Mediterranean diet: what is it eaten with?

Mediterranean diet: what is it eaten with?

We understand the features and principles of the Mediterranean diet.

Summer is approaching, which means that many of us are increasingly thinking about losing weight. Is it worth sticking to any diet? To answer this question, it is worthwhile to learn more about the existing principles of nutrition and make a meaningful decision. We will tell you about the basis of some diets so that you can find what suits you best. Let’s start with the Mediterranean diet.

Developing eating habits: why is it called that?

Despite its name, the Mediterranean diet is more of a collection of eating habits than a specific system or dietary guidelines. These dietary principles are characteristic of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean, from which the diet got its name. Its popularity is simple to explain: the inhabitants of the south of France consume quite a lot of fat, but have lower rates of cardiovascular disease than, for example, the inhabitants of the United States.

The basis of the diet

Of course, the eating traditions of Mediterranean countries differ from each other because of culture, ethnic background and religion. However, they also have similarities.

• There is a high proportion of fresh fruits, vegetables, potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds.
• Bread, pasta, and other grain-based foods can be eaten.

• Fruit is a daily dessert in the diet.
• Olive oil and other sources of fats, but not fatty acids, are the main sources of energy.
• Dairy products recommended by the diet consist mainly of yogurt and cheese.
• Eggs are practically not consumed.
• Fish and poultry are small to moderate amounts.
• Animal meat is also almost never consumed.
• Red wine is usually included in the daily diet (except in Muslim countries).
• The diet is inextricably linked to an active lifestyle.

What makes a diet effective?

Scientists and nutritionists have repeatedly conducted studies to isolate the components of the diet that give such a strong health effect. They said it was fatty fish, seafood, olive oil, red wine. Nevertheless, systematic studies have shown that it is impossible to single out individual components. Still, the positive effect cannot be disputed.

Typical products for the Mediterranean diet:

• olive oil and olives;
• fresh vegetables: tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini;
• garlic, onions;
• fish and seafood;
• herbs: thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil;
• white bread, pasta, rice;
• red wine (in some countries).