12 Reasons to Love the Mediterranean Diet
NO CALORIE ACCOUNT!
In a Mediterranean diet, there is no calorie counting or cutting certain main food groups. Instead, you’ll replace bad fats with good ones (like olive oil instead of butter, fish instead of red meat), eat fresh fruit instead of overly sugary desserts, and taste vegetables and legumes full of flavor. You can still consume nuts, but no more than a handful a day. Or you can consume wine and whole grain bread in moderation.
MEALS REALLY FRESH
When you try to eat like Mediterranean people, you don’t use frozen food or visit fast food shops. The main focus is on keeping food fresh, in season, simply prepared and tasty.
YOU CAN CONSUME BREAD
You can choose whole grain bread, which is the most important food in the Mediterranean diet. Bread made with whole grains usually contains more protein and minerals than that made from white flour and is generally healthier. This means that it won’t load you the sugars. You can try whole grain pita bread with olive oil or hummus.
OIL IS NOT FORBIDDEN
The good type of oil is recommended in Mediterranean diet. So what is good oil? You can find good oils in nuts, olives and olive oil. These oils (not to mention the saturated or trans fats lurking in processed foods) not only add flavor, but also help you fight many ailments such as cancer and diabetes.
WIDE MENU OPTIONS
Mediterranean diet not only limited with Turkey. It also includes the cuisines of Spain, Greece, Italy, Morocco, France and many other countries. Choose foods that stick to the basics. Red meat, whole dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil and whole grains are ideal.
THE SPICES ARE HIGHLY DELICIOUS
Various Mediterranean herbs and spices such as bayleaf, coriander, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, and rosemary are options that can be used instead of salt and increase the flavor of the meals. It is also very beneficial for health. For example coriander and rosemary; It contains antioxidants that can fight diseases.
EASY TO PREPARE
Turkey in Mediterranean and Greek dishes are easily prepared food usually consists of appetizers and small plates called. Quickly prepared and cold appetizers usually consist of recipes with healthy ingredients such as olive oil, whole grains, vegetables, and spices.
YOU CAN CONSUME WINE
It is quite common to drink wine with meals in many Mediterranean countries. Not only does wine allow you to rest during meals, it is known that two glasses of wine a day for women and one for men are good for heart health. Unsweetened grape juice can be a good option if you don’t drink alcohol.
You don’t feel hungry constantly
The Mediterranean-style diet allows you to consume rich-tasting foods such as sweet potatoes, hummus and Lima beans. Since this type of food is digested slowly by the body, they make you feel full for a long time. Since you consume foods such as nuts, olives and low-fat cheese as snacks, this will not be a problem for you when hunger attacks suppress. Feta or halloumi cheese contains less fat than cheddar, but still stands out in flavor and richness.
YOU CAN LOSE WEIGHT
You may think it would be a miracle to lose weight by consuming nuts, cheese and oil. But these Mediterranean dietary principles (and slow eating style) serve to keep you full for a long time. And this allows you to follow the nutrition program. Regular physical activity is also an important part of the lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight.
YOUR HEART WILL THANK YOU
Almost any food in the Mediterranean-style diet is good for heart health. Olive oil and nuts help reduce “bad” cholesterol. Fruits, vegetables and beans help keep veins clean. Fish reduces triglycerides and blood pressure. Even a glass of wine a day is good for your heart.
INCREASES YOUR ATTENTION
The good that protects your heart is also good for your brain. Because you do not consume bad fats and processed foods that will cause inflammation. By consuming antioxidant-rich foods from the Mediterranean diet instead, you make a brain-friendly choice.
