Try eating the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is known to be one of the healthiest in the world, and luckily, one of the most delicious too.
Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, France and Spain eat a diet based largely on fish, nuts, vegetables, beans, olive oil, fruits and cereal grains.
This type of diet is associated with good health and low risk of heart disease and stroke – so even if you don’t live on the Mediterranean, adopting some of the best recipes from this region is a great way to eat well and stay healthy.
Ready to give it a go? Here are some simple tips to help you eat the Mediterranean diet at home.
Replace butter
Butter and margarine are a staple of British cooking, but switching to olive oil as your primary fat for cooking has lots of great benefits. Olive oil is rich in monosaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Instead of eating bread and butter, try dipping it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead.
Incorporate new proteins
If you get most of your protein from red meat and chicken, try switching up your usual routine with fish, beans and nuts instead. Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can be harder on your heart, whereas fatty fishes like Salmon are rich in omega-3s and polyunsaturated fats. To start with, set a goal to eat fish twice a week instead of red meat, and gradually start to look at meat as a flavouring – like an addition to a delicious sauce – rather than a main.
Try fruit for dessert
Ripe, fresh fruit is much healthier than a slice of cake and can be a tasty and satisfying dessert, especially during the summer months. You can make it special by drizzling with honey or yoghurt, too.
Eat veg with every meal
The traditional British diet means many people eat little to no vegetables until dinner time. In reality, vegetables are great with every meal – try to incorporate them into breakfast, lunch and snacks. Aim for all the colours of the rainbow – an omelette with peppers, spinach and feta cheese, for example, is a healthy, balanced and delicious choice.
Choose whole grains
The Mediterranean diet is high in cereal grains and starchy carbohydrates that give you energy and help you feel full. Whole grain bread and pasta, grains like rice and quinoa and potatoes with skins on are all delicious additions to any meal.
Snack on nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds and legumes make a filling and easy snacks anytime. Foods like hummus or lentil soup are both excellent choices, and tasty too.
What do you think of the Mediterranean diet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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