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Frequently Asked Questions
What foods are not permitted on a Mediterranean-style diet?
The Mediterranean diet prohibits certain food groups including processed foods and added sugar. Certain foods are not recommended to be eaten in order to retain the health-benefits associated with this eating pattern. Consuming these items occasionally can still be part of a healthy diet, but consistently eating them can counteract the potential health benefits of following a Mediterranean eating plan.
Whole-grain breads and starches (such as white bread, sugary breads, and other highly processed baked goods) are not allowed on a Mediterranean food plan. These items are quickly absorbed into your system as sugars and may lead to blood sugar spikes that cause weight gain over time. They are also lacking in vitamins and minerals, compared with whole grain options like millet or Quinoa.
Other sugars fall under this category too. Limit your intake of sweetened beverages, such as soda, tea with added sugars, or juices. These won't help you manage weight, or provide healthy nutrient profiles.
Red meats and processed meats are not recommended for Mediterranean-style meals. Red meats and processed meats possess high levels of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels, raising the risk for heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related problems that could lead to more serious illnesses. Processed lunchmeat products contain nitrates that may increase cancer risks due to their association with cell damage responses throughout the body's cells. Dairy products should be avoided as many cheeses have high levels of saturated fats.
According to nutrition professionals, fish should not exceed three times per weekly.
How can I get started with the Mediterranean diet?
Get started on the Mediterranean diet by stocking up your kitchen with fresh fruits and veggies. This could include preparing various vegetables and proteins every week that can be used in recipes throughout the following days. Quinoa, oat groats, and millet can be substituted for refined grains. Healthy fats such as olive and sesame should also be included in meal prep to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. Finally, seasonings, including garlic, oregano, basil, and turmeric, are all good additions to meals and will help reduce the need for added sugar or salt!
Can I have alcohol on the Mediterranean Diet?
Yes, alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation as part a Mediterranean diet. The recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption is 1 glass per person for women and 2 for men. Drinks that are suitable include beer, dry wines, and spirits made from natural ingredients, such as vodka, whiskey, brandy, and gin. Heavy spirits like cocktails should be avoided due to their high sugar content. A daily intake of water or herbal drinks can keep your body hydrated and reduce sugar cravings.
Statistics
- One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
- The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
- Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
- In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
External Links
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- Health Benefits and Molecular Mechanisms of the Mediterranean Diet - PubMed
- PubMed - The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health
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How To
How to Plan a Week of Delicious and Nutritious Mediterranean Meals?
Mediterranean eating is a good way to improve your overall health, and quality of living. This healthy eating plan is rich in nutrients and emphasizes whole grains, legumes fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy fats. Eating this way can have many potential benefits, such as helping maintain better blood lipids, improved glucose control, reduced risk for depression and certain types of cancer, better cardiac health, increased cognitive function, and improved weight management.
Following these tips can make it easy to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet: swapping out high-calorie snacks like chips with nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes; learning how to increase variety with spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables; integrating more whole grains, legumes, and high fiber items that can enhance satiety after meals; adding moderate amounts of dairy products like yogurt cheese and milk throughout the day for added nutrition; using olive oil as the primary cooking fat instead of traditional oils; occasionally enjoying a glass of red wine to complete the Mediterranean experience.
To plan a week of delicious and nutritious meals that fit within the Mediterranean diet guidelines, begin by focusing on specific components, including proteins such as fatty fish, poultry, or eggs; healthy fats from olive oil nuts or avocadoes; vegetables in prepared vegetables salads dips spreads or soups; starches such as potatoes legumes ancient grains, etc. ; fruits for desserts snacks smoothies, etc. Seasonings, herbs, and tasty sauces. Mixing up different combinations will allow you to get the right amount of nutrients and maintain flavor balance. This is a key element in a Mediterranean lifestyle. The combination of the meal and regular exercise will provide even greater benefits in the short-term and long-term.
Resources:
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[TAG70]Craving the flavors of the Mediterranean without the jet lag? Join Ruben Dominguez live at the original Phoenicia on Westheimer, celebrating 40 years of |
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[TAG71]In honor of the 75th anniversary of NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, Dr. Steven R. Flanagan, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU |
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[TAG72]You should be eating a Mediterranean diet, and here’s why: |
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[TAG73]How To Get Omega-3s Without Eating Fish or Seafood If you're allergic to fish, or just don't like fish, or if you are eating vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based, |
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[TAG74]Shilpa Ravella, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, explains how a healthy diet, comprised of plants, whole grains, and |
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[TAG75]The Mediterranean diet originates in the food cultures of ancient civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean Basin and is based on the regular |
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[TAG76]Make Mediterranean Breakfast and enjoy your Italy tour. follow for more. #youtubeshorts #shorts #health |
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[TAG77]Full day of Mediterranean food! #foodie #shorts #eating #greekfood #mediterranean #tzatziki #gyro |
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[TAG78]Menopause 5 Foods to Help Relieve Symptoms |
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[TAG79]This is what it is on the menu for The Modern Mediterranean Diet for this evening testing for Meals For Longevity. more comments coming soon... thank you |
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[TAG80]Will a Mediterranean diet helps lose belly fat? #foodie #healthylifestyle #BellyFat |
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[TAG81]This review of five human studies on the Mediterranean diet examines its effects on weight loss, various diseases, and the risk of death. |
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[TAG82]HELPFUL TIP: How to make couscous fluffyYou can toss the uncooked couscous in a drizzle of olive oil before adding the liquid, which coats each grain in oil |
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[TAG83]I might work as an author and teacher all about Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, but I’m also a mom (in fact, I consider this to be my most important job!), |
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[TAG84]This spanakopita muffins recipe makes great use of a Greek classic spinach pie filling (minus the onions and/or scallions), but in this form the spinach-feta |
