Mediterranean Diet – Why It Works and Meal Plan

Keeping a balanced diet can be tough, and if you are new to it, you may find yourself wondering what you can make that is quick, simple, healthy and satisfying. While the term “diet” may sometimes be connected to “restriction”, with a Mediterranean diet, you will find yourself being able to satiate your appetite and indulge in delicious food, while keeping your meals balanced.

What Is Mediterranean Diet?

A Mediterranean diet is enjoyed by the people of Croatia, Italy and Greece and is very often suggested by doctors for those with high blood pressure and problems with the heart. This is because this diet is extremely heart friendly, boasting of vegetables, seafood, nuts, whole grains and fruits. It is filled with healthy fats that appear commonly in the form of olive oil, and omega-3 fatty acids from the seafood that feature as the main source of protein. Poultry may be enjoyed in small quantities, and red meat is taken only once or twice in a month. Dairy is enjoyed as cheese and yogurt, and a bit of red wine is always a welcome part of it.

Why You Should Consider Mediterranean Diet

Here are some reasons why you should incorporate a Mediterranean diet in your life:

1. Improves Longevity

Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet is a key to improving longevity due to its many nutritional ingredients and style of cooking. It helps treat and improve many conditions including heart conditions, type 2 diabetes and many others.

2. Improves Fertility

Though more research into this field still needs to be done, there are some studies that show women who indulge in this diet have a higher chance of conceiving even if they are undergoing treatment for fertility.

3. Heart Healthy

Food included in a Mediterranean diet is known to lower the risk of cardiovascular health by impacting the bad cholesterol that gets stuck in the arteries.

4. Prevents Type-2 Diabetes

Foods like fish, vegetables, fruits and olive oil, while also being abundant in fibre and monounsaturated fats are said to be the healthiest to include in a diet as they can help those with high blood sugar and diabetes.

5. Aids in Graceful Ageing

The abundance of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that a Mediterranean diet includes will keep your muscles from weakening early and will help you to maintain an active lifestyle as you grow older.

6. Encourages Weight Loss

Many people turn to the Mediterranean diet to lose weight. It includes a mainly plant-based diet, which is exactly what is needed to lose weight. Paired with regular exercise, you will remain fit and agile.

7. Helps Treat Cancer

Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet can help in the treatment and prevention of cancer as it can make cancer cells die like normal cells. A compound called apigenin is responsible for this action and is found mostly in food that is plant-based, a quality that the Mediterranean diet possesses.

8. Improves Cognitive Health

Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet can decrease the risk of developing any kind of cognitive impairment, and even reduces the risk of diseases like Parkinson’s disease. Regular consumption of the Mediterranean diet also shows an improvement in cognitive functioning due to its high nutritious content.

9. Decreases Inflammation

The Mediterranean diet includes many nutrients, minerals and vitamins that can help in fighting any kind of inflammation. Studies have shown that it helps to fight inflammatory diseases of low-grade, chronic nature.

10. Promotes Good Skin

Since the Mediterranean diet is high in olive oil, red wine and tomatoes, and also various other fruits and vegetables, it has a high amount of vitamin E, resveratrol and other compounds that are beneficial for the skin. These factors protect the skin from sun damage and also help it to heal and remain strong.

Staples of Mediterranean Diet

Here are some of the main ingredients that are considered to be staples in the Mediterranean diet:

1. Nuts and Seeds

Pistachios, walnuts, almonds and tahini are all favoured in the Mediterranean diet.

2. Olives

Whether it is whole olives or olive oil, olives play a considerable role in the Mediterranean diet.

3. Legumes

Peas, beans and lentils are all part and parcel of the Mediterranean diet and come with many health benefits.

4. Fish

Fish is eaten at least three times a week and is baked or grilled with herbs and spices to retain its health benefits.

5. Fresh Vegetables

Salads are a big deal in the Mediterranean diet, and a variety of fresh green vegetables are included in them. Tomatoes in every form and shape are used in various dishes.

6. Fresh Fruits

Fruits are enjoyed a lot, whether it is in yogurt, eaten plain or turned into a salad.

7. Herbs And Spices

No dish is complete without herbs and spices, and in Mediterranean cooking, the most commonly used are cumin, oregano, basil, paprika, black pepper, bay leaves, sage, thyme, rosemary, turmeric, garlic powder, ginger and crushed red peppers.

