I started the Mediterranean Diet as soon as I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and have lost 16 pounds. The idea wasn't so much weight loss, although it has been nice, but to improve my overall health. Of course, with the goodies around for Christmas, I did eat more sugary foods even though I had cut way back before. I say "cut back" because I have to be realistic and have a little chocolate each day. It feels good for my body to be getting back on track. My husband was so helpful, and we stocked up on veggies and fruit and fish, plus a few other items. I only use olive oil, even on toast and it tastes so good! I also use it alone on salads and on salmon with lemon slices. I seldom eat beef or pork, which is a big change, but I do eat chicken.
My wife and I had the advantage of having spent a lot of our lives in Europe which made it easier for us in the U.S. When we began putting on 'American weight' we just leaned back towards the healthier foods we'd normally eat in Europe. More veggies, legumes, fruits and grains. Less red meat, processed sugar, etc. or what my buddy calls 'plant slant'.
We don't worry about meeting any specific targets or what was or was not this or that diet. We don't consider anything really off-limits but just try to consume less of the not so good stuff. Except stroopwaffles. Stroopwaffles are special :-). I have one or two each week warmed over a coffee.
The most difficult part for us is eating out. U.S. eateries are quite awful in food prep, portion size, and overall quality. We've been encouraging those we frequent to offer better options that are essentially 'mediterranean'. This has made life better for us as well as friends and neighbors.
My wife and I had the advantage of having spent a lot of our lives in Europe which made it easier for us in the U.S. When we began putting on 'American weight' we just leaned back towards the healthier foods we'd normally eat in Europe. More veggies, legumes, fruits and grains. Less red meat, processed sugar, etc. or what my buddy calls 'plant slant'.
We don't worry about meeting any specific targets or what was or was not this or that diet. We don't consider anything really off-limits but just try to consume less of the not so good stuff. Except stroopwaffles. Stroopwaffles are special :-). I have one or two each week warmed over a coffee.
The most difficult part for us is eating out. U.S. eateries are quite awful in food prep, portion size, and overall quality. We've been encouraging those we frequent to offer better options that are essentially 'mediterranean'. This has made life better for us as well as friends and neighbors.
I lived 18 years in Italy so I too know the Mediterranean diet. After that, there was no danger I would go to a fast food place! And there is no salad dressing but real olive oil and balsamic vinegar! For health reasons I use oilve oil to replace butter, in fact it is good on corn on the cob.
I was shocked by how overweight people were in the US when I came back.
Unfortunately, here in Minnesota we don't have the type fish I could eat there. And someone who knows how to cook fish! On the East Coast it is easier to enjoy fresh fish.
I too noted the ridiculous portion sizes here...I think it is a marketing strategy. I suggested to one restaurant that they provide smaller portions with higher quality food for the same price....
I lived 18 years in Italy so I too know the Mediterranean diet. After that, there was no danger I would go to a fast food place! And there is no salad dressing but real olive oil and balsamic vinegar! For health reasons I use oilve oil to replace butter, in fact it is good on corn on the cob.
I was shocked by how overweight people were in the US when I came back.
Unfortunately, here in Minnesota we don't have the type fish I could eat there. And someone who knows how to cook fish! On the East Coast it is easier to enjoy fresh fish.
I too noted the ridiculous portion sizes here...I think it is a marketing strategy. I suggested to one restaurant that they provide smaller portions with higher quality food for the same price....
Thanks for the tip! Good olive oil (Virgin, first cold press) is not cheap and of course I want mine imported from Italy. There has been an issue with ongoing fake olive oil from Italy and Spain and recently they arrested some people in Italy.
Unfortunatly, climate change has impacted olive trees and they are protected in Italy. My friend has one in her garden and it is controlled by the State. She has to take care of it or be fined.
Thanks for the tip! Good olive oil (Virgin, first cold press) is not cheap and of course I want mine imported from Italy. There has been an issue with ongoing fake olive oil from Italy and Spain and recently they arrested some people in Italy.
