Enjoy These Lighter, Healthier THRIVE! Recipes!
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By Libby Showalter, MS, RD, LD
U.S. News and World Report has recently released its annual diet rankings. For the third year in a row, the “Mediterranean Diet” remains as the number one diet overall. This type of eating plan is favored because it can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia, and it can also prevent and control diabetes.
- Most people do not consider it a diet, but rather an eating plan that you can naturally follow for your entire lifetime.- - Because it is healthy, tasty and non-restrictive like many other eating plans, it is easy for the entire family to enjoy together.
- It is referred to as the Mediterranean Diet because it is the diet typical of those who border the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Spain and Greece. People who follow the Mediterranean eating plan tend to live longer and healthier lives than most Americans.
By Libby Showalter, MS, RD, LD
U.S. News and World Report has recently released its annual diet rankings. For the third year in a row, the “Mediterranean Diet” remains as the number one diet overall. This type of eating plan is favored because it can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia, and it can also prevent and control diabetes.
- Most people do not consider it a diet, but rather an eating plan that you can naturally follow for your entire lifetime.- - Because it is healthy, tasty and non-restrictive like many other eating plans, it is easy for the entire family to enjoy together.
- It is referred to as the Mediterranean Diet because it is the diet typical of those who border the Mediterranean Sea, including Italy, Spain and Greece. People who follow the Mediterranean eating plan tend to live longer and healthier lives than most Americans.
- Like other highly ranked eating plans, it is a plant-based diet, focusing on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and beans.
- A typical day of the diet might include:
- Yogurt mixed with berries or a veggie and egg frittata for breakfast
- Lunch might be hummus with a side of pita bread and a small Greek salad
- A sample dinner might include grilled chicken and vegetable kabobs with a side of couscous
Because the diet is plant-based, a great way to start would be to add some vegetarian meals once or twice a week, or gradually adding a variety of new vegetables to your regular meals. Small changes can make a big difference in your and your family’s overall health.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET RECIPES (just click on the captions to see the recipes)
VIVACIOUS VEGETABLES
JOYFUL FRUIT
SAVORY PROTEIN
COMFORTING GRAINS & PASTAS
THRIVE! Southern Lorain County is one of 11 Community Collaboratives powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County that are working to improve the health, education, and financial stability of all residents in our communities.