A toast to the Mediterranean Diet

The last two days I've been up in Boston for the 15th 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.

 

 

 

About Jennifer

I am a registered dietitian with the National Fisheries Institute, so fish is my nutrition forte. I earned my BA in Communication from Southwestern University, just outside of Austin, TX. During college, one of my very favorite evening outings was a leisurely trip to the grocery market. My passion for food was undeniable, so I combined both of my interests by earning my MS in Nutrition Communication from Tufts University in Boston, MA. As well as my Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the University of Delaware.

Beyond reading scientific studies about docosahexaenoic acid and selenium, I love to entertain, travel, watch reality TV, grill outdoors, and go to spin class. I live in Kailua, HI on the island of Oahu where my husband serves as a US Marine Corps JAG.

People in Hawaii eat more fish and shellfish than average, but over 80 percent of typical Americans don't eat seafood at least twice per week. Doctors and dietitians like me say that's the goal, so BlogAboutSeafood is here to show you just what plenty of seafood looks like in an RD's real-life diet.

Photo by Marco Garcia

  • A Seafood Lover's Guide