The Mediterranean Diet: A Way of Life

Week of November 5, 2022

Learn how residents in the Mediterranean region enhance well-being and increase longevity with prudent eating and wise living.

The Mediterranean diet is basically a lifestyle.  The recommendations do not eliminate many natural foods but instead offer suggestions for the best items to eat in various categories.  In general, the foundation of the diet is plant-based, natural and unprocessed foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. Olive oil is the main source of added fat. Fish, seafood, dairy, and poultry are included in moderation.  Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.  The Mediterranean diet principles can also be easily be adapted for vegetarians thanks to the wide variety of recommended natural, nutrient-rich foods.

The Mediterranean lifestyle is also part of the plan, including daily physical activity, as well as placing a priority on taking time to gather around the table to savor and share healthy meals.

Perhaps this diet and way of life is why people who live around the Mediterranean are noted as being some of the healthiest people in the world.

 

Paulette Mitchell is an internationally-known author of 14 cookbooks, and travel and culinary videos that have received Gourmand World Media Awards and Telly Awards.  She is a freelance food and travel writer, culinary speaker, and photographer, with images from around-the-world travel to 128 countries.  Paulette has been a lecturer and guest chef on cruise ships around the world for 25 years and has also been a speaker at the Ranch for the same period of time.