The adage that “you are what you eat” is one that Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner wholeheartedly believes in.

 

A Blue Zones lifestyle means that you’re eating and living like the healthiest people in the world in order to “optimize” your longevity and feel your best. The Blue Zones diet came from Buettner’s analysis of over 150 dietary studies that were performed in the so-called Blue Zones where people live the longest.

 

If you’re following a Blue Zones diet, chances are good that you like to buy as much of your food as possible from local farmer’s markets and produce stands in order to get the freshest fare.

 

What to Look For

 

A Blue Zones diet will heavily feature the following foods:

 

– Beans

– Leafy greens

– Fresh fruits

– Sweet potatoes

– Nuts

– Turmeric

– Green tea

– Oats and barley

– Whole wheat bread

 

Typically, this type of diet also minimizes the consumption of meat, sugar and animal products.

 

Tips For Finding Blue Zone Foods at the Farmer’s Market

 

The best thing you can do before you start shopping is to create a meal plan. You don’t have to rigidly stick to this plan, but having an idea of what types of dishes you want to make can be helpful when you’re shopping.

 

Another great tip is to get to know the farmers at your local market. They’re the experts on the produce you’re buying, and this means that they can help you learn how to choose the best, freshest fruits and veggies. The fresher your produce is, the more nutrients and antioxidants you’ll be putting into your body.

 

Carrying a list of Blue Zone-approved foods with you can also be helpful when you’re starting out. This is especially true if you’re hoping to try some new things. Write or print out a list of Blue Zone-friendly foods so that you can be sure to grab anything you want to try while you’re browsing the selection at your local market.

 

Finally, remember that you don’t have to change everything overnight. If you love the goat cheese a local farmer makes or crave a homemade cookie, it’s okay to indulge a little. Blue Zones is all about optimizing your life to get the most out of it.