Sick of diets where you deprive and starve yourself until you are sick yourself? Check out the Mediterranean Diet where the focus is on healthy and tasty eating not counting calories and forbidden foods.
When you say the word “diet” most people think of deprivation and starving. They think of not eating meat,
carbs, sugar or meat as diets are usually about not eating certain foods. There is a diet which focuses on food you can have - fresh, healthy and nutritious foods. This diet is the Mediterranean Diet.
What is the Mediterranean Diet you ask? Here are the basic components.
Healthy and fresh foods. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, yogurt, seafood, olive oil and wine are the staples of the diet. You should avoid processed food and try and eat locally grown food and foods in season.
Portion control. You should eat small portions of high quality foods. Studies show when food tastes delicious you need smaller portions to feel full. The healthy fats like in oil and nuts keep you fuller longer and not wanting to eat all the time unlike low fat diets where you are hungry all the time.
Healthy fats. With the Mediterranean Diet you don’t cut fats unlike most diets. Instead you choose healthier fats instead of the unhealthy ones. Basically you substitute fats like butter and margarine with healthy olive oil.
Omega 3 fatty acids. Bursting with health benefits omega 3’s are a staple of this diet. Studies show they reduce heart attacks, blood clots, hypertension and strokes among other things.
Less meat and more vegetables. This diet is almost vegetarian and high vegetable intake has been known to reduce cancers, diabetes and heart disease.
Wine. While on this diet you don’t drink to excess, a glass or two of wine is recommended because the antioxidants are good for the mind and body.
Whole grains. Whole grains are a staple of the diet, but stay away from processed white grains. They have little fat, give plenty of energy and keep you full for longer.
Fruit for dessert. Stay away from sticky processed desserts and have fresh fruit instead. There are tons of nutrients and fibre in fruit unlike some gooey treat.
Health benefits. Studies show that people who followed this diet lost significant body weight and had reductions in insulin levels, blood sugar levels, body weight, body fat and blood fats. People also had a higher life expectancy than those who followed a western diet. The diet may also prevent brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Sick of diets that just make you sick and deprived? Try the Mediterranean Diet instead.
