Eating is a glorious and beautiful expression of life!
The Mediterranean Diet: more than just the food you eat
Food is an essential component of everyday life in the Mediterranean.
Not something to grab on the go, but something grown by hand, then picked, and, within hours, eaten. Food is cooked according to long-held traditions and savored as the life-giving force it is.
That’s why the Mediterranean Diet is about more than just the food that you eat.
It is a way of life. An ancient eating tradition that entails savoring the food you eat and enjoying meals with family and friends.
It is not just about the quality of the food, but the manner and spirit in which it is prepared.
Physical activity, such as a walk after a meal, is also very important.
The Mediterranean Diet includes:
– Whole grains
– A wide variety of fruit and vegetables,
often local and eaten seasonally
– Legumes, nuts, and seeds as the main
plant-based source of protein in
the diet;
– Olive oil as the main source of fat,
to replace less-healthy fats such
as butter;
– Seafood, poultry, and eggs are
consumed more often than
red meat;
– Moderate amounts of dairy products, mostly as
yogurt and cheese, consumed a few
times a week;
– Red wine, consumed moderately
with meals;
– Physical activity – at least 30 minutes a
day on most days of the week;
– Plenty of water to stay hydrated;
– Fresh herbs and spices, added to
dishes for flavor and color instead
of excess salt
The Mediterranean Diet is natural (with a focus on minimally processed foods), flexible (variety is key); healthy (it reduces your risk of disease), seasonal, and suitable for all ages.
Beyond the ingredients themselves, eating the traditional Mediterranean way is a real-life philosophy.
Embracing it is all about making some simple but profound changes in the way you eat today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.
Following the Mediterranean Diet may help you live longer— so eat up!
