The Mediterranean diet, as the name suggests, follows the cooking and eating habits of the Mediterranean people. The program is actually more of a description of eating habits from the area than an actual diet plan.
A major key to this diet is the fact that olive oil is used in most of the recipes as a main source of fat. The olive oil contains around 70% unsaturated fatty acids. This helps in boosting the good cholesterol or HDL and reduces bad cholesterol or LDL.
The diet heavily consists of plant protein for nourishment. These kinds of protein are low in fat and high in energy. Bread is also a major part of this diet and is usually eaten as pita bread.
The Mediterranean program requires the dieter to eat vegetables, whole grains, pasta, fruits, rice, seeds and beans. In most Mediterranean recipes, olive oil is used as the main ingredient.
Dieters can also eat dairy products as long as it is yogurt or cheese form. Meat is also part of the diet. However, it is consumed in small amounts.
If you wish to follow this kind of diet, you should be ready to control your food portions. Although olive oil is considered as healthy fats, it could also be dangerous when consumed in excess.
Although the program helps you lose weight in a gradual manner, for as little as 1 to 2 pounds per week, the Mediterranean diet plan is ideal for a long-term healthy lifestyle change.
The advantage of following this diet is you do not need to buy additional supplements and pills. Anyone could acquire the Mediterranean eating habits by purchasing a cookbook. In addition to this, the ingredients are easy to find and simple to understand.
Aside from the meal plans, the Mediterranean diet also focuses on three important guidelines to follow. One should obtain the necessary daily sunshine. One should perform regular physical activities. Lastly, one should try to reduce stress by relaxation. However, these factors have no scientific explanation to prove its relation with the diet itself.
The Mediterranean diet claims that it could lower the cholesterol level and reduce risks of heart diseases and circulatory problems.
The most important thing to consider when following this diet is to maintain normal amounts of olive oil in meal preparation. If used improperly, it may lead to obesity and will not help in losing weight.
