Mediterranean Diet: Do or Don’t?

Like clockwork, it’s almost a given that every summer you hear about the famed ‘Mediterranean diet’. As its name suggests, the diet is linked to eating and cooking practices in countries such as Greece, Italy & Spain.

The Mediterranean diet has been linked to tremendous health benefits, such as a reduced risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Thankfully for those who don’t have the luxury of living in the Mediterranean, the habits are relatively simple to adapt to wherever you may be.

Quite simply, the Mediterranean diet consists of an abundance of the following:

• Beans
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Olive Oil
• Fruits
• Vegetables

The Mediterranean diet does include meat & dairy, but at a moderate level. For example, the diet plan does not recommend eating eggs more than four times per week, according to the American Heart Association, while keeping red meat consumption to an absolute minimum.

So, is the Mediterranean *the* diet to follow?

While the Mediterranean diet is praised because of its little to none saturated fat levels, many of the foods consumed or “okay” on the diet contain a high level of fat. As we know, the higher the fat content, the more likely one is to gain weight and become prone to weight-related issues.

However, as with any diet plan, moderation is crucial. A well-balanced diet with a focus on vegetables and healthy (monounsaturated) fats combined with an activity and exercise routine is almost guaranteed to put anyone on the right track to losing weight in a healthy manner.

Before beginning any new diet regimen, it is important you consult with your physician or specialist. If you would like to learn more about Theramotion’s work with patients please contact us at 718-279-9800. Additionally, you can fill out contact information on our Contact Us page and we will get back to you.