mediterranean diet ranks #1

11 Sep mediterranean diet ranks #1

How much do you know about the Mediterranean Diet? Did you know that this year it was ranked as the number one diet for health by the U.S. News and World Report? True story. It’s most known for its heart health benefits, disease prevention and healthy aging. And as far as I know it’s only been in the news for positive things, not like some of the trendy, fad diets out there. 

Harvard School of Public Health writes reviews on popular diets. A review of the Mediterranean Diet can be found here. While the diet promotes that the majority of our diet consists of whole foods, plant-based sources (as the Mayo Clinic says, “plant-based, not meat-based”), moderate amounts of animal products are included in the diet. 

If you’re interested in “going Mediterranean” check out these tips in an article by Food and Nutrition, which also includes ideas for each of them.

• Slowly increase your fruit and vegetable intake each day
• Enjoy fish at least two times a week
• Focus on heart healthy fat sources like olives, nuts, seeds, and olive oil
• Use fresh herbs and spices for flavor
• Make food something to enjoy
• Get active

As with any new habit or change in your lifestyle, set yourself a daily and weekly goal, then go after it. 

By:Victoria Emmitt RD