How to Follow a Mediterranean Diet

The basic principles that shape The Mediterranean Diet: fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, legumes, grains and olive oil.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• lots of fruits and vegetables
• legumes and nuts
• olive oil (high quality)
• whole-grain foods
• fish and seafood
• cheese and yogurt (lowfat preferred)

1. Cook your meals at home rather than dining out. Use whole, unprocessed ingredients that enable you to control the calories, saturated fat, salt and sugar intake

2. Stock kitchen with Mediterranean Diet staples: olives, whole-wheat pasta, tomatoes (canned are fine, just watch for added sugar), and frozen or fresh fruits and vegetables

3. Substitute beans, nuts or fish for red meat.

4. Use extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter or shortening. It is heart-healthy and high in omega-3s.