Unfortunatly, climate change has impacted olive trees and they are protected in Italy. My friend has one in her garden and it is controlled by the State. She has to take care of it or be fined.
My parents used olive oil, so I grew up with it. But you do need to be sure it is good quality! I agree with first cold pressed. Additionally, do not buy olive oil made from olives from more than on state or country. Being Greek, I lean towards olive oil from Greece. My favorite is from an online company My Greek Basket. It’s pricey but I only use it in salads or drizzled over vegetables. I do not sauté or grill with it has a low smoke point.
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Hi Denise!
Felice Navidad and Happy New Year to you too, down there in
St. Loonie Tunes!
Stay warm!
I started the Mediterranean Diet as soon as I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and have lost 16 pounds. The idea wasn't so much weight loss, although it has been nice, but to improve my overall health. Of course, with the goodies around for Christmas, I did eat more sugary foods even though I had cut way back before. I say "cut back" because I have to be realistic and have a little chocolate each day. It feels good for my body to be getting back on track. My husband was so helpful, and we stocked up on veggies and fruit and fish, plus a few other items. I only use olive oil, even on toast and it tastes so good! I also use it alone on salads and on salmon with lemon slices. I seldom eat beef or pork, which is a big change, but I do eat chicken.
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4 ReactionsMy wife and I had the advantage of having spent a lot of our lives in Europe which made it easier for us in the U.S. When we began putting on 'American weight' we just leaned back towards the healthier foods we'd normally eat in Europe. More veggies, legumes, fruits and grains. Less red meat, processed sugar, etc. or what my buddy calls 'plant slant'.
We don't worry about meeting any specific targets or what was or was not this or that diet. We don't consider anything really off-limits but just try to consume less of the not so good stuff. Except stroopwaffles. Stroopwaffles are special :-). I have one or two each week warmed over a coffee.
The most difficult part for us is eating out. U.S. eateries are quite awful in food prep, portion size, and overall quality. We've been encouraging those we frequent to offer better options that are essentially 'mediterranean'. This has made life better for us as well as friends and neighbors.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsI lived 18 years in Italy so I too know the Mediterranean diet. After that, there was no danger I would go to a fast food place! And there is no salad dressing but real olive oil and balsamic vinegar! For health reasons I use oilve oil to replace butter, in fact it is good on corn on the cob.
I was shocked by how overweight people were in the US when I came back.
Unfortunately, here in Minnesota we don't have the type fish I could eat there. And someone who knows how to cook fish! On the East Coast it is easier to enjoy fresh fish.
I too noted the ridiculous portion sizes here...I think it is a marketing strategy. I suggested to one restaurant that they provide smaller portions with higher quality food for the same price....
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2 ReactionsGood olive oil is so important and something I ignored for too long. It can make the difference in something that is a delicacy or almost unedible.
A friend's mom wrote a fascinating book on it: "Virgin Territory: Exploring the World of Olive Oil".
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1 ReactionThanks for the tip! Good olive oil (Virgin, first cold press) is not cheap and of course I want mine imported from Italy. There has been an issue with ongoing fake olive oil from Italy and Spain and recently they arrested some people in Italy.
Unfortunatly, climate change has impacted olive trees and they are protected in Italy. My friend has one in her garden and it is controlled by the State. She has to take care of it or be fined.
My parents used olive oil, so I grew up with it. But you do need to be sure it is good quality! I agree with first cold pressed. Additionally, do not buy olive oil made from olives from more than on state or country. Being Greek, I lean towards olive oil from Greece. My favorite is from an online company My Greek Basket. It’s pricey but I only use it in salads or drizzled over vegetables. I do not sauté or grill with it has a low smoke point.
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3 ReactionsI encourage you to try olive oil produced in California, USA. Once you do, you'll forget the rest.😇