Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet has gained popularity because unlike many diets it does not have a long and unsatisfying list of foods that people should not indulge in.  Instead, the focus of the Mediterranean Diet is informing people about the healthy and tasty foods that they actually get a chance to enjoy on the diet plan.

What is the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean Diet follows the eating pattern and lifestyle of the individuals in the areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.  This diet plan allows individuals to indulge in many of the foods they love such as carbs, fish, bread and fruits.  It is not as restrictive as other diet plans and individuals can even enjoy a small amount of alcohol.  The basic food plan incorporates a healthy eating plan as well as exercise to help each individual gain and sustain a healthier lifestyle.  Dieters follow a balanced food plan that helps them to break each meal down and helps to ensure they are getting a little bit from each food group.

Types of Food
As mentioned previously the Mediterranean diet allows individuals to enjoy a vast variety of different foods from all of the food groups.  One of the main parts of the Mediterranean diet is eating plenty of fresh food such as fresh fruits and vegetables.  Dieters can also enjoy items such as nuts, whole grains, yogurt, olive oil and very small portions of wine.   Wine is included because studies have shown that it benefits the heart so very small and limited portions are allowed and even recommended.  This is important because individuals get a chance to enjoy carbs such as bread, pasta, potatoes and even rice.  People who undertake the Mediterranean Diet do not have to feel totally deprived of their favorite foods.

Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Participants get a chance to enjoy some great tasting food and even a little wine.  This diet focuses on teaching people portion control and focusing on healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts.  Many diets cut out all forms of fat and sugar even that from fruit, but the Mediterranean Diet takes into account that these types of fats are actually good for the body.  It does limit frozen, canned and other processed foods that generally not only contain a lot of fat but also a lot of sodium.  This diet is shown to not only help people lose weight but also lower other health items such as their blood pressure and insulin levels.  More importantly, this plan also promotes a healthy heart.

Cons
Like any healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean Diet is a definite and gradual lifestyle change not just a quick fix.  Individuals must be dedicated to creating a healthier lifestyle for themselves.   Individuals must also carefully watch their portion control because too much of anything will work against them instead of helping them.  Since this plan does include some forms of fat, individuals must make sure that they do not overeat or binge.  The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy plan. If followed properly and incorporated with exercise dieters can lose weight and develop a healthier lifestyle overall.