Dieting is all about lifestyle change and that's one distinguishing characteristic of the "Mediterranean Diet". This diet doesn't boast ridiculous amounts of weight loss over relatively short periods of time but instead focuses on all the long term positive effects different foods can have on you. We all know that what we eat affects our health and that there are foods that can affect our health positively or negatively. Therefore it does not require one to gain a deep comprehension of the metaphysical to realize that avoiding bad food can be one component to leading a healthier lifestyle.
Unfortunately, it's a fact that obesity is a prominent problem in the U.S because people eat the wrong foods and participate in moderate to low physical activity. Because of this, Americans tend to be more prone to heart disease and other cardiovascular deficiencies. Studies show that people along the Mediterranean coast have record low instances of cardiovascular mortality and low instances of other diseases and disorders. The exact reason for this has not been pinpointed yet but most believe that the overall lifestyle along the Mediterranean coast may be the reason.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:
* Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
* Using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt
* Eating fish and chicken at least twice a week
* Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
* Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil
* Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)
* Getting plenty of exercise.
The diet is beneficial in that it is low in saturated fats and high in mono-saturated fat and dietary fiber. This may come as a shock to some but mono-saturated fat is actually a good fat and helps reduce LDL cholesterol levels (bad) and increase HDL cholesterol (good). This decreases chances of heart attacks, improves the health of blood vessels and helps moderate blood pressure. You also have to realize that having a diet rich in fat will increase your weight because any excess fat is stored. It's recommended that over indulgence be avoided to prevent weight gain due to the amount of calories and fat consumed. Fortunately the Mediterranean diet is also an advocate of smaller portions and exercise which helps with managing consuming fats and weight gain.
Oddly the Mediterranean diet is unlike other conventional diets in that it doesn't consist of depriving you of anything, but insists on you partaking in the best, freshest and most fulfilling foods that you can have.
Michael Mitchell has done a lot of research regarding safe and healthy weight loss and much of what he knows is through experience. He has helped people around the world take their weight off and keep it off with simple yet effective methods.
Learn more about some key components that are present in any effectively constructed diet
Also learn more safe dieting techniques and applications in Michael's Weight Loss Report
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