A toast to the Mediterranean Diet

The last two days I've been up in Boston for the 15^th Anniversary Mediterranean Diet Conference.  A variety of presenters mentioned that people have heard of the Mediterranean style of eating, and can maybe identify olive oil as a key component, but generally have a hard time with the rest of the definition.  So I'll start by sharing the Traditional Healthy Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.  As you can see, all the foods are familiar, but are simply eaten in a different proportion than the typical American diet.  More whole grains, greens, beans, fruits and fish, with less meat and processed foods.  And contrary to the low-fat craze of the 90's, healthful fats like those in nuts, olives, and oily fish are heartily encouraged.  It's a satiating and delicious way to eat.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another component of the Mediterranean lifestyle is drinking one to two cocktails or glasses of wine or beer every day.  Recommending alcohol is controversial, because of the concern with overdoing it - the health benefits turn in to risks pretty quickly after you surpass the couple drinks a day mark.  But when enjoyed in moderation, spirits, beer, and wine are all linked to lower risk of heart disease, type II diabetes, and mental illness.  The vital detail is that drinking must be reserved and regular.  And there is still no safe level of alcohol recommended for pregnant women.  For more information about the pros and cons, visit the Harvard School of Public Health page on alcohol.

For more information about how to cook yummy Mediterranean meals at home, perhaps while sipping a glass of wine, visit the recipes section of the Oldways website.