Eva B. Alexander contacted me and asked if she could share some info about the Mediterranean Diet on my blog, so here goes…Take it away Eva!

Most people say the Mediterranean diet is high in fat. Can people still lose or maintain weight on a Mediterranean diet?

It is a known fact that Mediterranean diet is high in fat.  However, these are made from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are important for your body.  They are healthy fats compared to the saturated fats found in a typical American diet.  It should be pointed also that fat is not the determining factor for weight loss.  It is calorie consumption that determines optimum weight loss and management.  So you should lower your calorie consumption to get the full healthy benefits of Mediterranean diet.

What makes the Mediterranean diet different from the common American diet?

Americans consume high amounts of red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, while the Mediterranean include very little of these things. The diet also differs from the typical American diet through its dependence on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, breads, cereals, and potatoes.

Is it true that Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of heart disease?

Based on scientific research, the Mediterranean diet has played a significant role in lowering the incidence of cardiovascular disease in the Mediterranean region.  This type of diet enables you to choose a lot of healthy foods.  It also promotes a holistic approach for enjoying better health.

Is exercise still required if one is following a Mediterranean diet?

Of course, exercise is one of the most crucial aspects of the Mediterranean diet.   When this diet was developed in the sixties, exercise and physical activity were part of the culture of the Mediterranean people.  The development of the Mediterranean diet institutionalized the correct food choices and holistic lifestyle.  With this diet, a daily walk for an hour and once a week whole body exercises are required.

Is Mediterranean diet different from the Low Carb diet?

The Mediterranean diet is substantially different from a low carb diet.  For one thing, the Mediterranean program has lower protein component.  You will only get 15 percent of your calories from the protein of Mediterranean diet.

Wine has always been part of the Mediterranean diet.  What is the recommended daily amount for wine?

Men should generally get 5 percent of their calories from wine while women should consume 2.5 percent  their calories from wine.  As a rule, always drink wine in low to moderate amounts daily to enjoy best results.

Final Recommendations

There are loads of benefits that you can enjoy from the Mediterranean diet.  This diet focuses on healthier food options like root crops, fruits, cereals, breads, vegetables, and Omega 3-rich foods.  You will be able to prevent heart diseases if you follow the Mediterranean diet.

This entry was posted on May 13, 2010 at 6:00 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Posted in Healthy Eating by Shawna Comments Off on The Mediterranean Diet