What Is The Mediterranean Diet? What Are The Health Benefits For Me?

The Mediterranean Diet is among the few diets with quantitative research backing up its health benefits.

Its origin is believed to be in the communities neighboring the Mediterranean Sea, mainly Greece and Southern Italy.

The Mediterranean Diet is a lifestyle change instead of adhering to a restrictive or confusing dietary plan.

Studies show that the Mediterranean Diet can help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. It is also beneficial in lowering blood pressure and reducing arthritis inflammation.

What foods can you eat on the diet?

• Fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

• Limited amounts of poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, lean cuts of red meat, and red wine.

• Avoid added sugar, processed meats, and refined grains like white rice and white flour.

Where can I find good recipes or help with meal planning?

• Eating Well- this website has suggested shopping lists, weekly menus, and meal prep suggestions.

• Pinterest-download the app, search “Mediterranean Diet,” and browse these inspired recipes that populate.

  Why is this Diet Good For Me?

• If you are overweight or on the border of developing high blood pressure or diabetes, this is the time to get serious regarding your food choices.

• It is a lifestyle change for a reason and a choice to be proactive and preventative in your healthcare needs.

When adhering to this diet, you must be mindful of caloric intake. Always consume fewer calories than used if you are trying to lose weight.

The Mediterranean Diet has many options when planning meals. Get creative, design your meal plans and recipes, and make this a change in your diet that you can adhere to with just a bit of effort.