Mediterranean Diet Weight Loss

Many of us have been indoctrinated into thinking that we will never lose weight if we consume any fats or oils. As a result, the Western world became obsessed with low fat diets and products. Did we as a population get any thinner? Sadly, for many of us, that answer is "No". The Western world is becoming more and more obese, as many of us chow down on those products labeled "Low Fat". However, a University study in Spain has proven that, contrary to popular belief, you can consume some specific fats and still lose weight by following the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean Diet, Olive Oil and Weight Loss

A recent study performed at the University of Navarra, Spain, has proven that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the body fat of individuals. The study ran for 3 years, and followed 1,055 people from Navarre who were all at high risk for heart disease.

These folk were placed on a traditional Mediterranean diet, where virgin olive oil was their primary source of fats. The Mediterranean diet plan had the individuals consuming high amounts of vegetables, fruits, fish, and unprocessed cereals, along with nuts and legumes.

After 3 three years these individuals had increased antioxidant levels and reduced their body weight. The Mediterranean diet provides better antioxidant levels due to the consumption of the virgin olive oil, which is a known rich source of many powerful antioxidants. Interestingly, the participants who were prone genetically to increased body weight benefited the most from the Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil for weight loss: Researchers concluded that a diet high in virgin olive oil, such as the Mediterranean style diet, has many health benefits including reduction of body weight and body fat.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating as well as a lifestyle. Meals tend to be considered to be relaxed and social events. For many, this includes a glass of red wine (but not for breakfast!). At least 6 glasses of water are consumed daily. Walking and physical exercise is an essential part of this lifestyle.

A traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in heart healthy fats and oils, such as those derived from olives, nuts, and oily fish. Processed foods are minimized, and Western style sweets and desserts are rarely consumed. White meat and fish is favored over red meat, which is eaten sparingly.

The Mediterranean diet obtained its name from the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, as experts recognized that despite regional differences in Mediterranean cuisine, the basic principle of the diet remained the same.

What can I eat on the Mediterranean diet?

Your taste buds will be thrilled to know that the Mediterranean diet does not mean boring tasteless low carb, low fat, or low calorie. Unprocessed, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with plenty of herbs, ensures that there is a flavor for everyone.

Mediterranean diets call for plenty of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Legumes, nuts, seeds, and breads are all eaten. Olives, avocados, and oily fish are extra ways of consuming the heart healthy fats and oils, along with of course, the extra virgin olive oil. Animal fats such as butters, margarines, lards, and oils used for deep frying are not consumed.

Fish and white meat is consumed on a more regular basis than red meat. Dairy such as cheeses, eggs, yogurts, and milk are all allowed in moderate amounts.

The Mediterranean diet food plan is heavy on unprocessed grains, nuts, legumes, seeds, pastas, and breads. These are foods that many of us in the Western world have been taught are to be avoided at all costs when battling the bulge.

White sugar is not consumed, and instead fresh fruits and honey are used as sweeteners.

Achieve safe weight loss with the Mediterranean diet

For those wanting to lose weight safely, there are many health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. A diet high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. No food groups are excluded, although some Western foods, such as white sugar, and animal fats, are not consumed.

The Mediterranean diet has been recognized by experts as dramatically reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes type 2, some forms of cancer, and some forms of dementia. Additionally, it has been shown that expectant mothers who follow a traditional Mediterranean diet have children who are at much less risk of both asthma and allergies.

The Mediterranean diet and weight loss: Diet experts have concluded that the Mediterranean diet for weight loss is effective for not only losing weight, but even more importantly, for long term weight management. Individuals who stick with the Mediterranean diet do not suffer from the post diet weight gain that can follow other weight loss programs that become impossible to stick with long term.

The abundance of food selections means that for most individuals, the Mediterranean diet is no culinary hardship.

Conclusion

Researchers have shown that olive oil and weight loss go hand in hand. A low fat diet can be less effective for weight loss than the Mediterranean diet which encourages consuming virgin olive oil. Better still, researchers discovered that those who are genetically predisposed to gaining weight will reap even more weight loss benefits from following the Mediterranean diet.

A tasty healthy diet? The Mediterranean Diet weight loss program could be hard to beat for those who enjoy their food and are seeking a safe weight loss answer.

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Here's a video we think indicates what can be achieved in the short term (it's very low key) and this interview paints a good picture of our message of the Mediterranean diet's potential.

As you can tell from my articles, I like to find verification on things that I'm thinking of undertaking, you probably do too. This habit or rule has benefited me immensely and I hope my research will do the same for you (I'm sure it will) ...but even though the benefits for health and weight loss are exceptional I wanted to make the offer for my eBook even more valuable so I've added some good bonuses I think you'll like. You can read about them in plain English at this attractive link below ..OK so it's not attractive but it does work :-)

You can see what other bonuses come with my Mediterranean diet eBook here

..it's your call but whatever you do get well and stay well,

Ray Darken

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