The Mediterranean diet has proven to be the most healthy and balanced diets in the world. The main elements are the vegetables, fish, olive oil and some wine.

There are many variations of the Mediterranean diet, as the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, are many. The huge popularity of the diet due to research showing that people who live around the Mediterranean have a longer life span and correspondingly less likely to have heart problems or some other years pathisi.

Key features

- It is rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those with leaves, especially raw or lightly cooked.

- Contains a lot of cereal and pasta, traditionally made from wheat wholemeal.

- There are plenty legumes, nuts and seeds.

- Animal products should be consumed in small quantities, and especially red meat and dairy products should be eaten sparingly. It consists of chicken and poultry in general.

- Consume up to four eggs a week.

- The diet is rich in fish and seafood, a great source of omega - 3 fatty acids.

- Although is high in fat content (about 35% of the calories intake) it is low in animal fat (7-8%). Instead the preferred fat is from olive oil, which increases the level of good cholesterol - HDL.

- The wine should be consumed in moderation - one or two glasses daily along with a meal.

The main advantage of the Mediterranean diet is that is rich in antioxidants, fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Thus, the Mediterranean diet is basically a healthy diet. It has a strong element of tradition and has proven effective over time. We note that all the foods are allowed, as long as we cook them in a hygienic manner and the materials are carefully selected. Even the pizza may be included in the Mediterranean diet if you follow the standards of Italian tradition.

There is no maintenance plan for the Mediterranean diet. Essentially consists of the variety of food consumption in small to moderate quantities. ie mainly vegetables - fruit, cereals, grains and fish, and some times animal products.

Conclusion

The combination of Mediterranean diet with regular exercise seems to be the healthiest diet choice and the best solution for weight loss, provided that the products are consumed in reasonable quantities - ie just enough to satisfy hunger.