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  1. Mediterranean Diet 101


    Mediterranean Diet

    In the 1960s, the people of Italy, Greece, Spain, southern France and Portugal seemed to know about something the rest of the world didn’t: that consuming a diet high in healthy fats, Omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables and nuts could add years to a person’s life.

    Their meal pattern has been the subject of numerous studies that have ultimately found eating that way can lead to weight loss, as well as combat heart disease and stroke, and avoid Type 2 diabetes and premature death.

    It’s called the Mediterranean Diet.

    And it’s just the thing for us to reconnect, rebuild our relationships and find a healthy, happy lifestyle around food as we venture out of staying at home and back to more of the things that matter most.
     

    What is the Mediterranean Diet?


    What is the Mediterranean Diet

    The Mediterranean Diet is built on a foundation of eating wholesome, healthy foods and avoiding things like sugar and refined fats and oils.

    Below is a look at some of the staples of the Mediterranean Diet, as well as how a shopping list and a few meal ideas to get you started.
     

    Mediterranean Diet Foods


    Mediterranean Food To Eat
     

    What to Eat Anytime

    Fruits & veggies
    Seeds & nuts
    Legumes
    Potatoes
    Whole grains
    Bread
    Fish & seafood
    Herbs & spices
    Extra-virgin olive oil
     

    What to Eat in Moderation

    Cheese
    Yogurt
    Poultry
    Eggs
    Red Meat
     

    What NOT to Eat

    Refined grains (white rice, white bread, white pasta, white flour, etc.)
    Processed snacks (popcorn, granola bars, chips, etc.)
    Foods with added sugar (cookies, ice cream, etc.)
    Trans fats (margarine, coffee creamer, fast food, etc.)
    Refined oils (Canola oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, etc.)
    Processed meats (hot dogs, lunch meat, etc.)
     

    Mediterranean Diet Beverages


    Mediterranean drinks
     

    What to Drink

    Water
    Red wine (about 1 glass per day)
    Coffee
    Tea
     

    What NOT to drink

    Soda
    Sports drinks
    Fruit juice
    Sugary beverages
     

    Mediterranean Diet: Sample One-Week Shopping List


    Mediterranean Shopping List

    Download and Print Shopping List

    Sample 5-Day Menu


    Mediterranean Menu

    Download and Print Menu

    Mediterranean Diet: Bottom Line


    Mediterranean Diet Bottom Line

    In general, your diet should be rich in seafood, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, and avoid highly-processed foods.

    The Mediterranean Diet is a way to shake up what you’re normally eating and go for healthy, wholesome foods that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. 


    Do you know of a tasty, Mediterranean Diet meal? Share the recipe in the comments below!
     

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    Author: Caitlin H
    Diet-to-Go Community Manager

    Caitlin is the Diet-to-Go community manager and an avid runner. She is passionate about engaging with others online and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She believes moderation is key, and people will have the most weight loss success if they engage in common-sense healthy eating and fitness.

     

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