The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats. Common foods include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You focus on general eating patterns instead of following strict formulas or calculations. Pasta and pizza are included in some Mediterranean recipes, especially those originating in southern Italy, but these dishes come in small portions, seasoned with olive oil and lots of vegetables.
For example, a Mediterranean pasta side dish is only half a cup and carb-laden recipes are often combined with salads and roasted vegetables. This is a recipe for a delicious homemade Margherita pizza. However, this recipe is also suitable for the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is an eating style that emphasizes minimally processed plant-based foods.
It includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, such as whole-grain pasta and breads, olive oil, red wine, and small amounts of fish, eggs, dairy products, and meat. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet has been linked to greater weight loss, a decrease in inflammation and a lower risk of chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet focuses predominantly on cuisine from Greece, Spain, Morocco and southern Italy. One of the main selling points of the Mediterranean diet is that you can drink red wine while following it because it's good for your heart. One of the reasons the Mediterranean diet can benefit your health is that it provides a balance of nutrients and is adaptable and easy to follow.
The Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases and many other chronic diseases. If you prefer a vegetarian diet, you can easily modify the Mediterranean diet to exclude meat and fish. According to the University of Michigan Health Library, an average of 30 to 40% of the calories consumed in the Mediterranean diet can come from fat. While fresh produce is always a good option, you can definitely go for frozen and canned options if you follow the Mediterranean diet. Billed as one of the healthiest diets in the world, the Mediterranean diet is one of the most popular diets today.
If you remember my food pyramid of the Mediterranean diet, dairy products such as cheese are foods that are eaten in moderation. A traditional Mediterranean diet encourages a balanced way of eating with lots of vegetables, citrus fruits, whole grains, beans, seafood and some red meat. All the pyramids of the Mediterranean diet encourage you to eat mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and extra virgin olive oil, while limiting red meat and sweets. There is no single Mediterranean diet, but general guidelines suggest focusing on healthy plant foods and a moderate intake of dairy products and fish or seafood. Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and heart-healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet is delicious and nutritious.
Following this diet can be difficult if you're not in the Mediterranean region and you'll probably need to find alternatives to traditional ingredients and ways to use your favorites, no traditional.