Article Categories
» Arts & Entertainment
» Automotive
» Business
» Careers & Jobs
» Education & Reference
» Finance
» Food & Drink
» Health & Fitness
» Home & Family
» Internet & Online Businesses
» Miscellaneous
» Self Improvement
» Shopping
» Society & News
» Sports & Recreation
» Technology
» Travel & Leisure
» Writing & Speaking

  Listed Article

  Category: Articles » Health & Fitness » Article
 

What Is The Mediterranean Diet?




By Kirsten Hawkins

In 1993, the Harvard Medical School released the results of research that studied the diets of those countries bordering on the Mediterranean. Their findings suggested that fat and carbohydrates were NOT the main culprit in obesity and heart disease, but rather that the RIGHT fats and carbohydrates should be the base for a healthy diet. The study pointed to low rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease throughout the region as proof of their contention.

Exactly what is the Mediterranean diet and can it help you lose weight? There actually is no 'Mediterranean' diet - it's a compilation of the way that people in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea eat. Despite the differences in actual specifics, all of those studied based their diets on the same proportions of food groups and calories, and all included olive oil as their main source of fat. In fact, their diets contained far more than the recommendations made by the USDA - 40% rather than the 30% recommended for most healthy Americans. Still, the evidence was irrefutable. Therefore, it must have been the KIND of carbohydrates and fats that make the difference.

The Mediterranean diet consists of the following guidelines:

60% Of Total Carbohydrates From Grains, Fruits And Vegetables

Those include whole rice, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, polenta, pasta (made with whole grain, not refined white flour)

Sparing Use of Red Meat, Fish And Poultry

The typical adult Mediterranean consumes about 15 ounces of red meat and poultry per week. Another 5-15 ounces of fish per week account for the bulk of their meat protein intake. Compare that to the typical American diet which might include a 1 pound steak for dinner one night, a 1/2 pound chicken breast the next, and on and on.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is not a miracle oil. It is, however, mono-unsaturated - a good fat. Mono-unsaturated fats help lower cholesterol rather than raising it, and are healthy ways to add fats to your diet (and yes, even though we think of fat as a dirty word, your body does need some, or it can't use many of the vitamins you feed it!)

The other important component of the Mediterranean lifestyle was activity. The typical Mediterranean day includes walking rather than driving, physical activity in the fields or the home and recreation. Physical activity is vital in helping the body to lose weight, and to maintain your new weight once you reach it.

The secret to losing weight with the Mediterranean diet is to base your meals on healthy carbohydrates - leafy green vegetables, brightly colored vegetables, whole grains and meals. Use meat sparingly - no more than 3-6 ounces per day. Derive dietary fat from vegetable sources - or from fish oil. Exercise regularly to rev up your metabolism. The Mediterranean diet isn't a weight loss regimen. It's a new way of eating that will help you reach your goal weight and stay there when you get there.
 
 
About the Author
Kirsten Hawkins is a nutrition and health expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.popular-diets.com/ for more great nutrition, well-being, and vitamin tips as well as reviews and comments on popular diets.

Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/15908.html
 
If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/15908.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked.



  Some other articles by Kirsten Hawkins
What Is A Repositioning Cruise?
What is a repositioning cruise, and why would you want to go on one? Well, you might not want to, but there are many reasons why you would or would not want to embark ...

The Cruise For You
You may have heard stories from friends about their disappointing cruise experience because their kids were bored. Or your recently married cousin's honeymoon cruise was nerve-wracking because she went during ...

The Allure Of An Alaskan Cruise
Humpback whales. Sailing fjords. Gazing at glaciers. These are some of the reasons people name when asked why they are booking an Alaskan cruise. The allure of Alaska is the mystery of ...

Take Two On Cruise Travel Tips
Pay attention to the advice from frequent cruise travelers. They have seen it all and have the stories to tell. Using their guidance can make things a bit easier for an inexperienced cruiser. After all, no ...

Taking A Cruise: Make It A Family Affair
This past year, more than one million youngsters under the age of 18 years old sailed on Cruise Lines International Association ships. ...

Taking A Cruise: Getting Out Of The Lower Deck Cabins
Taking a cruise for the first time can be one of the most exciting ventures you may take upon yourself. Cruises are a great time ...

  
  Recent Articles
Hypnosis – 5 WONDERFUL Steps to Quit Smoking Today for a HEALTHY Living
by pradeep aggarwal

The Importance of Foods to fight Cold Sores
by Robert H Black

The Benefits of Cleansing Your Body
by Dr. Robert Fleishmann

The Risk Of Drug-coated Stents Can Be Managed
by Ng Peng Hock

What So Great About GL Diet?
by Ng Peng Hock

Does Salt Matter Your Heart Health?
by Ng Peng Hock

3 Smart Ways to Live Longer
by David Daniel

What Are Designer Eggs Related To Heart Disease?
by Ng Peng Hock

Nosebleeds - Bloody Nose - The simple facts and the cures
by Robert W. Benjamin

Your Great Goal in Life A Healthy and Fit YOU
by Ismael D. Tabije

Building Up Strong and Shapely Legs
by Ismael D. Tabije

Enhance Your Health through Internal Cleanliness
by Ismael D. Tabije

Can't connect to database