A Mediterranean diet has been praised by scientists over the years. The diet plan has been praised by dieters and scientists alike in past years. It can have great health benefits for you and can help drop the pounds.
The diet takes after diets adopted by those living on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea, such as those living in countries like France, Greece, Italy and Spain.
Those on the diet eat lots of healthy fish, fresh vegetables and fats from olive oil.
It involves swapping out butter for olive oil or canola oil, and flavouring food with herbs and spices instead of salt.
It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.
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Eating a Mediterranean diet with plenty of fish, fruit, vegetables and nuts lowers a person’s risk of depression and increase life expectancy.
Whole grains are also an important part of the Mediterranean diet and Healthline says that studies have shown that eating three more servings of whole grains a day is associated with lower risk of heart disease.
Whole grains include foods like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye and quinoa.
Certain drinks like red wine can also be included in moderation but should be limited to no more than one or two servings per day.
High in sugar beverages like fruit juice is usually avoided but coffee and tea is allowed.
Unlike other popular diets, the Mediterranean diet focuses on including certain foods and food groups rather than counting calories or tracking macronutrients.
In addition to making changes to your diet, engaging in regular exercise is another crucial part of weight loss.
According to the NHS, it is healthy to lose about one to two pounds a week, and in order to do that you need to burn 500 to 1,000 more calories than you consume each day.
Each body has a different calorie requirement and therefore it is best to follow a diet that it’s suitable to an individual.
One woman claimed to have lost almost seven stone by following a Mediterranean diet.
Writing for Greatest, Brandy Bell said that eating olive oil and spending longer at the dinner table were some ways she managed to drop the weight.
Now scientists have found that eating on this plan helps to stop overeating which is a huge reason why a lot of people can’t lose weight.
Healthy snacks whilst following the diet can include nuts, fruits, carrots and greek yogurt.