When it comes to our health and losing excess weight, we can start to become hyper focused on the foods we’re eating. Of course, the foods we eat are - or the foods we choose not to eat - are super important but health is never about just one thing. In recent times, for example, we have become obsessed about ‘too much fat’ in our diets. Let’s keep things bit more general and focus on principles. The principles of the Mediterranean diet have been shown through research to be conducive with good health outcomes – this sort of diet regulates blood sugar better, improves gut health and allows for a delicious variety of foods to be eaten and enjoyed. Let’s not forget that – food is to be enjoyed, savoured and shared!
So what are these principles?
a wide variety of vegetables, fruits
whole grains
healthful fats, such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil
moderate amounts of dairy and fish
very little white meat and red meat
People on a Mediterranean diet avoid the following foods:
refined grains, such as white bread, white pasta, and pizza dough containing white flour
refined oils
foods with added sugars, such as pastries, fizzy drinks, sweets
deli meats and other processed meats
processed or packaged foods
And let’s not forget the star of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil – truly a golden elixir. Olive oil is a good source of ‘healthy’ type of fat, as well as containing antioxidants to support your immune system, and also a compound called oleocanthal which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects similar to Ibuprofen. Use extra virgin olive oil as a salad dressing, cooking and dipping your bread into.
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