The Mediterranean diet has always been very popular. It’s a diet that is styled after the eating habits of people of the Southern Mediterranean region. eDiets have created a Mediterranean plan and added it to their extensive diet selection. The Mediterranean diet is generally high in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals; potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds; olive oil, and monounsaturated oil with many demonstrated benefits, is the main source of fat and a major source of antioxidants. Dairy products, fish, and poultry are maintained in low moderate amounts and red meat consumption is negligible. On average fish is eaten 3 times a week, increasing the Omega 3 fatty acids content in the Mediterranean diet. Eggs are eaten 0-4 times a week and wine is consumed in low moderate amounts.
Mediterranean style diets closely resemble the American Heart Association dietary guidelines. However, Mediterranean diets contain a high percentage of calories from fat which can contribute to obesity.
What Are the Basics of the Mediterranean Diet?
o Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
o Cut down on red meat and processed foods.
o Increase healthy fats (olive oil, fish, nuts, etc)
o Health improvement – lower chances of heart disease and cholesterol.
A Diet for Good Health
The people of the Southern Mediterranean have a lower rate of incidences of heart disease than many other Western countries – and their death rates are also lower. Many believe this is the case due to the low levels of saturated fat in the diet. In a Mediterranean diet olive oil (a monounsaturated fat) is the primary source of fat in the diet.
Mediterranean Diet Plans and Recipes
Sample Meal Plan
o Yogurt with fruit and nuts
o Pasta salad and fruit
o Salmon with roast vegetables
o Crackers and hummus
There are numerous cook books and other books available for Mediterranean style cooking; also the Sonoma Diet is considered to be the new Mediterranean diet. The great thing about this kind of diet is that the people who go on this plan enjoy the food. This is a very good diet and comes recommended however the Sonoma Diet is a better version of this style of weight loss program.
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