Want to look good, feel good, and be your best self? Or maybe you want to relax while still staying in shape. The Mediterranean diet and lifestyle can help you to do just that.
By: Ashley Tiara Lilly
Your Secret to a Mediterranean Diet and a Healthy Lifestyle
The Mediterranean lifestyle is considered one of the healthiest in the world. People who live in this part of the world look good, feel good, and live long lives. But if you don’t live in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, or Spain, can you still benefit from this lifestyle? You totally can, and here’s 8 ways how:
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
People in the Mediterranean love to fill their plate with fresh fruits and veggies. From pomegranates to apricots to potatoes to bell peppers, about half their diet is right from the garden. (Well, technically it’s from the market. Though some of them do tend to their own gardens).
Whole Grains, Nuts, and Seeds
While some people like to cut carbs out of their diet entirely, the Mediterraneans certainly don’t. Instead, they eat whole grains, which are super healthy. They also eat nuts, seeds and dark chocolate as snacks.
Fish and Poultry
Fish and poultry are the main sources of protein in a Mediterranean diet, especially around dinner time. Can you still eat a juicy steak or a slice of honey roasted ham? Sure, just do so sparingly, around once or twice a month. Yogurt is also included, as well as cheese and eggs.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is hailed as one of the most important ingredients in this diet. Since it’s a healthy fat, it’s used for cooking instead of butter. It’s also great to dip bread in.
Move Naturally
Mediterranean people incorporate movement into their daily lives in a relaxed, natural way. They might go for walks, spend time in nature, or tend to a garden, growing their own tomatoes and herbs. They allow movement to flow with their routine. For you that might mean doing yoga, dancing, or taking a walk in your favorite park. It should be something you enjoy to help you de-stress.
Make time for an afternoon siesta
It’s common for children to be given a nap time. Should this really stop when we are adults? According to the Mediterraneans, it totally shouldn’t. Afternoon naps are common, especially during hot days. They also tend to get enough sleep at night, at least seven or eight hours.
Invite your friends over for a glass of red wine
A glass of red wine is good for your health, and sharing it with friends is even better! Take some time to share a drink with your loved ones. In fact, it’s common for people in the Mediterranean to share meals with their loved ones every chance they get. They don’t usually eat alone, and they take their time to eat and enjoy the moment.
Take a Trip to Cyprus
Or to Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, or any other Mediterranean country. What better way to be immersed in the lifestyle than to visit one of these countries yourself?
A healthy diet, natural movement, lots of time spent with loved ones, and time in nature are all things that make the Mediterranean lifestyle work. Even if you live in another part of the world, you can incorporate these things into your routine to have a richer, fuller, more beautiful life.
-ATL
4 comments
I find this article to be very informative, a lifestyle that does not seem difficult to incorporate at all and will benefit everyone!
I’m all for bringing back the afternoon siesta.
Great information. I’ve been thinking about starting the Mediterranean diet, now that I know that it is not as complex as I thought, I think I will!
As a Registered Dietitian I recommend a Mediterranean Diet to my clients. Its healthy fats, low sugar high intake of fruits and vegetables diet will make us age beautifully and prevent chronic disease.. Great article!