Mediterranean Diet

Everyone, from doctors and nutritionists to diet consumers, are always critical towards diet trends, fads or the new “flavor of the month”.

As far as the Mediterranean Diet is concerned, it has remained the unchallenged champion throughout the diet industry.

And the idea is not new.

In fact, dating back centuries (and backed up by modern studies), the Mediterranean Diet has proven its positive qualities.

Weight loss is encouraged through eating healthy Mediterranean-style foods (low in saturated fats) while reducing the chances of developing heart disease.

(Statistics show that heart disease incidence in Mediterranean countries is lower than in the United States, which is closely linked to the Mediterranean diet)

Overview:

The Mediterranean diet is low on saturated fats and is therefore considered better for the heart and healthy, while allowing dieters to lose weight as they eat varied flavorful Mediterranean foods.

Demographic statistics also confirm the health advantage of this type of diet.

The incidence of heart disease and death rates in Mediterranean countries is lower than in the United States.

Food and Recipes:

At the core of the Mediterranean Diet lies the Mediterranean lifestyle with its typical region-specific foods and ingredients.

In the Mediterranean people consume lots of vegetables, olive oil, fresh fruits and carbs in the form of cereal and bread. That's what this diet is also all about. Food is varied and one is allowed to also eat chicken, not much red meat, milk products and fish, even including some wine (typical Mediterranean).

This diet helps followers balance their meals by promoting an original design of the Food Pyramid. Foods are rotated in daily, weekly and monthly patterns.

Exercise is recommended, which makes this a rounded and healthy diet solution.

Pros:

• Good for sustaining heart health according to research
• Doesn’t prohibit alcohol in small quantities

Cons:

• Might not be ideal for people who dislike seafood and shellfish (or are allergic to it)
• Not ideal if you are always on the run and need a convenience-based meal plan, including fast food