How To Enjoy The Health Benefits Of The Mediterranean Diet With Comfort!
If you think that the health benefits of The Mediterranean Diet and enjoying your favourite comfort food wouldn’t go together, we are here to tell you otherwise!
When most people think of comfort food, they think of unhealthy dishes that are high in calories and low in nutrition. However, it is possible to find comfort foods that are both delicious and good for you. The Mediterranean diet is a prime example. This way of eating has been shown to provide a host of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. And while the Mediterranean diet may not sound like comfort food at first, it can actually be quite satisfying. Dishes such as roasted vegetables, whole-grain pasta, and fresh fruit salad can all be prepared in a way that is both comforting and healthy. Best of all, the Mediterranean diet is flexible enough to accommodate your favorite comfort foods. So if you’re looking for a way to eat healthier without sacrificing taste, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.
We loved this article from Eatingwell.com which walks you through some simple ways to incorporate comfort foods in to your Mediterranean diet – or is it the other way around?
In the 7-day plan from Eatingwell.com, you’re given a full week of comfort-food favorites, like warm soups and stews, curries and pasta dishes while sticking to the principles of this healthy lifestyle.
You’ll find plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, high-fiber legumes, fish and healthy fats (nuts, avocado and olive oil) while skipping refined grains, excess sugars, red meats and processed foods. Because many people follow meal plans to lose weight, we set this plan at 1,500 calories per day and included modifications for 1,200 and 2,000 calories, depending on your calorie needs.
Among the delicious and comforting favourites for the week are;
Wholewheat English Muffin with almond butter and blueberries, Moroccan spiced chicken stew and Baked blueberry and bananna-nut oatmeal cups. All sounds pretty comforting and health to me!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil And The Mediterranean Diet
We all crave comfort food from time to time. And while there’s nothing wrong with indulging in your favorite dish, you might be surprised to learn that you can actually make it healthier – without sacrificing flavor. One simple swap is to use extra virgin olive oil instead of other oils or butter. Extra virgin olive oil is packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, and has been shown to have numerous health benefits. Plus, it adds a delicious depth of flavor to your food.
The Mediterranean Diet is not a fad diet or a weight loss program. It’s actually a way of eating that has been practiced for centuries in countries around the Mediterranean Sea. The diet is based on healthy, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, seafood, beans, and whole grains. Olive oil is a key component of the diet, and it’s healthy for your heart and your overall health. Including extra virgin olive oil in your Mediterranean Diet can be easy and delicious. You can cook with it, use it as a dipping sauce for bread, or drizzle it over salads and vegetables. The important thing is to choose healthy, high-quality olive oil that is cold-pressed and has a high smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy comfort food that can help you live a long and healthy life.
Extra virgin olive oil is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. A healthy diet that is associated with sensible tasty portions and slower, more enjoyable eating. People who eat a Mediterranean diet have been shown to have a remarkable variety of health benefits. The extra virgin olive oil in the Mediterranean diet can quickly satisfy hunger. It can lead to fewer total calories ingested at mealtime.
So next time you’re in the mood for some comforting fare, reach for the extra virgin olive oil and enjoy healthy comfort food that’s both delicious and good for you.
For hundreds more ideas on how to incorporate The Mediterranean Diet in to your diet without sacrificing the foods you love, take a look at our comprehensive selection of recipes at Morocco Gold.
