
The people living around the Mediterranean Sea are known for living long and healthy lives. Part of the secret to their success is their diet. Experts have lauded the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, linking it to weight loss, heart attack prevention, lowered risks of type 2 diabetes, and more. But how do you get started switching to a Mediterranean diet? Read on to learn more.
What do you eat?
A Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sugars and highly processed foods. Yet, you don’t have to cut things out completely. Part of the appeal to the Mediterranean diet is that you can still enjoy the occasional steak or chocolate cake, you just limit how often you eat them.
A typical week on the Mediterranean diet will consist of the following:
- Eat daily: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, seafood, potatoes, seeds, nuts, and olive oil
- Eat in moderation (a few times a week): eggs, dairy products, poultry
- Eat rarely (once per week): red meat, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, highly processed food, sugar-sweetened beverages
What can you drink?
Water is the primary choice of beverage for those following the Mediterranean diet. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda are usually discouraged, though drinking one every now and then won’t hurt you. And if you’re a fan of wine, then you’re in luck. Wine, specifically red wine, can be enjoyed each night with your dinner so long as you stick to one glass per day.
Additionally, coffee and tea are also perfectly acceptable (assuming you don’t put in too much sugar or cream). So, if you’re someone who needs a boost of caffeine in the morning, the Mediterranean diet is for you.
How to get started
If you’re planning on switching to the Mediterranean diet, start slow. Begin by looking through online recipes or buying cookbooks to get an idea of what you should be making. Then, slowly begin adding Mediterranean staples to your pantry.
A large part of the Mediterranean diet is, of course, seafood. Whether you’re looking for lobster, salmon, shrimp, or more, Cape Porpoise Lobster is here for you. Look through our website to find the perfect Maine seafood today.