Is the Modified Mediterranean Diet the Anti Aging Diet?

Erica Knapke was fed up of fad diets. The marketing manager had tried everything from low carb plans, low fat diets to cabbage soup morning, noon and night. But nothing was working for her. She was not achieving her target weight which was frustrating her to no end.

Then she came across the modified Mediterranean diet. Suggested to her by a friend of a friend. You know how that goes?

The benefits sounded good to her.

The recipes she found in a cookbook did too.

It lacked controversy.

So she decided to check it out with her fitness trainer and quasi nutrition expert Morgan Buskirk.

“Are you aware of this modified Mediterranean diet, Morgan,” questioned Erica.

Morgan smiled and said, “Giving up on your fad diets are we? Are they so bad? Don’t worry unlike other crash diets Mediterranean diet is something healthy which you can easily work into your life style too. There are quick, easy and tastier recipes to be had too.”

The Mediterranean diet is a balanced approach containing vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans cooked in olive oil. The people in the Mediterranean region consume foods like these plus dairy products as well as red wine in moderation.

The emphasis here is on more plant protein than animal protein.

It was discovered that because of what they ate people in the region lived longer with fewer diseases. There was also a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.

Seeing these benefits, the so called modified Mediterranean diet came into being for the masses.

“Will this diet be suitable for me? Can I reduce my weight with this diet,” asked an anxious Erica.

Morgan replied, “This diet is primarily an anti-aging diet and is thought to increase your life-expectancy. As it is balanced there will be weight loss also. But they may not be quick or fast as promised by unhealthy crash diets. But the benefits are many.”

• The food is high in fiber and antioxidants. It is nutritious with plenty of minerals and proteins.
• It is a low sugar diet and high in healthy fatty acids like Omega3.
• Olive oil is the primary source of fat and unhealthy fats present in dairy products, meat are minimized. So the risk of heart, liver diseases, even gall stones is reduced.
• As you replace junk foods with healthy food weight loss will happen gradually over time.

The food pyramid of the modified Mediterranean diet has water, low glycermic vegetables and complex carbs like whole grains, barley, oats, fruits, olive oil, nuts and green leafy vegetables at the bottom. This means they have to be consumed daily. Cold water fish and poultry are in next level up. They can be consumed twice in a week. Meat and sweets are at highest rung of the pyramid which means you want to consume less of these.

“How do I incorporate this in my menu or meal planning?” asked Erica.

“You’ll want to make some healthy changes in your food choices,” Morgan suggested. “Planning ahead let’s you easily make the food delicious as well as healthy.”

To that end here are some tips.

• Be sure you eat healthy servings of fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes.
• Cook them or dress them in olive oil.
• Eat fish as plenty as fish contains omega3 fatty acids.
• Try Feta or grated sheep’s milk cheese.
• If you are one who drinks then only drink red wine.
• Lower your intake of milk, butter and cheese. Butter and margarine are loaded with saturated fat.
• Poultry, meat and sweets can be enjoyed occasionally.
• Drink plenty of water.

If you follow these tips you will definitely see gradual weight loss.

Compared to what most typically eat perhaps you can see why.

Too many ladle on the fat on their burgers and sandwiches by adding butter and cheese.

They drink and smoke heavily and eat tons of frozen and junk foods.

They use cooking oils and eat meat in excess.

These are some of the prime reasons behind their obesity and lack of health.

“Instead try the Mediterranean diet on for size,” Morgan advised. “I’ll bet you will be happy with the results. Not only will you lose weight but you will feel energetic what with all the fresh foods you’re eating. The high fiber content will leave you feeling full and satisfied. So you eat less and still feel better.”

“You have given me a lot of ideas Morgan. Thanks for the free advice. It seems there are no disallowed or bad foods. For that I am thankful. Seems everything in moderation is the key principle of this diet. And I love the sounds of that. I no longer have to starve myself or suffer through food cravings with this wonderful diet,” said an excited Erica.