Are you searching for a way to lose those extra pounds and inches around your waist? As someone who has tried many different diets, I am always on the lookout for something that will work for the long term. The Mediterranean style diets are definitely one of the more unusual I have found.
Forget everything you have learned about diets. You will find starving yourself not an option on this diet. The diet has a central premise; it focuses on what you can have instead of what is forbidden.
Only fresh food!
The people following this life style shy away from any processed food in favor of locally grown sources. This could be an issue depending on where you live.
Portions, portions, portions
Small portions of healthy food are encouraged. Just enough to satisfy your senses is the key. Also, the choice of foods are important, you want foods that make you feel fuller longer, healthy fats like nuts.
Oil
Olive oil, that is. Most everything on the Mediterranean diet has olive oil. Breads, pasta, salads, and even deserts have olive oil. Why olive oil? Besides helping to fight many diseases, olive oil, when used as a substitute for other fats, it is a natural juice that can be consumed without processing.
High veggies, low meat!
This was a hard one for me, I love meat. The Mediterranean diet focuses on large amounts of fish and vegetables with very little meat. If you are a vegetarian, this diet may be for you.
Whole grains, no surprise here.
Rice, pasta, and bread are all part of this diet. These grains can help to fight cancer and heart disease. They also help you feel full longer.
Wine, big surprise
Dieters are encouraged to have a small amount of wine every day. Again, this is shown to help with heart disease.
Dessert! YUM
Dieters need dessert, for some of us it is the best part of the meal. However, these desserts need to be fresh fruit. This helps the dieters not feel deprived from sweets. Bye-bye cookies, cakes, and pies you will be missed!
Exercise
Yeah, you knew it was coming! Walk, walk, walk is the lifestyle for most Mediterranean people. Whether they are walking to work, a friend’s house, or just around the gardens, walking is a huge part of their lives.
Is this the right diet for you? Maybe, can you go a vegetarian lifestyle, are you able to get fresh foods, can you commit to the exercise? If so, check with your doctor and give it a go.
Sources
WebMD
