Recently, I have been thinking that I need to clean up my diet… not much, just a little tweaking here and there. Just enough tweaking to clean up a few skin issues (hello, mid-life!) and drop a few pounds that have stuck around since baby #2 (who is now 5). And, I have been thinking that perhaps following a real Mediterranean eating pattern might be where it’s at.
When I realized that May–also known as International Mediterranean Month to us RDs–was right around the corner, I told my husband we’re going Mediterranean all the way in May. And, why not? All I have to do is just hear the word “Mediterranean” and visions of Kalamata olives, hummus and feta pop into my head.
Created by Oldways Mediterranean Foods Alliance in 2009, this initiative is intended to create awareness of the many health benefits and delicious foods that are associated with this eating pattern. And, those health benefits are many… from reducing your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes to helping you live longer and better during those extra life years. In fact, the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends following a Healthy Mediterranean-Style Pattern for its myriad of health benefits.
The Real Mediterranean Diet
So much more than hummus and olives (like where my brain goes), the Mediterranean eating pattern is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seafood, olive oil, with dairy foods like cheese and yogurt (and wine!) in moderation. Sweets and meats are eaten occasionally. And while I eat a mostly plant-based diet with 2-3 seafood meals each week, I could definitely eat more fruit, less dairy (I eat a LOT of dairy!) and a lot fewer sweets (including my daily doses (yes, usually doses plural) of dark chocolate). So, I’m going to commit to eating Mediterranean-style as much as possible over the next 30 days.
Anyone want to join the #MedDietMonth Challenge with me? I’ll be sharing my meal plans and Mediterranean-inspired recipes this month, so you can make your May more Mediterranean, too!
Love this Rima! Inspired. <3