You can find whole grains here too alongside some wine! This age-old lifestyle has been touted by medical professionals everywhere because of the amazing health benefits, lower chronic conditions, and life longevity experienced by the people who live in this part of the world. The traditional food of this area is rich in plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats from olive oil. This age-old culinary diet was created by people living along coastal regions such as Greece, Spain, Italy, France, and Northern Africa. Where do Traditional Mediterranean Foods and Recipes Come From? It's associated with weight management, increased energy levels, and life longevity unlike other popular diets that are focused solely on losing weight as fast as possible. In fact, its been named the #1 best overall diet by US News & World Report for five consecutive years. The Mediterranean diet is full of healthy recipes and has been the darling of diets for years. What is the Mediterranean diet and why is it good for weight loss? In this blog post, we will discuss the Mediterranean diet in detail and provide a sample meal plan, as well as a few easy Mediterranean diet recipes that you can follow! Let's dive in. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be effective for weight management and preventing and/or reversing chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is based on whole, unprocessed foods that are low in sugar and calories, but high in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest ways of eating in the world. Dunking veggies into Mediterranean-inspired spreads such as hummus, tzatziki (a creamy cucumber yogurt dip) or baba ghanoush (made from eggplant and sesame) keeps them happy and it sneaks in a serving of vegetables at the same time.Best Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Weight Loss Kids love just about anything they can dip. If you have small children, use caution with nuts and seeds because they present a potential choking hazard. Let kids design their own trail mix using their favorite dried fruits, whole-grain cereals, nuts and seeds. In addition to making olive oil your go-to cooking oil, toss pine nuts or slivered almonds into sautéed green beans, spinach or asparagus. Healthful monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts and seeds are an important part of the Mediterranean diet. Seafood cooks quickly, making it perfect for quick meals such as grilled shrimp tossed into pasta marinara, or tuna stirred into whole-wheat couscous. It is a top source of heart- and brain-friendly omega-3 essential fatty acids, plus it's packed with protein. Opt for Seafoodįish and seafood plays a starring role in the Mediterranean diet. Add more beans to your diet by slipping chickpeas into salads, tossing peas into rice or tucking mashed pinto beans into a quesadilla. Beans also supply potassium, magnesium and iron. Beans are loaded with plant protein, fiber, carbohydrate and are naturally low in fat. You won't find lots of red meat or even much chicken in this diet, but there are plenty of beans and lentils. Instead of making meat the main event, use plant-based foods as the foundation for hearty meals such as pasta with vegetables, minestrone soup or stir-fried veggies over brown rice. Build a Strong Baseįruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are the foundation of the Mediterranean diet, delivering vitamins and minerals that growing bodies need, carbohydrates for energy and fiber for smooth digestion. If you'd like your family to enjoy the healthful benefits of Mediterranean meals, these easy steps can help you get started. Traditional Mediterranean populations also include regular physical activity in their routine and make eating a positive, social experience. Nutrients from these foods help support optimal growth and development while also promoting a healthy weight. But did you know it also is a great pick for kids? The Mediterranean diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish and healthy fats. You've probably heard that the Mediterranean diet may help make your heart healthier, protect against cancer and even help you live longer. Dreamer Company/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
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