The Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular diets in the world. It’s a healthy way of eating that can help you lose weight and feel great by eating fewer processed foods and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. But what exactly does it mean to eat like you live on the Mediterranean coast? Keep reading for our ultimate guide to this popular diet plan.
What is the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s based on the traditional eating patterns of people living in the Mediterranean region. The main components of this style of eating include:
- Eating mostly plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains (like pasta or rice), legumes (such as beans), nuts and seeds
- Eating fish several times per week. Other types of seafood are also encouraged in moderation if you choose them over poultry or red meat
How does it work?
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that’s high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats. It emphasizes olive oil (the main source of fat), nuts and seeds. The diet is also rich in fish, poultry and eggs.
The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid recommends limiting red meat to no more than three times per month; processed meats like bacon or sausage should be avoided completely. This may seem like an impossible task for many Americans who grew up on burgers at every meal! But trust me when I say that once you start eating this way regularly–and especially after your body gets used to it–you’ll find yourself craving less meat than ever before!
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet is a great way to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. It also promotes weight loss and helps you feel more energetic.
The Mediterranean diet is high in monounsaturated fats (the good kind) like olive oil and nuts. These are known to decrease inflammation in the body while also lowering cholesterol levels–two factors that can help prevent heart disease. Research has linked this type of eating pattern with reduced incidence of colon cancer as well as lower rates of prostate cancer among men who follow it closely over time
Recipes for a Mediterranean-style meal plan.
- Breakfast
- Spinach and mushroom omelet with feta cheese (via My New Roots)
- Mediterranean quinoa breakfast bowl (via A Couple Cooks)
- Lunch/Dinner
- Falafel with tahini sauce (via The Kitchn)
- Chicken kebabs with yogurt sauce (via Cooking Light)
- Grilled shrimp kabobs with lemon-olive oil marinade and tomato relish (via Martha Stewart)
- Cauliflower “steaks” with garlic hummus spread and cauliflower rice pilafs on the side (via The Minimalist Baker)
A healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated.
The Mediterranean diet is a healthy lifestyle that is easy to follow and has a lot of benefits. It’s based on natural ingredients and can be tasty, filling and healthy all at once.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to improve your health and lose weight, the Mediterranean diet can be a great starting point. It’s not just about eating less meat or more veggies–it’s about adopting a whole new way of eating that will change the way you think about food. By following these tips, we hope that you’ll be able to start eating like an Italian in no time!