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What is Mediterranean Diet?



What is Mediterranean Diet? One of the most popular, yet often misunderstood diet plans on the market today is the Mediterranean Diet. While everyone reading this can safely assume that the Mediterranean Diet is, in fact, derived from the style of eating implemented by the people of that particular region, there are many specifics that are simply not known.

I have heard this diet being compared to the South Beach Diet on numerous occasions, and this is certainly a fair comparison. It is an eating plan which is primarily made up of lean meats and fresh vegetables, but again, the specifics of the Mediterranean Diet are really what set it apart from the rest.

What is Mediterranean Diet

For example, red meats, eggs, and dairy are very seldom used on this eating plan. Individuals residing in the countries and territories surrounding the Mediterranean most often consume fish as their source of animal protein. Another key distinction is the fact that this animal protein is one of the last priorities on the diet.

In fact, fresh vegetables and fruits rule the land! Olive oil and whole grains take second place, followed by wild fish and small amounts of red wine.


What is Mediterranean Diet?

What is Mediterranean Diet

The key is healthy fats, primarily Omega-3 fatty acid, which is absolutely wonderful for raising the good cholesterol while lowering the bad. And because this high level of unsaturated fat is super clean burning, it actually trains your body to use fat as fuel… including your much hated body fat!

One reason so many people have turned to the Mediterranean Diet as their weight loss plan of choice is the incredible health-enhancing benefits they believe it to include. Common sense will tell you that these people are not off-base in this belief. In fact, when is the last time you heard that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, keen on whole grains and Omega fatty acids, and rich in antioxidants was bad for you? Most likely, never.

The antioxidant properties of this diet have been shown to be beneficial in combatting heart disease (hello, the number one killer in the Western World!) and certain forms of cancer (not too far behind)… this is a diet that anyone who values their health, and not just quick weight loss, can get behind.

Not only is this eating plan safe, effective, healthy, and logical… but it’s not weird! What do I mean? The ingredients are very basic and are available in any grocery store. This provides a kind of convenience that many diet plans can’t seem to provide.

Since I first heard of the Mediterranean Diet (maybe 10 years ago), I have yet to hear one bad word uttered against it. It’s practically the poster child for what common sense would tell you is a healthy, responsible diet. Crisp, fresh produce, unaltered grains, fresh wild fish, and lots of healthy cold-pressed olive oil. Hey, is anyone else getting hungry? Now you really know better What is Mediterranean Diet.

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Weight Loss Exercise

The Mediterranean Diet – What Is It, Really?



One of the most popular, yet often misunderstood diet plans on the market today is the Mediterranean Diet. While everyone reading this can safely assume that the Mediterranean Diet is, in fact, derived from the style of eating implemented by the people of that particular region, there are many specifics that are simply not known.

I have heard this diet being compared to the South Beach Diet on numerous occasions, and this is certainly a fair comparison. It is an eating plan which is primarily made up of lean meats and fresh vegetables, but again, the specifics of the Mediterranean Diet are really what set it apart from the rest.

For example, red meats, eggs, and dairy are very seldom used on this eating plan. Individuals residing in the countries and territories surrounding the Mediterranean most often consume fish as their source of animal protein. Another key distinction is the fact that this animal protein is one of the last priorities on the diet.

In fact, fresh vegetables and fruits rule the land! Olive oil and whole grains take second place, followed by wild fish and small amounts of red wine.

The key is healthy fats, primarily Omega-3 fatty acid, which is absolutely wonderful for raising the good cholesterol while lowering the bad. And because this high level of unsaturated fat is super clean burning, it actually trains your body to use fat as fuel… including your much hated body fat!

One reason so many people have turned to the Mediterranean Diet as their weight loss plan of choice is the incredible health-enhancing benefits they believe it to include. Common sense will tell you that these people are not off-base in this belief. In fact, when is the last time you heard that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, keen on whole grains and Omega fatty acids, and rich in antioxidants was bad for you? Most likely, never.

The antioxidant properties of this diet have been shown to be beneficial in combatting heart disease (hello, the number one killer in the Western World!) and certain forms of cancer (not too far behind)… this is a diet that anyone who values their health, and not just quick weight loss, can get behind.

Not only is this eating plan safe, effective, healthy, and logical… but it’s not weird! What do I mean? The ingredients are very basic and are available in any grocery store. This provides a kind of convenience that many diet plans can’t seem to provide.

Since I first heard of the Mediterranean Diet (maybe 10 years ago), I have yet to hear one bad word uttered against it. It’s practically the poster child for what common sense would tell you is a healthy, responsible diet. Crisp, fresh produce, unaltered grains, fresh wild fish, and lots of healthy cold-pressed olive oil. Hey, is anyone else getting hungry?

Related Blogs

  • Related Blogs on Animal Protein
Categories
Weight Loss Exercise

Foods to Include in a Simple Diet Plan for Weight Loss



If you want to lose weight, you need to exercise and eat a healthy diet. Making the right food choices is essential in any diet plan. A simple diet plan for weight loss should include wholesome, natural foods that will provide the nutrients your body needs and help boost your metabolism.

Best Food for Weight Loss

A diet plan for weight loss should be simple and easy to follow. Anything complicated that requires exotic, hard-to-find, or expensive foods is doomed to fail. Luckily, the best foods for weight loss are easily available and often affordable. The following foods can be included in a simple diet plan for weight loss:

1. Lean Proteins – The body needs protein to build and maintain muscle mass and boost metabolic functions. Proteins also help regulate the appetite. The best sources of protein are lean meats such as skinless chicken, fish, and pork with most of the fat trimmed off. Avoid fatty meats because they are high in saturated fats. Other excellent sources of lean protein are eggs, beans, nuts and seeds. Beans are high in protein and fiber but low in calories. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts provide healthy essential fats along with protein.

2. Fruits – The natural sugars in fruits help curb your craving for sweets and provide carbohydrates for energy. Fruits are also high in fiber which keeps you feeling full. Additionally, fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Include fruits in a simple diet plant for weight loss. You can add fruits to your meals or for a healthy snack.

3. Vegetables – Like fruits, vegetables are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. A diet plan for weight loss should include plenty of vegetables especially leafy greens, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Go easy on starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn but have your fill of spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens.

4. Whole Grains – The body also needs carbohydrates from grains and cereals. Whole grains provide carbohydrates for energy as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are nutrient-rich and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Avoid highly processed and refined carbohydrate sources such as white bread and candies.

5. Low-Fat Dairy Products – Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, protein and fat. Choose low-fat dairy over the full-fat versions to help reduce the total calories consumed. Non-fat or low-fat milk, yogurt and cottage cheese can help you lose weight.

Simple Weight Loss Diet Plan

When you are trying to lose weight it’s important to eat the right amount of food often enough so you don’t get hunger pangs. Start your day with a healthy breakfast consisting of 2 eggs scrambled in a non-stick pan. You can add chopped onion and green pepper to your scrambled eggs. Have a piece of whole-wheat toast and a small cup of berries or melon.

For your morning snack, eat an apple or a handful of nuts. Lunch can be a fresh salad with light Italian dressing, and grilled skinless chicken breast.

Your afternoon snack can be a banana or an orange. For dinner, you can have grilled fish, steamed vegetables, a salad with tomatoes and lettuce, and vinaigrette dressing.

  • Foods to Include in a Simple Diet Plan for Weight Loss


Foods to Include in a Simple Diet Plan for Weight Loss