Tuesday, February 2, 2010

American Heart Month!

Did you know that February is American Heart Month. Yup, it's true. In honor of American Heart Month I thought it would be appropriate to talk about a Mediterranean Type Diet. Personally, this is how I love to eat! It incorporates the basics of eating healthy (which most of us have been doing the last 21 days) with a couple of goodies thrown in there as well. Many studies have been conducted showing the positive effects of following a Mediterranean Type Diet vs a Traditional American Type Diet.

Below are some of the key components the Mediterranean diet includes:
  1. Eat a generous amount of fruits and vegetables
  2. Get plenty of exercise
  3. Consume healthy fats such as olive oil
  4. Eat small portions of nuts
  5. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
  6. Drink red wine...in moderation
  7. Consume very little red meat
  8. Eat fish or shellfish at least twice a week

For those of us who just finished the Purification Program, this should be no problem! You have been eating this way for the last 21 days minus the nuts, whole grains, and red wine. But notice you still should not go back to eating processed, refined, sugar latent foods! Keep chosing fresh veggies, fruits, healthy oils, and lean protein (chicken & fish).

If you plan on following this type of diet check out MayoClinic.com for some more information.

When I come across some more yummy recipes I will be sure to post.

1 comment:

  1. Dr. Vanessa, thanks again for all you have done these last three weeks. I am feeling and looking wonderful. I am down 9 lbs. and 8 over all inches! I am on my way to my goal... which I couldn't have done without your support, encouragement and knowledge.

    I love the idea of the Mediterranean diet and is what I am choosing to follow. I will keep you updated on my progress. Thanks again for all you do ,you are a true blessing to us all!

    ReplyDelete