 

“However, cooking at home with whole-food ingredients high in protein and fiber is always a good idea.”

Read the full article here

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleColumbia student says Mamdani becoming mayor would be ‘scary’ for Jewish students in New York
Next Article ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ legend JB Smoove launches comedic-focused agency inspired by classic sitcom swap

Related Articles

More cases of deadly ‘flesh-eating’ bacterial infection in popular vacation destination

More cases of deadly ‘flesh-eating’ bacterial infection in popular vacation destination

August 8, 2025
Colorectal cancer diagnoses soar among younger adults for one key reason

Colorectal cancer diagnoses soar among younger adults for one key reason

August 8, 2025
Could chikungunya virus spread to US? Here’s what Americans should know

Could chikungunya virus spread to US? Here’s what Americans should know

August 7, 2025
Dangerous tick-borne virus causes brain damage in vulnerable young patient

Dangerous tick-borne virus causes brain damage in vulnerable young patient

August 7, 2025
Majority of Americans get more than half of calories from ultra-processed foods, CDC finds

Majority of Americans get more than half of calories from ultra-processed foods, CDC finds

August 7, 2025
Woman beats deadly brain cancer with investigational cell therapy: ‘Truly amazing’

Woman beats deadly brain cancer with investigational cell therapy: ‘Truly amazing’

August 7, 2025
Supplement sold at gas stations sparks health fears as people report addiction symptoms

Supplement sold at gas stations sparks health fears as people report addiction symptoms

August 7, 2025
Woman beats deadly brain cancer with investigational cell therapy: ‘Truly amazing’

Woman survives deadly brain tumor, plus warnings about virus in China

August 6, 2025
Mosquito-borne virus spreading through China causes high fever, joint pain

Mosquito-borne virus spreading through China causes high fever, joint pain

August 6, 2025
Don't Miss
Montauk yacht death: Timeline reveals bikini mogul’s final days in Hamptons before mysterious demise

Montauk yacht death: Timeline reveals bikini mogul’s final days in Hamptons before mysterious demise

120 Million Square Feet: Store Closings In The United States Are On Pace To Set A New Record High In 2025

120 Million Square Feet: Store Closings In The United States Are On Pace To Set A New Record High In 2025

Democratic strategist says party lacks ‘moral authority’ on Texas redistricting fight

Democratic strategist says party lacks ‘moral authority’ on Texas redistricting fight

Jen Pawol’s MLB debut is no PR stunt — she earned it the hard way

Jen Pawol’s MLB debut is no PR stunt — she earned it the hard way

Latest News
Panthers’ Xavier Legette, Browns’ Rayshawn Jenkins ejected after exchanging blows during preseason matchup

Panthers’ Xavier Legette, Browns’ Rayshawn Jenkins ejected after exchanging blows during preseason matchup

August 9, 2025
Grumman F4F Wildcat: Holding the Line After Pearl Harbor

Grumman F4F Wildcat: Holding the Line After Pearl Harbor

August 9, 2025
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ legend JB Smoove launches comedic-focused agency inspired by classic sitcom swap

‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ legend JB Smoove launches comedic-focused agency inspired by classic sitcom swap

August 9, 2025
Ancient ‘Viking diet’ makes a comeback: Here’s what to know before you try it

Ancient ‘Viking diet’ makes a comeback: Here’s what to know before you try it

August 9, 2025
Columbia student says Mamdani becoming mayor would be ‘scary’ for Jewish students in New York

Columbia student says Mamdani becoming mayor would be ‘scary’ for Jewish students in New York

August 9, 2025
Copyright © 2025. Truth Republican. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.