Dive into the Mediterranean Lifestyle

Ciao, food lovers! You’ve probably heard of the trend taking over social media by now, with people worldwide making dinners inspired by the Mediterranean diet. While they got one thing right, this diet is focused on bringing the sun-kissed flavors of places like Italy, Greece, Spain, Morocco, and more, right to the dinner table; it's truly more than that—it’s also a lifestyle and a way to bring vigor and longevity to your life. Read along to see what this beneficial lifestyle has in store for you.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

Picture this: sun-drenched olive groves, vibrant farmers’ markets overflowing with colorful produce, and fresh herbs wafting through the air. The Mediterranean diet is not the typical “diet” you hear of, where they claim that you’ll lose tons of pounds in a month. This diet is an embrace of the cuisine and culture of the Mediterranean countries, an overall lifestyle change that focuses on better-for-you recipes using wholesome ingredients, building bonds, being active, and respecting your mindfulness.

So, what’s on the menu? Let’s break it down:

1. Fruits and Vegetables: Think fresh, seasonal, and colorful! Load your plate with leafy greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a rainbow of fruits. The Mediterranean diet encourages you to eat a variety of these every day. Still, the key truly is eating what’s in season. It will help you get the tastiest crops and force you to eat vegetables and fruits you may not be used to.
2. Whole Grains: Say goodbye to refined carbs and hello to whole grains! Quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole-grain bread are staples that provide energy and keep you feeling full.
3. Healthy Fats: Olive oil reigns supreme! Our line of Occasion-Based Olive Oils helps you curate and cook with olive oil to maximize flavor and usage. Drizzle our Finishing EVOO on salads, use our Cooking EVOO the next time you sauté veggies, our Baking EVOO for your roasted chicken, or our Frying Olive Oil for adding a savory crispy sear to some fresh fish. Nuts, seeds, and avocados are also fantastic sources of healthy fats that keep your heart happy.
4. Lean Proteins: Seafood is the star of the Mediterranean table, with fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel making regular appearances; don’t forget the shrimp and oysters smothered in lemon! Poultry and eggs are other everyday staples, while red meat can be enjoyed occasionally. Another lean protein option is Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas. These also play a vital role and help provide beneficial vitamins and nutrients. They are great for those who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet.
5. Dairy: Enjoy in moderation and source the best authentic cheeses in this region. Feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and yogurt are some of the various dairy products you can enjoy that adds creaminess and flavor without going overboard.
6. Herbs and Spices: Season your dishes with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. They add zing without the extra sodium. Always think that the simpler, the better when it comes to the spices you add to your recipes. Holding back from the ingredients like rubs or other spice combinations that have multiple ingredients not only helps your main ingredients’ flavor come out, but you also avoid exposing yourself to unnecessary sugars, salts, or worse–chemicals.

Why Choose the Mediterranean lifestyle?

The Mediterranean lifestyle isn’t just about delicious food, although that is a bonus. It’s about putting your physical and mental health first. Understanding what you’re eating and how it affects you is of the utmost importance. It can help you reduce the inflammatory aspects of your current diet. It should even help you evaluate how you process your stress and mental state. Embracing Mediterranean cuisine itself can help with:

• Heart Health: Healthy fats and antioxidants lower heart disease risks.
• Weight Management: Natural, whole foods satisfy you without the need for restrictive dieting.
• Brain Boost: Enjoy benefits like improved cognition and a lower risk of dementia.
• Mood Boost: Reducing the inflammation physically and mentally can help you improve your overall state of being.

Fun Ways to Embrace the Mediterranean Lifestyle

1. Host an Italian Night: Gather friends and create classic Italian dishes—think bruschetta, caprese salad, risotto, and tiramisu. It’s a fun way to share and savor the flavors of Italy! Click here to learn how to host your Italian-themed dinner party.
2. Cook with Family: Turn cooking together into a bonding experience. Have family members vote on a Mediterranean country of the month to help inspire new recipes the whole family will love. Click here to get inspired by fun ideas on how to cook with your children.
3. Explore New Recipes: Get inspired by Mediterranean cuisine! Try making a classic ratatouille, a fresh Greek salad, or a vibrant seafood paella. Click here to view our recipe book featuring recipes perfect for your new Mediterranean lifestyle!
4. Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor each bite. Enjoy your meals without distractions, appreciating the flavors and textures of your food. It’s easy to get distracted and not realize how much you’ve eaten—speaking from experience!
5. Stay Active: Incorporate movement into your daily routine! Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the beach or a lively dance in your living room, staying active is vital to staying healthy and boosting your overall mood.

The Mediterranean lifestyle can help your overall well-being when done correctly, but even adding a few aspects of this lifestyle into your daily routine can potentially boost your mood. So, grab your apron, invite your friends, and start your delicious journey into the heart of the Mediterranean!

Here’s to a healthier, happier you—one tasty bite at a time! Salute!