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Nutrition > Weight Loss > Dieting > Diet Analysis > Mediterannean
Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is not a strict set of dietary guidelines but a general way of eating which is followed in many Mediterranean countries. There is an interesting phenomenon in these countries - the low rate of heart disease, which nutritionists believe may be related to the food intake and dietary patterns. Following are some of the basic dietary patterns for this eating style:
- High consumption of whole fruits, vegetables, breads and other grain products, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds
- Olives and olive oil are consumed regularly in cooking and at the table
- Dairy products, poultry and fish are consumed in moderate quantities with small amounts of red meat eaten
- Eggs are consumed 2-4 times per week
- Wine is consumed regularly in low to moderate amounts.
Comment
This style of eating is very healthy, with most things being consumed in moderate amounts. There are many great sources of dietary fibre in all the fruits, vegetables and grain products. Olive oil is an important source of monounsaturated fats, which is protective for heart diseases. There is a minimal amount of refined sugar products, which are energy dense and poor in nutrients. This diet is recommended, however, is not as easy as you think to follow with all the other temptations available in today’s society.
