There is a relative grandiose idea of what the "Mediterranean Diet" is, especially in the media. Every once in a while, morning news or television doctor shows boast the benefits of what seems to be the very elusive and elite "diet" originated from the Mediterranean.

The fact is, the Mediterranean Diet is not actually a diet. People living in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea (such as Spain, Italy, Greece, South France, etc.) do not live by the term "diet." Yet there is relatively less rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and the like in these areas compared to the United States. Some call this a mystery, but really it is because unlike the United States, those living near the Mediterranean (among other places, of course) concentrate on FOOD, not NUTRIENTS.

How often do you hear the FDA, USDA, and even the first lady comment on fat, calories, carbohydrate, the importance of vitamin D, etc.? Americans like to have a "thing" - something to look up to (a celebrity, perhaps), or even a nutrient-of-the-month that they can focus on to improve their health. The fact is, food does not come in nutrient-form. You can’t by one food and expect the same amount of any one concentrated vitamin, mineral, or nutrient. That’s because food brings us so many different nutrients, not just one. It is up to US to eat a variety, select the best ones for us, and keep moving to improve our health and burn the energy we are consuming.

We have forgotten about what food is. Food is a way to socialize (where do people usually congregate during a party?). Food is family time. Food brings us joy (or at least it should). Food is culture. Food is also love. Food is NOT fast, on-the-go (all the time), something to feed one’s stomach, processed, or something to fill an emotional need. Food represents who we are as people. You can look back throughout history and see which foods were eaten and how and tell a lot about the culture, technology, and belief system of different civilizations.

Let’s look at the Mediterranean "My Pyramid:"

Oh my lord, it is in another language! You know why? Because we are talking about the Mediterranean, not the USA. You don’t need to know Spanish to understand this. What is the first three most important things (designated by being closes to the bottom) on THIS pyramid? Physical activity, family, and cooking together. Next up, water… and lots of it. Thirdly- fruits, vegetables, AND whole grains. Why does our country focus so much on carbs and grains? There is a very long answer to that question, but the simple response is that it is not for your health. Healthy oils, fished, meats, and desserts finish off this Pyramid in an easily-understood way.

Ok, so what is the take home? The Mediterranean Diet is not a "diet," but a lifestyle. It does not concentrate on one single nutrient, because food is not a single pill you can pop and wish away your health concerns. It includes regular (and fun) physical activity, eating together (see the post: http://the-sage.org/post/68752360919/family-meals-healthier-weight), and a variety of foods. It concentrates more of fish (see the Omega 3 post: http://the-sage.org/post/78442051884/re-krill-oil-full-of-omega-3-fatty-acids-or-just) over meat, but does not shy away from a juicy steak. It includes wine (because, why not?) at nearly every meal, and tells you took cook your fresh vegetables in olive oil. Most importantly, it allows the diner the freedom to eat what he or she wishes without worrying so much about individual nutrients. With a diet high in a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy oils, fish, whole grains, and meats sparingly, you already get all the nutrients you need… WITHOUT POPPING A PILL.

The American Heart Association basically got it right: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Mediterranean-Diet_UCM_306004_Article.jsp

The Slice Plan: An Integrative Approach to a Healthy Lifestyle and a Better You follows the ideals and concepts of the Mediterranean Diet (www.the-sage.org/thesliceplan)!

Relax when it comes to food, and Happy Eating!