The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the world’s healthiest diets. In fact, it was ranked as the best overall diet for 2019 by U.S. News and World Report. It also took the top spot for best diet for healthy eating, best heart-healthy diet, best diet for diabetes, best plant-based diet and easiest diet to follow.
Ranked as the Best Overall Diet
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes an eating style common to countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, like Greece and Italy. The diet focuses primarily on plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. It also includes healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, nuts and seeds.
What it doesn’t include is a lot of sugar, meat or other foods containing saturated fat, like butter. On this diet, you should limit red meat to no more than a few times a month and instead eat fish a few times a week. Eggs, poultry and dairy can be eaten, but in smaller portions than is typical in traditional Western diets. It’s important to drink red wine in moderation. Reduce salt intake by using more herbs and spices to flavor food.
More than just a diet, enjoy socializing by sharing meals with family and friends, eat mindfully and exercise.
Research has shown that following a Mediterranean eating style may reduce your risk of heart disease. It can also reduce the risk of:
-
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Depression
- Parkinson’s disease
Aside from any potential health benefits, the Mediterranean style of eating is filled with whole foods that are delicious and nutritious.
Need Some Guidance?
Need help following a healthy diet? A team of registered dietitians can guide you at the Nutrition Counseling Center.
Quick tips for following this healthy diet:
- Eat nuts and seeds three times a week
- Eat fish two times a week
- Add a lot of vegetables
- Make your own salad dressing
Copyright 2019 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.
Health eCooking® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Cook eKitchen™ is a designated trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
I am so glad that there is so much more emphasis on healthy eating. I started my planted based eating when Rip Esselstyn brought his program to Whole Foods.
I started the program cold turkey and have been happy ever since….I wish there were more classes in the summer. i was a teacher and it was hard to stay plant based . In the summer I could really work hard and make changes.
Help please!!
I’ve been prescribed statins & aspirin after a CT scan on my head. I am almost vegan as, for many years NOT eaten: any dairy, including eggs,, no meat of any kind, nothing containing any dairy. I DO eat white fish,and tinned salmon. For my breakfast I have a 50/50 mix of cornflakes and fruit&fiber with grapes, banana, or an apple if no bananas. I use soya milk in place of dairy.I am not addicted to any sweets. I have a piece of chocolate every couple of days, if that. I love salad things and eat soya products in place of meat. I love vegetables but perhaps don’t eat enough.. i use PURE margarine and olive oil. I have cut down on alcohol to better care for kidneys & liver.
Doctor has put me on statins & aspirin. I’m shocked! What am I doing wrong.??
Im quite active as I have a dog. And I like being active. And live by the sea.
Help please!!!! I may just die of shock!!!
Karen Raphu
karaph51@gmail.com
Hi Karen!
We recommend you talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist. If you’re local to Charlottesville, you can call our Heart & Vascular Center to schedule an appointment: https://uvahealth.com/locations/profile/heart-and-vascular-center