The Mediterranean diet has been around for centuries and is famous for its healthy fruits, vegetables, and fish; its olive oil; and its nuts. People on this diet tend to live longer and are less likely to develop lifestyle diseases like heart disease and diabetes. As a result, the Mediterranean diet has become quite popular in recent years. In fact, the word “Mediterranean” even appears more on people’s tongues than the word “diet.”
While there is some evidence that the Mediterranean diet can help prevent and alleviate many diseases and conditions, studies also show that it can have negative effects on your waistline. Because of this, we should not overinterpret the data and think that every meal must consist of olive oil and pasta. There are other options that you could include in your diet if you’re wanting to lose a few pounds, and we will discuss a few of them.
Reduce Sugar Intake
One way to keep the Mediterranean diet healthy is to reduce your sugar intake. This could be difficult if you’re not used to consuming too much of it, but it’s worth it. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts will definitely help you lose a few pounds. If you think that you’re already getting the majority of your daily calories from sugar, then try cutting back a little more. This way, you’ll be sure to lose weight without having negative effects on your overall health.
Include More Nuts
Nuts are high in fiber and fat and can therefore help you stay full for longer. They also contain magnesium, which is important for maintaining a healthy heart. Some people on the Mediterranean diet include up to two tablespoons of nuts every day, while others eat them at least once a week. If you think that you struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, then including nuts in your diet could be a great way to go. Try including a few different types of nuts each time you make a salad or other dish. This way, you’ll get a little variation in your diet and won’t end up eating the same thing every day. Nuts are an excellent addition to any diet, but especially to the Mediterranean diet. If you try this out, you’ll find that you naturally eat less because it tastes so good!
Cut Back On The Booze And Wine
When you drink alcohol, you produce more of the hormone aldehyde. This hormone causes you to accumulate fat around your belly. If you want to keep the Mediterranean diet healthy, then you should avoid alcohol completely, or at the very least cut back on how much of it you drink. If you think that wine is something that you always have at home, then you could try switching to beer or water for a few days and notice how much healthier you feel. Studies have shown that when you switch to low-carb eating, you get a boost in energy without the need for extra drinks. If you’re looking for ways to increase your energy levels, then cutting back on the booze is one way to go.
Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are both excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they contain no calories. This type of diet allows you to eat what you want while still staying healthy. If you want to lose weight, then you should be aiming for at least seven to ten servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Having a diet rich in vegetables will also help reduce the risk of certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes. There are many varieties of fruits and vegetables available and you should aim to try eating as many different ones as possible. This will help you get the nutrients you need while giving your digestive system a decent workout.
Many people think that the Mediterranean diet is simply a diet that helps you stay healthy. While it contains many beneficial compounds, the diet also has some drawbacks. If you’re looking for a diet that’ll make you healthier, then the Mediterranean diet isn’t for you. But if you’re looking to lose some weight and avoid diseases, then it’s an excellent option. By following the guidelines discussed above, you’ll be sure to shed those extra pounds and enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean diet once again.