MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The Healthiest Way To Eat
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the (if not the) healthiest diets on the planet. Geographically, the Mediterranean is a region made up of the Mediterranean Sea and seven countries, either in part or whole. These countries include France, Portugal, Italy, and Spain in part and the entire countries of Greece, Malta, and Cyprus. All 7 of these countries are ranked within the top 31 countries where people live the longest. This basically shows that out of the 195 countries in the world, these seven Mediterranean countries are in the top 16% of where people live the longest and in fact 4 of them are in the top 8% (see rankings here).
For the most part, the climate of this region consists of hot, dry summers and quite humid and cool winters. In addition, the Mediterranean region is generally very hilly.
All 7 of these countries
are ranked within the
top 16% of countries
where people live the longest
What Makes the MEDITERRANEAN DIET So Healthy?
Since the geography of the Mediterranean is so hilly, lots of nutrients are washed down the hills into the valleys and other areas at the bottom of the hills. These areas are often where fruits and vegetables are grown, therefore they are rich in healthy nutrients. Just as significant is the fact that the Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods. These foods consist mostly of plants and veggies, but also include fish and seafood, some dairy, fresh fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. There is very little red meat or sugary items in the Mediterranean diet.
For the most part, the climate of this region consists of hot, dry summers and quite humid and cool winters. In addition, the Mediterranean region is generally very hilly.
Many fruits and veggies
that are rich in nutrients
along with fish and seafood,
whole grains and minimally
processed foods,
with little red meat
makeup this fantastic diet
The 6 Most Asked Questions About
the MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The Mediterranean Diet is certainly one of the fastest and most successful diets on. the planet. As more and more people take an interest in this way of eating there are more people asking questions about it. Here are the most frequent questions regarding this diet.
Is the Mediterranean Diet Really Healthy?
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets on the planet and is endorsed by the American Heart Association, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic (the highest-rated heart hospital in the world), the Alzheimer’s Society, the American Stroke Association, and many other major hospitals, clinics and health-related associations. In short, leading health providers and organizations agree that the Mediterranean diet is healthy. In addition, as previously noted, people in the Mediterranean (who obviously are on the Mediterranean diet) are some of the longest living people on earth.
Is the Mediterranean Diet Affordable to the Average Person or Family?
While there is no doubt that food over the last couple of years has become more and more expensive, the Mediterranean Diet is no more expensive than a typical American diet. However, when you consider the cost of healthcare for those who live on bad diets, the Mediterranean Diet quickly seems very affordable. And like most diets, if you shop smart the Mediterranean Diet becomes much more affordable.
Is it Difficult to Prepare Mediterranean Dishes?
Actually, most Mediterranean dishes are simple to prepare… especially once you get used to them. In fact, you have most likely prepared many Mediterranean dishes (or similar dishes) in the past. Remember, a lot of the dishes consist of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as legumes, nuts, herbs and fish.
To make life a little easier, ZZZippy is providing some of the Best Mediterranean Recipes right here
Are Mediterranean Dishes Tasty?
Pure and simple, YES! The Mediterranean diet offers a huge selection of healthy, tasty foods. If you like veggies, you'll love the Mediterranean diet. If you enjoy fruits you'll enjoy this diet. If you like fish and or seafood you'll certainly love the Mediterranean approach to eating. Many people who start eating this way don't want to go back to other types of diets. Remember, the Mediterranean diet is a way of life.
Is there Variety in the Mediterranean Diet?
There are countless dishes in the Mediterranean Diet. It’s an issue of being creative and utilizing the key ingredients including fruits and berries, nuts, legumes, veggies (artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, zucchini, and many others), fish, seafood, some dairy, whole grains, a variety of herbs and spices and of course olives and olive oil. There is an abundance when it comes to the variety of dishes.
Is it possible for the average person to get on and stay on the Mediterranean Diet?
Most things in life get easier as they become habits, however, the moment you start on the Mediterranean Diet you will want to continue. The fact is, if you think about it, you are already incorporating some of the Mediterranean Diet into your diet. It’s just a matter of eliminating some of the foods that are less healthy and replacing them with healthy, delicious, substitutes.
REMEMBER:
The best approach to a diet
is to make it a way of life,
incorporating healthy foods
that you habitually eat.
This is just the opposite of
the popular
“diet until reaching a
weight loss goal” approach.
