There are many variants of the Mediterranean diet. Many countries, after all, border the Mediterranean Sea.

Studies show that people who live around the Mediterranean have a low incidence of heart disease and chronic disease and great longevity. This accounts for the enormous popularity of the diet.

The Main Characteristics

• It is rich in fruit and vegetables, especially leafy ones, and often raw or minimally processed.
• It contains many cereals and pasta, traditionally made from whole grain.
• There are plenty of beans, nuts and seeds.
• Animal products are consumed in small amounts. Rather than dairy and meat,especially red meat, poultry is to be preferred.
• Up to four eggs a week may be eaten.
• The diet is rich in fish and seafood, a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Although high in fat(around 35% of the calorie intake), it is low in saturated fat(7-8%). Instead, olive oil is preferred, which increases the level of HDL cholesterol(good cholesterol).
• Wine is consumed in moderation: one to two glasses a day at meals.

The strongest point of the Mediterranean diet is its abundance of antioxidants, fiber, phytochemicals and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Thus, the Mediterranean diet is primarily a healthy diet. It posesses tradition and has been proven effective over time.

There is no specific diet plan for the Mediterranean diet. It consists in eating a certain variety of foods in specific amounts, that is a prevalence of products of vegetable origin - vegetables, fruit, grains and seeds and sparing use of animal products.

Conclusion

Combining the Mediterranean diet with regular exercise seems to be the healthiest lifestyle choice and the best solution for weight loss, provided you eat within reasonable limits. That is, just eat enough to satisfy hunger.