Move over Paleo! There is a new (or very old) healthy-heart diet in town. Say hello to the Mediterranean diet. According to the healthy-living team from Flora, it’s a way of eating that is light, delicious and actually rather easy to stick to. The diet is based on clean and healthy foods most often eaten by Mediterraneans and is often attributed to their longevity. In fact, studies have shown that following the diet decreases your risk of strokes, a heart attack and type-2 diabetes. It’s also great for sustained and healthy weight-loss if you’re that way inclined.
What is the Mediterranean Diet? In nutshell it means…
- You eat smaller portions
- Eat lots of fresh vegetables and some fruit
- Eat dairy and poultry in moderation
- Eat red meat rarely
- Consume heart-healthy omegas (like the ones found in Flora)
- Eating lots of fish
- Avoid refined sugars and grains
- Drink lots of water (and only a little bit of wine at dinner, if you must consume alcohol)
Where can I find Mediterranean diet-style recipes?
Lucky for you, Flora has quite a few delicious recipes for you to explore that follow the Mediterranean diet’s way of thinking. Why not try grilled chicken skewers served with large fresh salad? Or some brown rice and barley pilaf? Or a chicken pita?
What does a typical Mediterranean meal look like?
- Breakfast – Muesli with fresh fruit and yoghurt
- Lunch – Chicken Salad
- Dinner – Grilled veggies and fish
- Snacks – Almonds, berries and vegetable crudités
Here is a link to a beginner’s guide with an example of an eating plan if you’re stuck.
Summary:
The Mediterranean diet is a way of life. It’s a guideline for healthy eating and can easily become a habit once you get used to choosing fresh and fabulous over fast and greasy. Here’s to long life and a healthy heart, the Mediterranean way!
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
