Talk about a healthy and well-rounded meal plan, the Mediterranean style diet has something for everyone. The incredible diet has been around for decades and originated from countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, most notably from Greece, Italy, and Spain. Not only does this meal plan and way of life keep you slim and trim, but it also promotes heart health and helps to prevent stroke, diabetes, and premature death. Check out our tips and tricks for enjoying a Mediterranean style diet.
1. Sensible And Satisfying
There are tremendous options when choosing to dine on the Mediterranean diet. Basically, it’s a meal plan that focuses on fresh fish and seafood, plant foods, and less attention to animal foods.
Google Mediterranean diet recipes and thousands will pop up online giving you a huge variety of meals to prepare.
Some yummy foods to consider include apples, bananas, and grapes for fruit. As for your veggies go, broccoli, kale, carrots, and onions are Mediterranean-style-friendly. Whole grain bread and pasta are welcome along with shellfish, salmon, sardines, and trout. Add some cashews, walnuts, olives, eggs, yogurt, and chicken, and you’ve got choices galore.
2. Zero Calorie Counting
Who enjoys counting calories? Probably very few people do, and when you’re on the Mediterranean style diet, you don’t have to bother.
Forget adding up numbers in this food or that one. Instead, heart-healthy fats are the way to go. Swap out that butter because it’s really doing you no favors. Instead, choose the best extra virgin olive oil to cook, bake, and flavor and benefit from this proven diet.
This incredible oil not only prevents cardiovascular disease but has been shown to ward off depression and cognitive decline.
3. Tons Of Delicious Spices
You won’t need a tap of the salt shaker when you learn how you can spice up your world while on the Mediterranean meal plan. Spices enhance the flavor of any meal, and you can choose from standouts like these: basil, cilantro, oregano, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, garlic, paprika, rosemary, ginger, thyme, and bay leaves.
Spices can take simple foods like lentils and turn them into a flavorful meal as you explore cooking on this popular diet plan.
These wonderful Mediterranean spices also eliminate or reduce the need to add salt or fat when cooking, and imagine the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!
The spice combos are endless. For example, to make Mediterranean Spiced Olive Oil, mix together the following in a small bowl: 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper.
Serve it with bread.
4. Red Wine On The Menu
Another wonderful reason for trying the Mediterranean style diet is for the gorgeous beverage known as red wine. That’s right; in countries like Greece and Italy, a glass of red wine at lunch and dinner is common.
A glass of red wine daily gets the thumbs up from the Mediterranean style diet and for good reason. It tastes great, of course, but the wine is also heart-healthy when consumed in moderation.
For instance, red wine contains antioxidants called polyphenols, and these are believed to help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that has received a lot of headlines for its ability to lower the risk of inflammation and blood clotting, which can lower your risk of heart disease.
Television’s Dr. Oz has been a big fan of resveratrol for saying it can help you live a longer, healthier life. More studies are being conducted on the polyphenol.
As far as other beverages go, sodas full of sugar are not recommended on this diet. Coffee and tea are certainly welcome, but drinking sugar-laden beverages like lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, chai, and frappes are not the way to go and can result in unwanted pounds.
Studies have shown that a healthy diet can improve your mental and overall wellbeing, to read more on this click here!
Conclusion
It’s never too late to get active, begin a diet plan, and rejuvenate your body. The Mediterranean style diet has been popular because it works and offers an amazing variety of yummy foods to choose from. Look up some recipes, stock your pantry, and get cooking!
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
