Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet aims to increase life expectancy by protecting against cardiovascular disease and cancer risks. It is directly inspired by the traditional eating habits of the populations of the Mediterranean region. It promotes the consumption of plants, quality fats, and whole grains. On the contrary, red meat, sugar, and industrial products have a limited place in it.

Characteristics of the Mediterranean diet:

Protects against cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers
From a predominantly plant-based diet
Rich in quality, unsaturated fats
Exceptional fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins intake
Weight loss is not a priority

The main principles of the regime

It was a scientific study by Ancel Keys in the 1950s that highlighted the higher life expectancy of the people of Crete and Corfu despite a rudimentary health system. In the 1990s, Dr. Serge Renaud’s “French paradox” also highlighted the link between the Mediterranean diet and low recurrence rates of cardiovascular diseases.

How does the Mediterranean diet work?

The purpose of the Mediterranean diet is not to lose weight but to preserve arterial health to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of contracting cancer. The frequency of consumption of fatty, sweet and processed foods is low, but this often leads to weight loss.

How does the Mediterranean diet lead to weight loss?

With an unusual content of monounsaturated fatty acids (from olive oil) and a low amount of saturated fatty acids (fatty meat), the Mediterranean diet helps lower cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis. Besides, fruits and vegetables and red wine containing tannins are considered to provide an excellent source of antioxidants that help protect against age-related diseases. However, these effects are seen in people with regular physical activity, so it is essential to combine this diet with an active lifestyle to discover the benefits.

The primary purpose of this diet is not weight loss. However, by adopting a healthy diet free of sweet, industrial or unhealthy fat products, it is natural to experience weight loss in the first few weeks. Especially if the food was previously anarchic and unbalanced.

How long does the Mediterranean diet last?

The Mediterranean diet is not time-limited. Health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular disease, are observed in the long term. Rather, it is a way of life that must be used daily to make better food choices.

Foods allowed in the Cretan diet and frequency of consumption

Here are the different food categories and their frequency of consumption in the Mediterranean diet:

An abundance of whole-grain products
An abundance of fruits and vegetables
An abundance of garlic, onion, spices, and herbs
Use of olive and rapeseed oil as a fat
Daily consumption of legumes, nuts, and seeds
Daily consumption of yogurt and sheep’s cheese (but not milk)
Daily consumption, but moderate, of red wine (12 cal/day)
High consumption of fish (several times a week)
Limited consumption of chicken and eggs (a few times a week)
Limited consumption of sweet foods (a few times a week)
Very limited consumption of red meat (a few times a month)
Reasonable daily caloric intake (1800 to 2500 calories per day depending on physical activity)

Mediterranean diet: recipes and standard menu

Breakfast

Wholemeal bread and olive

Oily sheep’s milk yogurt with honey

and almonds Orange

Lunch

Tomatoes in olive oil, garlic and

basic wild

rice with slight vegetables,

Coriander chickpeas

fruit salad with cinnamon

Lunch

Grilled peppers in olive

oil Sardines wholemeal bread

a glass of red wine

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive points of the Mediterranean diet

Excellent supply of quality fatty acids
Rich in micronutrients, antioxidants, and dietary fiber
Protection against cellular aging and cardiovascular diseases
No frustration or monotony
Easy to follow
Compatible with an active social life
Satiety provided by vegetable fibers and proteins

The negative points of the Mediterranean diet

Decreased food quality (heavy metals in fish, pesticides, etc.)
This requires an effort of cultural adaptation
This can be problematic for massive red meat eaters to follow
Requires a little cooking

Recommendations and precautions to be taken

Are there any risks?

As long as the Mediterranean diet is adapted to the body’s needs, then there is no risk in following it. On the contrary, it is a varied and balanced diet, rich in micro and macronutrients of high quality.

Is this a diet for you?

Yes, if you want to take care of your cardiovascular system and age in good health. It is all the more appropriate if you suffer from lipid disorders (hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, etc.), a metabolic syndrome, or a history of cardiovascular pathologies. If you are overweight, the Mediterranean diet can also be an excellent way to achieve a healthy weight. If you are already in good health, the Cretan diet will allow you to maintain this optimal state of health for as long as possible.

Is it a diet compatible with sport?

Indeed, physical activity is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet. By studying the populations around the Mediterranean, A. Keys realized that gentle, outdoor physical activity was an integral part of everyday life. To optimize the effects of the Mediterranean diet, it is therefore recommended to practice 30 minutes of activity per day: walking, hiking, cycling, running, swimming, dancing, etc.

How can I not gain weight?

The Mediterranean diet is not low-calorie or restrictive, so there is no reason to regain the weight. Moreover, it is a way of life that is supposed to be adopted in the long term. As long as good habits are maintained, there is no justification for weight gain.