As the new year begins everyone is looking to get healthier and in shape. The mediterranean diet is a common diet that people go towards. However, what you may not know is that the mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of certain diseases as well as obesity, and heart attack.
The diet includes fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains along with a limited amount of unhealthy fats. Research has show that the traditional mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, a recent analysis showed that 1.5 million healthy adults reduced their risk for heart disease and cancer, as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease when put on the mediterranean diet.
The diet is primarily composed of plant-based foods (ie, fruits and vegetables). It replaces butter and salt with healthier fats such as olive oil and herbs and spices to give flavor. The diet tried to reduce the intake of red meat and consume fish and poultry at least two times a week.
Here is a sample meal plan on a mediterranean diet:
Breakfast:
-yogurt granola parfait
Lunch:
-chickpea salad
Snack:
-crackers with hummus
Dinner:
-chicken kabobs
