If you consider for a second just what's included in the Mediterranean Pyramid Diet you'll find that what you are eating is actually very beneficial to your health. The vitamin rich foods, the minerals, antioxidants, fiber and essential fatty acids are all a part of the list of foods and help you to reduce cholesterol and keep a well balanced diet.
Most people are aware that not all fats are bad fats. We actually NEED fat in our diet, and the great thing about the Mediterranean Pyramid Diet is that olive oil is one of the main staples. You can use it in your cooking and baking as well as incorporate it into your dressings and other drizzling desires! Just think about dipping your breads into EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and balsamic vinegar. We all LOVE getting this at restaurants, no?
So the model that is created by the Mediterranean Pyramid Diet is pretty remarkable seeing as it does not omit the foods we all love to eat, but rather teaches us about choosing healthy foods and most importantly frequency of consumption.
At the bottom of the pyramid you find the grains, veggies and fruits.
Next you get your legumes. nuts and beans.
Then comes your cheeses, yogurts and other dairy products. This is where moderation plays a role. Instead of eating these things every day, the Mediterranean Pyramid Diet has you limiting them to a few times per week instead. Not too hard to do considering some other diets completely ban these 100% of the time!
Fish is next with its healthy proteins and essential heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The "GOOD FATS"!
You find that eggs and poultry follow, and eggs are especially good (minus the cholesterol) for those who do not eat meat.
Guess what? You actually do get to eat sugars. Just that this is where the few time per MONTH factor comes in. Sorry but it's the truth. Especially if you are wanting to lose weight and shed the fat.
Red meat is last. Why you ask? Red meats are OK in moderation but they are not the only way to get iron and protein. They are rich in fats and not always easy to digest.
Now, to top it off you actually get to include red wine into your Mediterranean Pyramid Diet. Yippee!
Last but not least, and this is actually found at the bottom of the pyramid, i.e. the biggest thing you can have, and that's daily physical activity. If you want the healthy, lean body then you've got to get off the couch and move! It's a simple scientific formula people: healthy diet + exercise = weight loss and healthy body!
Thanks for reading.
For more tips on following a Mediterranean Pyramid Diet visit my health site today.
Sara Reynolds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4706705
