By Bronwyn Ison
Eating a Mediterranean style diet may help improve your overall health longterm. I’ve always been a advocate of this diet. Plus, I love all the yummy and healthy options I have.
You may want to consider a Mediterranean diet leading up to the holidays. Here’s what you can enjoy!
Olive Oil tops the list of fats you can enjoy. Do away with the butter or any other oils you may be using for cooking, salads, dressings or baking. It’s perfectly fine to have olive oil as your primary fat.
Go NUTS for handfuls of nuts throughout your day. Almonds are a fabulous, delicious and hearty snack. Go with a mixed bag of nuts and dried fruit to add a little sweet to the salty. However, try to go with raw nuts versus salted or flavored or coated in chocolate .
Followers of the Mediterranean are suggested to eat three plus servings of fish per week. This can include shellfish. Fish is packed with protein, omega-3 fats and are heart healthy.
Legumes are a great substitute for meat or fish. Legumes consist of beans, peas, lentils and are great for vegetarians. They can also pass as a vegetable because they deliver fiber and nutrients, such as folate and potassium.
Fruit is another enjoyable food to be added to your diet. Three servings per day is recommended. Consider tossing a few strawberries or blueberries into your next salad. Or, top your oatmeal with a half a banana and raspberries. Or, a simple fruit bowl will do.
Veggies and more veggies! If you enjoy eggs for breakfast consider making yourself an omelet and chopping up your favorite veggies. This is a great way to start your day. A salad for lunch and steamed or sautéed veggies for dinner along with your favorite protein.
In conclusion of a hard days work you may choose to enjoy a glass of red or white wine. Yes, wine can be a part of the Mediterranean diet. Consume conservatively and overindulgence is not suggested.
There are several options with this diet and it’s a great way to slim down. Everything in moderation. Enjoy!
