Eat healthy and be active is the universally acknowledged theory to staying fit. Food has to be appealing to the eyes and kindle the taste buds too. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy balanced diet of plant food cooked in “good” fat. That does not mean there is a total cut on animal products. The Mediterranean diet pyramid recommends animal fat and products to be taken in small quantities occasionally. In a Mediterranean diet a major portion includes vegetables, cherries, spinach, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, watermelon, eggplant and potatoes. Whole grain bread, pastas and cereals are the main course in the diet. Fruit is the most preferred dessert. The food is followed by wine that is consumed in small or moderate amount. Wines are prepared from grapes, pomegranates and persimmons. The diet is also inclusive of dairy products especially cheese that is to be taken in a small quantity.
Mediterranean cuisines are known for their wonderful taste and time saving cooking practices. The recipes widely make use of olive oil in cooking, garnishing and salad dressing. It is a low saturated fat that acts as an antioxidant too. Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are added flavors used in a very low amount. For instance, cheese is used only for flavor and not excessively as a cooking base. Butter and margarine are almost absent in the diet. Similarly, fish, poultry and meat are often grilled or roasted and never fried.
The recipes do not make use of any processed food. For instance they would prefer fresh spinach to processed and salted canned food. Mediterranean diet recipes are unique for their flavor and taste. Most of the flavors in various food preparations come with the use of onion, garlic, spices such as cinnamon, clove, pepper, oregano, Italian parsley and certain natural herbs like basils — all cooked in olive oil. There is also wide use of citrus juices such as lemon and orange used in cooking. In fact, wine is used in recipes whether it be a main dish, salad or dessert. The recipes vary from state to state, and are fresh vegetables and other plant food produced locally. However, most of the flavor favors remain the same like the olive oil.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Mediterranean Diet
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The Mediterranean diet concept is that of a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fruit, cereals, legumes and nuts that are low in saturated fats. It also includes low consumption of dairy products, seafood, poultry, red meat and small to moderate quantities of wine. The Mediterranean...
-
Traditional Mediterranean Diet
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The traditional Mediterranean diet is a rich combination of vegetables, fruit, cereals, legumes, beans and nuts cooked, dressed or garnished with olive oil. The diet also constitutes moderate consumption of milk and milk products such as cheese and yogurt. The people of the Mediterranean region...
-
Mediterranean Diet Benefits
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mediterranean diet is best recognized as a guide to good health. The diet does not introduce a new diet program that makes one to cut on various food products. Instead, it encourages “wise” choices of food that hold the key to a balanced diet. The...
-
Mediterranean Diet Cook Book
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The Mediterranean diet has been identified as one of the best health diets for a longer life expectancy. Researchers have identified the menu of vegetables, fruit, nuts, legumes, beans, olive oil preparations and seafood and low consumption of poultry, eggs and red meat as the...
-
Mediterranean Diet Foods
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The remarkable health of the people from the Mediterranean region has always been a wonder to researchers. The people in the Mediterranean region are known to have a very active life style. Of course physical activities is essential for good health, but good health is...
-
Modified Mediterranean Diet
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The Mediterranean diet has been identified as the secret of greater life expectancy among the people of the Mediterranean region. Mediterranean cuisines are a combination of vegetables, nuts, fruit, legumes and beans cooked in olive oil, with a moderate intake of dairy products and red...
-
Mediterranean Diet Planners
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The Mediterranean diet is not a definite diet program but the inclusion of the eating habits that are traditionally followed by people of the Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean diet is a type of diet plan that has its name derived from the countries that border...
-
Mediterranean Diet Support Groups
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
According to research, people who strictly follow a Mediterranean diet, live a long and healthy life. The traditional Mediterranean diet lays a lot of emphasis on the intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, cereals, and olive oil. The diet consists of low saturated fats and...
-
Mediterranean Diet Forums
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are a number of diet options available to health and weight conscious people around the world today. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases the term ‘diet’ refers to what people eat or drink on a daily basis. There...
-
Mediterranean Diet Plan
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Healthy living is a treasured wealth that does not come on its own. It has to be planned. Food plays a vital role in providing essential nutrients for growth and development of the body. While some foods are considered healthy and are required in large...