The Mediterranean Diet is a Delicious, Fun, and Healthy AlternativeThe Mediterranean Diet is as much about how we prepare and eat our food as it is about what food we eat. For instance, the Greeks and Italians often dip bread in virgin olive oil instead of slathering butter all over it. Have you tried this, perhaps in an Italian restaurant? It's much better, but requires some effort and some getting used to. (Not alot of effort, simply remembering to pick up a bottle of virgin or extra virgin olive oil while you're at the grocery store!) While we're on the subject, let's talk a little about red meat, think hamburger, steak, etc. I am not a vegetarian, and I do love an occasional hamburger and an even less occasional steak. But, as a rule, in this country, we eat more red meat than our bodies can handle. Part of this healthy Mediterranean Diet consists of eating fish instead of red meat on a regular basis. Scientists have recently discovered that it now matters where we get our fish, claiming that they should not be farm raised, due to mercury content. While everything matters, one of the themes of this site is that moderation is the most important part of healthy living. This applies particularly to red meat. The fish should be lightly seared in olive oil, at least, or broiled, even better. Back to the Mediterranean diet. It also includes regular servings, as in a handful per day, of walnuts. This is so easy. Pick up a bag or can, separate them into baggies containing about a quarter cup each, and then only eat 1 bag every day or two. Remember that while nuts contain some great anti-oxidants, Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, they also have a lot of fat. We must be careful to eat them in moderation. But they are delicious, and should be a part of our diet. The Mediterranean Diet also includes regular servings of rice, beans, and fruits and vegetables. When we discuss eating more fruit, let's be clear about what kind of fruit that means; fresh is best, because fresh fruit is not processed, has no sugar or fructose added, and is generally much more healthy. Fresh fruits, in the amount of 4 or 5 servings a day, have also been proven to not only keep our bodies healthy, but keep our skin looking younger as well. The bottom line for this particularly popular diet is to eat in moderation, stay away from highly processed foods, eat several servings of fruit daily, add a couple ounces of nuts for good measure, and get your protein from fish. One other thing touted by the proponents of the Mediterranean diet is a glass of red wine with the afternoon or evening meal. Many studies have shown red wine to be beneficial to the immune system and the heart. Again, moderation is key, and if you tend toward abuse, stay away from alcohol completely. We want you healthy in every way! Please come back to frequently to check for new recipes that we are constantly updating. New Page on Food
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