The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet proves to be one of the healthiest, most balanced diets in the world. It is based mostly on vegetable products. The key elements are fish, olive oil and wine in moderation.

What accounts for this enormous popularity? There are many variants of the the mediterranean diet because there are many countries which border the Mediterranean Sea. Studies indicate that people who live around the Mediterranean have a low incidence of heart disease and great longevity.

Let's examine the main characteristics of the Mediterranean Diet.
* It is rich in fruit and vegetables, especially leafy ones, and often raw or minimally processed.
* It contains many cereals and pasta, traditionally made from whole grain.
* There are plenty of beans, nuts and seeds.
* Animal products are consumed in small amounts. Rather than dairy and meat, especially red meat, poultry is preferred.
* The diet is rich in seafood, a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
* Although high in fat, around 35% of the calorie intake, it is low in saturated fat [7-8%)].
* Wine is consumed in moderation: one to two glasses a day with meals.

Now we know why The Mediterranean diet is primarily a healthy diet. It posesses tradition and has been proven effective over time. There is no specific plan for the Mediterranean diet. It consists in eating varieties of vegetables, fruit, grains and seeds sparing animal products.

Combining the Mediterranean diet with regular exercise seems to be the healthiest lifestyle choice and the best solution for weight loss, provided you eat within reasonable limits. Eat enough to satisfy your hunger. How can The Mediterranean Diet be a diet that encourages you to eat?


The Mediterranean Diet