Make Your Diet More Mediterranean
So what is the Mediterranean diet exactly? Over a dozen countries border the Mediterranean Sea, making it difficult to designate one official ‘Mediterranean diet’. Diets vary between countries and regions and often reflect differences in culture, ethnic background, religion, economy and agricultural production. But the common Mediterranean-inspired menu generally adheres to these principles:
– A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, bread and other cereals, potatoes, beans, nuts and seeds.
– Olive oil is used as an important source of monounsaturated fat.
– Dairy products, eggs and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts.
– Little red meat is eaten. – Herbs and spices are used to flavor foods, which either replaces or reduces salt. – Red wine is consumed in moderate amounts.