MEDITERRANEAN DIET

“Diet” can be a bit of a trigger word, but we promise this isn’t one of those quick-fix diets! The Mediterranean Diet is more guidelines for a lifestyle inspired by the countries along the coast of the Mediterranean.

These countries (France, Spain, Greece and Italy) do not have all the same eating habits, and recipes. However, what they do share is they use delicious and healthy ingredients that promote long-term health.

The meals are made up of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes and healthy fats. They tend to avoid added sugars, processed foods and red meat. And they eat things like poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation.

None of this sounds groundbreaking, or shocking, right? By incorporating more of the Mediterranean style of eating, you can be eating yummy food that has incredible benefits like:

Promotes Heart Health 

The Mediterranean diet has shown to slow the build-up of plaque in your arteries. Plaque build-up contributes to heart disease over time, so fighting or slowing it down is a big win!

Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Nutrient-dense foods like nuts, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, can help stabilize blood sugar levels, and decrease insulin resistance. By incorporating these into your diet, you can help reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes.

Helps Keep your Brain Healthy

Believe it or not, your diet can help keep your brain sharp! Healthy fats and anti-inflammatory veggies and fruits are known to combat aging in your brain and improve cognitive health

We cannot say this enough, with any lifestyle change, start gradually! Here are some easy swaps you can do to get the ball rolling, and over time you can build on it.

Quick Swaps

Olive Oil instead of butter: this is an easy way to get some of those heart-healthy fats without jarring your routine too much.

Fruit as dessert: Know what is in season and have that instead of your nightly scoop of ice cream or chocolate bar.  

Oatmeal with fruit for breakfast: this is easy and much lighter than something like eggs and pancakes.