Potluck Moais® are an excellent tool for those looking for a little extra nudge or support when it comes to adding a plant slant to their diet. They are also a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends or meet someone new.
Moai you ask? Moai (pronounced "Mo Eye") is a Japanese term for “meeting for a common purpose”. In Okinawa, Japan, one of the original blue zones locations, residents use moais as support systems to help those in need. Based on this tradition, moai groups provide social connection and support that are just as vital to a person’s overall well-being as the benefits of walking and exercise. Moais can be organized for walking, restaurant hopping, or potluck get togethers.
Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida recently surveyed 22 plant-based potluck moais (99 people) before they started meeting to share healthy recipes and conversation and again, three months into their journey. The results were astounding! During this short timeframe, the following benefits were revealed:
- Estimated life expectancy per the True Vitality® Test increased on average, one year and three months
- 100% reported their moai contributed to their overall well-being
- 100% said they are now eating more plant-based meals
- Almost 70% shared they had made new, good friends
- 17% reported losing weight, while others lowered their blood pressure, blood sugar and/ or cholesterol
Southwest Florida residents gather at NCH to hear Dan Buettner speak and join potluck moai teams
"Shifting to a plant-based diet not only helped me lose weight and lower my cholesterol, I have more energy,” said Lisa Gruenloh, a potluck moai participant. “The commitment was an important catalyst for what has become a permanent lifestyle change, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work toward my health goals with some really amazing people in my community."
JoAnn Toppin, another potluck moai participant struggled with weight all her life and was battling other health issues. At the end of the three months, her story changed. “I bonded with amazing people, lost 37 pounds, reduced my blood sugar and blood pressure, and my labs are the best they have been in 20 years,” said Joann. “One of the best things is that two of my autoimmune disorders are in remission! My life has truly been altered and changed for the better.”
Potluck moais are proof that when you surround yourself with people who support positive behaviors, you will be more likely to make healthy choices.
by: Sebastien Saitta, Marketing and PR Director, Blue Zones Project - Southwest Florida