In the bright Mediterranean regions, meals are less about the food and more about spending quality time with loved ones. Sure, the food is delicious, but it’s the laughter and conversations that matter most.
This is the secret behind the Mediterranean diet’s success, according to experts. Combine regular walks with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fewer red meats and sugary treats, and you have a lifestyle that’s been named the best diet for six consecutive years.
Still skeptical? Studies have found that this way of eating helps prevent various health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, strokes, and even depression.
So, why not say goodbye to traditional dieting in the new year and instead enjoy food as a part of living healthily? CNN offers a newsletter, “Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style,” focusing on this enjoyable and wholesome approach to food.
To start your journey to healthier eating, here are five tips from the newsletter:
Embrace Whole Grains
Start your Mediterranean diet journey by changing your grains. Choose whole wheat bread and pasta and switch white rice for brown or wild rice.
Explore “ancient grains” such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, farro, spelt, Kamut (allegedly discovered in an Egyptian tomb), and teff (a small grain from Ethiopia). They all offer unique tastes and textures, so try a new one each month to find your favorites.