8. Whole-Grains

Pasta, wheat, millet, whole grain cornmeal and others make up the main part of Mediterranean cuisine.

9. Yogurt

Yogurt is used in many ways and can be made into a savoury sauce and even parfaits.

10. Cheese

Feta and parmesan cheeses are the most commonly used in Mediterranean cooking. Cheese is great when consumed in moderation.

Foods to Avoid to Achieve the Full Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

Here are some foods that you should avoid if you want to gain benefits from the Mediterranean diet:

1. Refined Grain

This includes anything that is made with refined wheat and white bread.

2. Transfats

This can be found in processed foods as well as in fats like margarine.

3. Added Sugar

This includes candy, soda, table sugar, ice cream and more.

4. Processed Meat

Things like ready-made hot-dogs, burgers and others fall under this category.

5. Refined Oils

Canola, cottonseed and soybean oils are some of them.

6. Highly Processed Food

Factory made foods that may show “diet” or “low fat” on the label.

Try Sample Mediterranean Diet Menu for One Week

If you are interested in trying a Mediterranean diet plan, the following will help you get a good start.

Mediterranean diet breakfast, lunch and dinner will keep you satisfied the whole day and help you stick to your balanced diet. Have fruits for dessert and snack on fresh cucumbers or carrots with hummus dip or fresh tahini.

Mediterranean Diet Recipes

Here are some recipes you can try out:

1. Mediterranean Lasagne

This dish is hearty and filling.

Ingredients 

• One jar spicy pizza sauce
• One can artichoke hearts, chopped
• Half cup roasted and chopped red peppers
• 1/3rd cup pitted olives
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 6 cooked lasagne noodles
• Two cups shredded Italian cheese

Method 

• Preheat oven to 190 degree C.
• Combine the olives, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts and sauce.
• In a baking pan, layer the sauce mix, lasagne noodle, and both the cheeses until everything is used up.
• Cover the pan with foil and bake for forty minutes. Your lasagne is ready!

2. Mediterranean Salad

An essential part of the Mediterranean diet for vegetarians.

Ingredients

• Half cup chopped cucumber
• Half cup chopped tomatoes
• Half cup chopped artichoke hearts
• Half cup chopped palm hearts
• Two tablespoons chopped olives
• Two tablespoons chopped red onions
• One tablespoon chopped capers
• Chopped avocado half
• One teaspoon chopped basil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Himalayan pink salt

Method

• Make vinaigrette out of the lemon juice, olive oil and Himalayan salt.
• Toss in the chopped vegetables. Your salad is ready!

3. Margherita Pizza

A pizza favoured in most parts of the world.

Ingredients 

• Pizza dough, one batch
• ¼ cup flour for rolling
• Olive oil, two tablespoons
• Crushed tomatoes, half cup
• Plum tomatoes, three, sliced
• Salt, a half teaspoon
• Mozzarella cheese, 170 g, grated
• Basil leaves, half cup, sliced

Method

• Preheat oven 230 degree C.
• Roll the dough out into a half inch thick disc.
• Poke holes in it and bake for five minutes.
• Add the toppings.
• Bake for 15 minutes and let cool. Your pizza is done.

4. Strawberry Yogurt

Healthy and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• One cup greek yogurt
• Three tablespoons strawberries, chopped

Method

• Mix the two ingredients well. Serve cold.

5. Avocado Egg Toast

A great way to start the day.

Ingredients

• Toasted whole grain bread, 2 slices
• Mashed avocado, 1
• Steamed asparagus, 8
• Shelled and sliced hard boiled egg, 1
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Method 

• Spread avocado mash on bread slices.
• Place asparagus and one slice of egg on each slice.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Disadvantages of Mediterranean Diet

While there are many distinct advantages of the Mediterranean diet, those with hypersensitivity should be careful and check the ingredients out carefully before deciding to incorporate it into their diet. It is also not very pocket-friendly as the ingredients may be hard to come by and are often expensive.

The Mediterranean diet has many benefits, but it can sometimes be difficult to maintain such an expensive diet. However, as it is so beneficial for health, you can always use it as a way to make healthy and delicious foods out of the ingredients that are readily available.

Also Read:

Food and Drink That Promote a Good Night’s Sleep
Healthier Alternatives to White Rice You Must Try
Delicious Vegan Sources of Protein You Should Include in Your Daily Diet