Why Should You Include Mediterranean Food In Your Daily Diet?
The Mediterranean foods making up the Mediterranean diet have gained ground for every health-conscious people since they constitute healthy recipes with good reason. It is proved that the Mediterranean diet reduces heart disease risks and even the risks related to metabolic syndromes, certain cancers, diabetes, and depression. In older adults, Mediterranean diets have decreased the frailty risk and promoted better physical and mental functions.
So, what is the Mediterranean diet?
If we are to speak on the traditional Mediterranean diet, then these are typically based on the foods found in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Now, these foods have become popular all over the world owing to their health benefits. Now, thanks to the online Mediterranean food store securing them has become really easier. So, let us come across the healthy supply of Mediterranean foods.
•Abundant plant foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes, whole grains, which are processed to their minimum, locally grown, and seasonally fresh.
•The principal source of fat is olive oil.
•Yoghurt and cheese for daily consumption in low to moderate amounts.
•Fish and poultry to be eaten a few times in a week in low to moderate amounts.
•Red meats to be consumed in small amounts and infrequently.
•Fresh fruits are suitable as desserts, sweets made of added sugar and honey to be eaten a few times every week.
•Low to moderate amount of wines to be consumed only with meals.
How Can You Bring the Mediterranean Diet To Your Plate?
To incorporate these healthy Mediterranean diets, you have to foster a few changes in your daily diet. Select one each week and make another change in the next week. So keep on incorporating gradually. Begin with these changes and it will be easy to get used to them.
a.Switching From the Currently Using Fats to Extra Virgin Oil
Begin by introducing olive oil in cooking and then attempt on new salad dressing using the olive oil as the base. Replace butter with olive oil on the crusty bread.
b.Eating More Nuts and Olives
Eat some raw nuts daily as a healthy replacement for processed snacks.
c.Adding the Whole-Grain Bread and More Whole Grains to the Daily Meals
Start to add the dense country-style loaves which are chewy but with no added sugar or butter. Try them out with barley bulgur, couscous, farro, and whole-grain pastas.
d.Start or End Every Meal With Salad
Choose the crisp and dark greens along with the seasonal vegetable to make up your salads.
e.Adding More and Varied Vegetables to Your Menu
Some extra serving of vegetables must be added to both lunch and dinner and aim for three to four servings each day. You should try a new vegetable every week.
f.Eating Three Servings of Legumes Each Week
Choose chickpeas, lentils, peas, and bean.
g.Eating Less Meat
Prefer to eat lean poultry moderately in 3 to 4-ounce options. Consume red meats only during the occasions. Use meats in the form of condiments added by enough vegetables in stir-fries, stews, and soup. Plan meals with three servings of fish each week.
h.Consume Wine In Moderate Amounts And Substitute It For Alternative Alcoholic Beverages
Get the beers and liquors replaced with only 5-ounce glasses for men and just one glass a day for women.
i.Reducing Sugary Beverages:
Juices are the ideal alternatives for soda.
j.Eating Less Amount of High-Fats and High Sugar Desserts
The best choice is poached or fresh fruits to be eaten daily in three servings daily. Let the cakes and pastries be the center of attraction for special occasions.
The Mediterranean comprises of a rich storehouse of cultures, as well as flavors, ingredients, and tastes. Incorporating the Mediterranean food in the diet not only gives you variety, but they also help you enjoy a healthy life.
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