Can the Mediterranean Diet change your life?

What is considered the Mediterranean?

The Mediterranean identifies countries that have a coastline or cultural similarity.

Today 21 countries, with surface areas from 2 km2 to 2.4 million km2, have coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea. (source medqsr.org)

They are Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

I've visited Croatia, France, Italy, Malta in the past, and Spain and, Portugal are on my 1-3 year travel bucket list.

However, since I was born in Romania, even though we are not considered a Mediterranean country, we have a lot of influences from such diet. So I will share along the way what I'm cooking at Lacrima's Kitchen that fits this diet.

Today, I want to concentrate on explaining why, out of all diets that exist out there, the Mediterranean Diet is my absolute favorite!

First and foremost, this diet focuses on whole foods, and there is little room for highly processed food, reducing the amount of added sugars, saturated fats and sodium. The Mediterranean diet consists mainly of fibrous fruits and vegetables, legumes, healthy fats, and whole grains. When shopping for pasta, bread, and rice, always consider switching and integrating the whole grain versions for better health benefits.

The Mediterranean diet also uses small amounts of red meat but integrates lean meats, such as chicken and plenty of fish.

What other nutrient-dense and unprocessed foods are typical in the Mediterranean Diet?

Reducing processed foods, added sugars, and red meats are highly beneficial to people.

This diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes by leveling out blood sugar levels.

The increased fiber from all the fruits and veggies, aid also to feeling fuller, longer, and quicker and cuts cravings for sugary and salty foods.

I love the Mediterranean diet because by eating whole foods, healthy proteins, and carbs, you'll consume plenty of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to boost your overall energy levels! And who here doesn't want more energy - naturally!!!

If you want inspiration on what to cook at home that is part of the Mediterranean diet, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Insta.