Starting The Mediterranean Diet

a) Can people still enjoy weight loss and effective weight management even if Mediterranean diet is high in fat?

It is true that Mediterranean diet is high in fats. However, these are healthy fats consisting of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The American diet is rich in saturated fat which is unhealthy. Generally, the fat content of a diet does not determine weight loss. It is the calorie intake of people that is decisive. Mediterranean diet provides plenty of healthy benefits but if you will not reduce your caloric intake, then you will never lose weight.

b) What makes the Mediterranean diet different from the common American diet?

Americans consume high numbers of red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy, while the Mediterranean includes very little. The diet also differs from the typical American diet through its dependence on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, olive oil, beans, breads, cereals, and potatoes.

c) Why people in the Mediterranean have lower heart disease?

Research has indicated that the foods in the Mediterranean diet play an important role in lowering heart disease. Research also indicates that the Mediterranean diet requires a more holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle than most other diets.

d) Does regular exercise has a place in the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle?

Exercise is always essential no matter what type of diet you follow. The best thing about the Mediterranean diet is that it encourages daily regular exercises as part of the holistic approach to achieve a healthy lifestyle. When this type of diet was introduced in the sixties, exercise and physical activities were already part of the culture of the Mediterranean people. For your minimum exercise needs, you have to take a daily one-hour walk and weekly full body exercise.

e) Is there a difference between a Low Carb Diet and Mediterranean Diet?

Mediterranean diet is substantially different from Low Carb diet. For one thing, the Mediterranean program has lower protein component. You will only get 15 percent calories from the protein of Mediterranean diet.

f) Wine has always been part of the Mediterranean diet. What is the recommended daily amount for wine?

The rule of thumb is to consume wine in moderate amounts. Men should get 5 percent of their daily calorie intake from wine. For women, the calorie consumption from wine should be 2.5 percent.

g) A word of advice for dieters

The Mediterranean lifestyle is most effective when including a range of root vegetables, foods high in omega-3 acids, and vegetable oils such as flaxseed or canola. Along with fruits, breads, and cereals, these foods may lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.

About the Author - Eva Alexander writes for mediterranean diet weight loss , her personal hobby blog focused on tips to eat healthy on the Mediterranean way.