Holistic Health Secrets

I’ve chosen to explore Mediterranean food because although it is promoted as one of the healthiest diets in the world, culturally it’s based on the principle of  enjoyment and the pleasure of sharing food with others.

The Mediterranean diet is mostly seen as having its origins in Greek, Southern Italian or French cuisine.  However the recipes of other Mediterranean countries are represented including African countries like Morocco and Tunisia.

The Food Pyramid concept was developed in the USA but has now been adapted by many countries.  (Here in the UK, the equivalent of a Food Pyramid is the Eatwell Plate.)

Food Pyramids place food in the hierarchy of how large a portion of a particular food you can eat and how often you can it.

Foods at the bottom of the pyramid can be eaten daily and in large portions.

Foods in the middle and the top of the pyramid are recommended to be eaten in smaller portions and less often.

Food Pyramids are often used to create a healthy eating plan.

I’ve been looking at different versions of the Mediterranean Food Pyramid.

Foods that can be eaten every day include:

* Rice, couscous, pasta and bread (assuming you don’t have a wheat intolerance)

* Fresh fruit (especially for dessert) and vegetables

* Beans and nuts (assuming you don’t have a nut allergy like me)

* the equivalent of six glasses of water

* Cheese and yogurt in small portions

* Poultry in small portions

* a glass of red wine

Olive oil is used as the base of most dishes as well as for dressing salads and baking.  Olive oil is also full of antioxidants.

Olives are also used for flavouring dishes.

The next section of the pyramid deals with foods that can be consumed on a weekly basis:

* fish (three times a week)

* eggs (up to four eggs a week)

* sweets (once a week)

At the top of the pyramid for foods which are recommended to be eaten a few times a month or less:

* Red meat

Because there is no restriction on the amount of calories you can eat under this system, simple daily exercise is regarded as essential for getting the most benefit out of following a Mediterranean food plan.

Related Posts

1. 14 Day Mediterranean Food Diet
2. Mediterranean Food Experiment
3. Does healthy food mean boring food?

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