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[TAG85]A simple and cozy fall family dinner, this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup is filling and hearty making a perfect weeknight meal.The post Slow Cooker Chicken |
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[TAG86]A weekly series where we share our family’s actual Mediterranean diet meal plan. The goal is to simply share meal and recipe ideas.The post Mediterranean Diet |
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[TAG87]The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced mortality risk and lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. |
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[TAG88]This Mediterranean Diet inspired Fall Cheese Board is the perfect party appetizer, grazing meal or simply a qucik dinner all in one. The post Fall Cheese Board |
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[TAG89]In Greece, there’s one ultimate sweet superfood: honey, which reigns supreme as the world’s best natural sweetener, adding its exquisite touch to a wide array |
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[TAG90]The Greek authentic recipe for delicious spanakopita straight from my mothers notes! Crispy layers of phyllo dough brushed with…The post Authentic Greek |
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[TAG91]Tender, juicy chicken pieces paired with crunchy autumn vegetables, all seasoned in a savory Mediterranean herbs blend. This sheet pan Mediterranean-style |
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[TAG92]Unlock the secrets of longevity with our comprehensive guide! Discover 7 essential steps to embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle and…The post Master the |
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[TAG93]The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, provides an array of health benefits, |
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[TAG94]Mageirio, after the verb, to cook, “mageirevo,” is essentially an all-purpose summer stew, a kind of “throw-everything-in-one-pot,” dish that almost every home |
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[TAG95]Sharing some Mediterranean diet recipes we've been loving lately from around the web and social media. All tried and enjoyed.The post Mediterranean Diet |
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[TAG96]New research shows that following a Mediterranean may protect from cancer but also protect cancer survivors. Science is continuously…The post Mediterranean |
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[TAG97]The Mediterranean diet focuses on using the freshest ingredients when possible, so we are sharing a list of September Seasonal Produce. The post September |
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[TAG98]The post When Life Gives You Lemons Make Avgolemono appeared first on Lemon & Olives. A food blog exploring Greek Mediterranean cuisine, culture, and |
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[TAG99]The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. |
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[TAG100]The post I’d rather be in Greece Ornament appeared first on Lemon & Olives. A food blog exploring Greek Mediterranean cuisine, culture, and creating dishes |
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[TAG101]Pollo al ajillo (which literally translates to garlic chicken) is one of the most traditional recipes in Spanish gastronomy. It’s also an integral part of |
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[TAG102]This delicious Mediterranean snack made with perfectly toasted crusty bread, topped with ripe summer tomato, drizzled with olive oil…The post Traditional Greek |
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[TAG103]Kadurei Shokolad, or chocolate balls/chocolate truffles in English, are easily one of the most popular sweet treats in Israel. Everyone loves them, from little |
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[TAG104]Light Summer Recipes That Will Help You Lose Weight Are you looking for a delicious and healthy way to shed those extra pounds? Look no further than the |
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[TAG105]Abstract. Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in minimally processed plant foods has been associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple chronic diseases |
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[TAG106]There are plenty of recipes on the world wide web for Italian stuffed peppers, artichokes, and mushrooms. But today we’re focusing on stuffed eggplant. This |
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[TAG107]Shish tawook is a popular dish in Arab countries. Restaurant menus typically include the Middle Eastern chicken dish as one of the main dishes, along with |
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[TAG108]Extra virgin olive oil is one of the healthiest and most important ingredients of the Mediterranean Diet, but drinking…The post 5 Reasons Not to Drink Olive |
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[TAG109]Greek Chicken Gyro, a healthy alternative to the classic Greek gyro you’d find at Greek festivals around the world. Yes, it’s true. We love a delicious gyro |
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[TAG110]Mediterranean shrimp stir fry – a simple, delicious and healthy way to serve up a Greek inspired dinner. One of our favorite things to do while we’re in the |
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[TAG111]It’s an easy (and delicious!) change that can turn your diet into a disease-fighting tool. |
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[TAG112]Homemade Pita chips are a healthy and delicious snack. See our pita chip recipe below. If you’re looking to make pita from scratch as well, we’ve got you |
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[TAG113]Healthline ranked the Mediterranean Diet number 1 for the following reasons: Numerous studies associate the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart |
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[TAG114]Psychology Today reports: Eating more green, leafy vegetables and less red meat were associated with improved cognitive functioning in a recent study of older |
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[TAG115]CNBC reports that Joan Salge Blake, Boston University’s clinical professor of nutrition says: “‘Poor protein [intake] can contribute to fatigue, and that’s the |
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[TAG116]According to Olive Oil Times: The authors of the meta-study, published in Current Obesity Reports, noted that hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, several |
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[TAG117]There are many misconceptions about the Mediterranean diet. Learn what it really means and how it can help you live a healthier, longer life. |
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[TAG118]The study described in The Epoch Times found: In the conclusions of this study, the authors prefer the Mediterranean diet over the Keto diet because the key to |
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[TAG119]Once again, the Mediterranean Diet ranks #1 in Best Diets Overall. It is based on the traditional way of eating in the 21 countries that border the |
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[TAG120]This Easy Shawarma-Spiced Chicken is full of flavor and tantalizes your taste buds with the flavors of the Middle East. It is an easy stovetop version of the |
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[TAG121]Cold winter days call for a hearty, rich, comforting soup. This Simple Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup with Quinoa is a twist on the classic Italian dish. Adding |
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[TAG122]These easy baked falafel with lemon-tahini sauce are crispy from the outside, light tender, crumbly from the inside, and full of bright, Mediterranean flavors. |
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[TAG123]A review article published in the journal Experimental Gerontology describes the utility of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in the prevention and management of |
