What may seem like “unhealthy” habits in Europe often contribute to better physical and mental health. These practices challenge conventional notions of wellness, focusing instead on moderation, quality, and balance. Here’s a look at 15 European habits that Americans might consider unhealthy—but actually work better for overall well-being.
These “unhealthy” European habits highlight the importance of balance, moderation, and quality over strict rules or deprivation. By adopting a mindful approach to food, leisure, and movement, Europeans achieve a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Cheers to living well!
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Quick Easy Tips to Understand These Habits Better
Look at lifestyle as a whole rather than isolating a single behavior. A pastry for breakfast may seem unhealthy until you notice the walking culture and portion sizes that accompany it.
Pay attention to daily rhythms. Europeans often eat late or drink wine regularly, yet maintain balance through routine movement and slower pacing.
Observe before judging. What seems unusual in one culture often makes perfect sense within its own social ecosystem.
Many Americans label certain European lifestyle habits as careless or unhealthy, often because they contradict mainstream wellness culture in the United States. What looks like indulgence or lack of discipline from afar is frequently rooted in long-standing cultural norms that prioritize balance over restriction. The misunderstanding becomes sharper when American visitors expect familiar routines and instead encounter behaviors that feel counterintuitive.
One of the biggest controversies lies in how Europeans approach food and leisure. Long lunches, late dinners, unhurried drinking, and fewer dietary restrictions can appear reckless to outsiders who are used to intense nutritional rules. Yet these habits often exist within a rhythm of moderation, small portions, and active daily movement that Americans may not notice at first glance. What seems indulgent is often carefully balanced by the rest of the lifestyle.
Another debated point involves Europeans’ attitude toward stress and work. Where Americans tend to equate productivity with longer hours and constant availability, Europeans often build their days around pauses, breaks, and social connection. Some Americans interpret this as laziness or inefficiency, while many Europeans view it as the foundation for mental and physical longevity. This clash of values fuels ongoing debate about which approach is truly healthier.
1. Drinking Wine Daily
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Drinking alcohol every day can be seen as excessive.
Why It Works:
Europeans drink wine in moderation, often with meals, and view it as part of a healthy social ritual rather than overindulgence.
Key Lesson: Moderate drinking can complement meals and enhance relaxation without leading to excess.
2. Eating Full-Fat Foods
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Full-fat dairy, butter, and oils are often demonized for their calorie content.
Why It Works:
Europeans prioritize quality over quantity, using natural fats in moderation for flavor and satiety.
Key Lesson: Natural fats, when eaten mindfully, contribute to satisfaction and reduce the need for overeating.
3. Prioritizing Leisure Over Work
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Taking long breaks or working fewer hours might appear lazy.
Why It Works:
Europeans value balance and rest, leading to less burnout and higher productivity during work hours.
Key Lesson: Rest is essential for sustained productivity and mental health.
4. Embracing Bread with Every Meal
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Bread is often avoided in low-carb diets.
Why It Works:
Freshly baked bread, eaten in smaller portions, is a staple of many European diets and provides energy without overindulgence.
Key Lesson: High-quality, whole-grain bread in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
5. Long, Late Dinners
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Eating late at night is often associated with poor digestion and weight gain.
Why It Works:
Europeans enjoy smaller portions and take time to eat, focusing on conversation and relaxation.
Key Lesson: It’s not about when you eat, but how you eat—mindfully and in moderation.
6. Drinking Coffee Multiple Times a Day
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Too much caffeine is often seen as harmful.
Why It Works:
Europeans drink smaller, stronger servings (like espresso) throughout the day without sugary add-ons.
Key Lesson: Mindful coffee consumption in small portions can provide focus and energy without overdoing it.
7. Indulging in Pastries and Sweets
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Daily desserts might seem like a fast track to weight gain.
Why It Works:
Europeans enjoy high-quality pastries in small portions, savoring them as treats rather than mindlessly snacking.
Key Lesson: Savoring indulgences occasionally prevents cravings from spiraling into overconsumption.
8. Taking Long Lunch Breaks
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Spending over an hour on lunch can seem unproductive.
Why It Works:
A leisurely meal improves digestion, reduces stress, and provides a mental break to boost afternoon productivity.
Key Lesson: Taking time to eat and recharge leads to better focus and efficiency.
9. Minimal Gym Culture
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Avoiding the gym may seem like neglecting fitness.
Why It Works:
Europeans incorporate physical activity naturally into daily life through walking, cycling, and other forms of movement.
Key Lesson: Consistent, low-impact activity can be more sustainable than intense gym workouts.
10. Drinking Room-Temperature Water
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Americans often associate cold water with refreshment and health benefits.
Why It Works:
Europeans believe room-temperature water is better for digestion and overall comfort.
Key Lesson:
Water temperature preferences might be cultural, but hydration is what truly matters.
11. Not Counting Calories
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Tracking calories is seen as a cornerstone of weight management in the U.S.
Why It Works:
Europeans focus on portion control and balanced meals rather than obsessing over numbers.
Key Lesson:
Mindful eating and intuitive portion sizes can naturally support a healthy weight.
12. Eating Cheese Daily
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Cheese is often viewed as a calorie-dense, high-fat food.
Why It Works:
Europeans enjoy small portions of high-quality cheese as part of balanced meals, often paired with fruits or whole grains.
Key Lesson:
Quality over quantity ensures indulgence without overconsumption.
13. Enjoying Afternoon Naps
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Napping during the day might seem lazy or unnecessary.
Why It Works:
A short siesta helps recharge energy levels, particularly in Mediterranean cultures.
Key Lesson:
Strategic rest during the day can boost alertness and reduce stress.
14. Relaxing with Dessert Wines or Liqueurs
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Consuming alcohol after dinner might seem indulgent.
Why It Works:
Europeans enjoy small servings of dessert wines or herbal liqueurs, which aid digestion and promote relaxation.
Key Lesson:
Moderation and mindful consumption can elevate the dining experience.
15. Taking Extended Vacations
Why It Seems Unhealthy:
Taking weeks off at a time might seem excessive.
Why It Works:
Europeans see long vacations as essential for recharging, fostering creativity, and improving mental health.
Key Lesson: Time away from work can lead to higher productivity and better overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
European habits that appear unhealthy at first glance can reveal surprising layers once you look more closely. Many of these behaviors are tied to traditions designed to maintain enjoyment without excess, and longevity without obsession. Visitors who take the time to understand the context often discover that these routines function in harmony with the rest of everyday life.
Instead of evaluating these habits through the lens of American wellness culture, it is useful to consider how they fit into a broader system of movement, community, and routine. Small daily indulgences coexist with active city living and strong social networks, creating a balance that is not always obvious to outsiders. When you look at the full picture, many of these so-called unhealthy habits may be contributing to better well-being overall.
Ultimately, exploring these differences can challenge assumptions about what it means to live a healthy life. Europeans lean on moderation, routine, and enjoyment, offering a reminder that wellness does not need to be rigid or joyless. Whether or not American readers adopt these habits, understanding them opens the door to a more nuanced view of health, culture, and daily living.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.