Learn about a Mediterranean Lifestyle by following along with Jamie’s journey. Great info on healthier living!
Curious about the health benefits and how to’s of the Mediterranean Lifestyle? Interested in incorporating a Mediterranean Diet into your day-to-day life? Then you have come to the right place!
Today we’re going to highlight the major health benefits and key principles of the Mediterranean Lifestyle to help you incorporate this lifestyle into your day-to-day. But first, a brief intro on the when, how, and why I started to adapt a Mediterranean Lifestyle –
Growing up in the Midwest
Growing up in the Midwest, casseroles, steak and potatoes, and pretzel Jell-o were staples in my family’s kitchen. It wasn’t until I studied abroad in Italy during my junior year of college that you would find a piece of fish on my plate. But let me tell you, I will never forget the day I ordered the “fresh catch of the day” in a rustic small town off the Amalfi Coast – from that day on I started to incorporate fish onto my plate multiple times a week!
After my six week cultural immersion in Italy, I adapted more than adding fish onto my plate – buying fresh fruits and vegetables from the local farmer’s market, gathering around the kitchen table with family and friends, running more often, and having a glass of red wine with meals have become routine for me. Shortly after I began making these changes, I started to take notice in the way I felt – more energized, increased clarity during school, and reduced stressed! What’s more is that as I started to adapt these lifestyle changes I never thought to myself that I was following a “diet” – there was never a time that I had to say “no” to a particular food or avoid a social function, rather, it’s encouraged to try new foods and to eat with friends and family around the table!
It’s more than just a diet – it’s a LIFESTYLE! A way of living and incorporating whole food groups, limiting sugar and processed foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and enjoying meals with friends and family.
Key Principles of The Mediterranean Diet
Where did the Mediterranean Diet originate?
Dating back to the 1950s when scientist Ancel Keys brought researchers together from all over the world to study the relationship of heart disease with eating patterns and lifestyle habits, the “Mediterranean Diet” came to be. Hence the name, the “Mediterranean” Diet is based on traditional foods prepared and consumed in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Greece, Spain and France.
What are the major health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet?
It’s about time the Mediterranean Diet ranked #1 in the 2019 US News and World Report for best diet overall. With research piling up since the 50’s, the Mediterranean Diet is becoming world renowned for its major health benefits including:
What’s more is that it also made the top spot for easiest diets to follow in the US News and World Report in 2019! As mentioned previously, rather than focusing on food restrictions or consumption of a few specific foods, the Mediterranean Diet emphasizes an eating pattern rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. The ability to eat a variety of foods in moderation, rather than counting calories or macros, restricting specific foods or the time of day you can eat, allows for greater flexibility and acceptability in incorporating this lifestyle into your day to day life – leading to lifelong good health!
Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
Aim to make your plate half full with fruits and vegetables
Incorporate more heart healthy fats into your day
Choose lean proteins
Rethink your drink
Get Moving!
Spice up your life with fresh herbs and spices
Gather around the table with family and friends
Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m a Mom of 3 little people, a Mediterranean Diet enthusiast, and a business expert. Any day of the week, you will find me in the kitchen cooking up festive new recipes using Mediterranean Diet principles. I love breakfast for dinner, long days at the beach, the perfect glass of wine, and spontaneous adventures. Originally from Atlanta, I now fondly call Virginia my home.