Over the past few years, the popularity of fad diets has increased drastically. Retail stores and TV commercials advertise a variety of high-protein diets, low-fat diets, over-the-counter diet pills, and even soup-based diets. All of these are designed to take the extra pounds off quickly. The downfall of many of these eating plans is that by depriving yourself of entire food groups, you risk not only gaining back the weight you struggled to lose, but also compromising your nutritional health. A new eating plan is emerging that doesn’t just help you shed the pounds, but promotes a healthy heart, a healthy brain, and high life satisfaction.

The Mediterranean diet, despite its current popularity in the media these days, has actually been around for hundreds of years. Based on the cuisine and lifestyles of Greece, Italy, and Spain, the Mediterranean diet focuses on many of the natural products found along the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. The main components of this diet are fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, olive oil, whole unprocessed grains, fish and shellfish, lean poultry, legumes, yogurt, and wine. Followers of the Mediterranean Diet insist upon using only the freshest, high quality ingredients available when cooking. Also, this diet does not eliminate fat consumption altogether, but focuses on eating “healthy fats.” These “healthy fats,” include the monounsaturated fats found in olive and the polyunsaturated fats found in canola oil and nuts. By eliminating trans fat from your diet, you will decrease your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Unlike many of the diets out today, which are designed to make you lose weight quickly, the Mediterranean Diet is more of a total lifestyle change. It is designed not only for temporary weight loss, but to promote full-body health for the rest of your life. The abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids in Mediterranean food, not only reduces the possibility of a stroke and heart attack, but may also prevent certain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. Various types of fish, like cod, trouper, sole, and tuna, and shellfish, like shrimp and clams, are very prominent in the Mediterranean diet. Luckily, these types of seafood are packed with Omega-D fatty acids and protein, which creates a good balanced nutrition.

In order to reach a healthy weight and a healthy body when adopting the Mediterranean lifestyle, one must first eat the correct portions of these well-prepared foods, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine. In Spain, meals are spread out over long periods of time, allowing the diners to savor the small-proportioned dishes. In Madrid, it is not uncommon to see a group of friends enjoying their meals of delicious salmon filets, broiled in garlic sauce with vegetables on the side, for 2 hours or more! But another very important aspect of the Mediterranean Diet is the necessity for exercise. The Spanish and Italian walk often, as a past-time and a favored mode of transportation. It’s a healthy and enjoyable way of getting around, and much preferred over driving the crowded European streets.

So next time your looking to lose weight, or for a heart-healthy lifestyle change, try the Mediterranean Diet!

Author Bio: Bill Oliveira is the owner of Chateau of Spain Restaurant located in Newark, NJ. The restaurant is conveniently located close to the Prudential Center. This establishment offers a wide variety of food for dine-in, catering, and more.http://www.chateauofspain.com

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: mediterranean diet,spanish diet,spanish food,healthy food,dieting,garlic,olive oil,healthy fats