In the sunny Mediterranean, meals are about more than just the food; they’re an opportunity to connect with friends and family, share stories, and enjoy laughter.
This social aspect is a key reason why the Mediterranean diet stands out, experts note. Pairing regular physical activity with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and limiting red meat and sugar has made this diet the number one choice for six years running.
Wondering if it’s for you? Studies confirm that this dietary approach can protect against a range of health concerns, from diabetes and high blood pressure to heart diseases, strokes, and even depression.
Why not leave dieting behind next year and embrace food as part of a holistic approach to wellness? CNN’s “Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style” newsletter explores this delicious and healthy way of eating.
To dive into healthier eating, here are five initial tips from the newsletter:
Start with Whole Grains
Entering the world of the Mediterranean diet can begin with simply changing your grains to whole wheat bread, pasta, and substituting white rice with brown or wild rice.
Explore “ancient grains” like quinoa, amaranth, millet, farro, spelt, Kamut (allegedly discovered in an Egyptian tomb), and teff (from Ethiopia).
They offer varied tastes and textures, so sample a new one each month to find the ones you enjoy most.
