A Canadian now living in Sweden has revealed why the country is so much healthier than North America – and what tips she learned to change her lifestyle.
Keltie O’Connor uploaded a clip to YouTube to reveal her key observations on what makes the two countries different.
She touched on a range of issues that she believes make Sweden a healthier country, including grocery stores, lunchtime culture and liquor store hours.
But the former college basketball player-turned-social media personality claimed it ultimately came down to “identity.”
A Canadian now living in Sweden has revealed why the country is so much healthier than North America
Keltie O’Connor uploaded a clip to YouTube to reveal her key observations on what makes the two countries different
Keltie first revealed that she had “lived between Canada and Sweden for the last four years” before adopting the healthy habits that had caught her eye.
Addressing grocery stores first, she explained, “Classic American grocery store, you walk in and what’s the first thing you see?” Hot dogs, eggnog, the seasonal novelties.
“Yes, there are veggies on the side that you see and it looks pretty, but you don’t go there, you go straight down the aisle to the packaged goods.”
“But when you walk into a classic Swedish grocery store, you’re forced to follow a kind of pattern, and what’s the first thing you have to go through? ‘Fresh fruit and vegetables.’
She then also gave the example that Swedish shops also put their healthiest breads – including whole wheat, high protein, high fiber – on an equal footing with non-generic white bread.
Keltie then continued to discuss “lunchtime culture,” revealing, “We love lunch in North America too, but has anyone ever noticed that you’re not so happy afterwards?”
“Well, Swedes, they take their time to enjoy it.” In the middle of the day, there’s a real lull. Everyone leaves the office, actually sits down and eats lunch.
“And I’ve noticed that in Sweden, if I take the time to actually take a lunch break, eat slowly and have a conversation, I’ll go home happy,” which she says makes her less likely to snack takes, she added.
Addressing grocery stores first, she explained, “Classic American grocery store, you walk in and what’s the first thing you see?” Hot dogs, eggnog, the seasonal novelties
Similarly, Keltie revealed that hiking and cycling are both popular and accessible pastimes in Sweden before turning to portion sizes
The former college basketball player-turned-social media personality claimed that “identity” ultimately mattered.
Next, Keltie explains that while there are diet products in Sweden, they are “significantly different than in the US.”
“When I go to the US or Canada, we have all these diet aisles and they’re sad — it’s Weight Watchers, it’s Atkins, it’s low-calorie, no sugar, no fat, no fun,” she explained.
She said that people in Sweden have switched to “sports” products rather than low-calorie products designed to satisfy their cravings.
According to Keltie, the key to Sweden’s healthy habits
“There are many things that encourage a healthy lifestyle or activity — something you eat in the middle of a sports game, things that can keep you going throughout the activity, and not just trying to be as low-calorie as possible to eat,” Keltie said.
She then examines another of her observations, the cost of food, stating, ‘I’ve always been told that Scandinavia is expensive and yes, taxes and gas prices are extreme, but the cost of nutrient-dense staples is staggeringly cheap.’ Canada.’
In addition, state liquor stores in Sweden are the only places where alcohol can be bought and the stores have strict opening hours: they are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 7pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm and closed on Sundays.
Keltie claims that with no alcohol in grocery stores and limited hours at designated outlets, shoppers “are less likely to grab a six-pack or a bottle of wine just for fun.”
“You have to make the effort and plan to pick it up,” she added.
One of the other factors Keltie claims makes Sweden healthier than North America is sweets.
Dentists in the Scandinavian country had previously advocated that parents should only let their children eat sweets on Saturdays to improve oral hygiene.
The practice spread and quickly became something of a tradition, meaning there is less “pointless” consumption.
Keltie said, “I think that naturally limits the amount of sugar consumed over the course of the week.” I realize a lot of people are going to find that “restrictive” – and I understand that because in the nutritional , wellness and fitness industry in North America there is a lot of balance …
“But for Swedes, it’s less of ‘limit yourself all week’ and more of ‘Oh, something to look forward to at the weekend.'”
Other observations Keltie noted in Sweden were the “lack of regular lemonade” – although locals are much more likely to drink sparkling water – and their traditions around coffee drinking, allowing them to process and enjoy it.
Continuing with her list, the social media star said another healthy Swedish habit is to “start young”.
She elaborated, “All of these things are taught to them from an early age, not just as a parent but as a community as a whole.” “It’s not just about how to eat, it’s also about the joy of an active lifestyle.”
Similarly, Keltie revealed that hiking and cycling are both popular and accessible pastimes in Sweden before turning to portion sizes.
Keltie explained that she’s “lived between Canada and Sweden for the past four years.”
“No one spares an eye on a Venti in North America, it’s just more convenient, you get more,” but she said ordering a big one in Sweden would mean she’s “considered gluttonous.”
She went on to report that checkout aisles in Sweden are lined with mints and chewing gum, rather than the sweet treats displayed in the same areas in North American stores.
As her list neared its end, Keltie said, “My penultimate point: All ages play sports … They love their sports and their activities – and that just starts at a young age and continues into old age.”
“It’s kind of a way of socializing and I think it just becomes a part of them and every age does sport.” It’s just a way of life.’
Closing her list with one final point about identity, she concludes, “It’s cheesy, but if I’ve learned anything: if you want to make a sustainable lifestyle choice, the easiest way is to make it a part of yours identity.”
“Once it becomes part of your identity, you’ll never change it – it makes you who you are and that’s something about the Swedes.”
“They identify as healthy minimalists and conforming to a standard is a core belief.” “It comes down to the fact that part of being a Swede is living a healthy life.”