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Author:
Troy Francis

The Mediterranean diet a real weight loss program or is the Mediterranean diet just another fad diet? Here is some light on this growing weight loss diet.

We all know that their are many fad diets that suggest carbohydrates and fats are responsible for weight gain and bad health. So, many people taking part in the low carb diet. This has lead to many fad diets to focus on low-carb dieting. However, the facts are revealed that carbohydrates and fats were not main problems, and suggested the "right" fats and carbohydrates can be the basis for a diet that could work for you.

So, exactly what is the Mediterranean diet? How can a diet like this help us lose weight?

True of the matter is there actually is no 'Mediterranean' diet. Instead, most people know this diet as compilation of the way that people in countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea eat. This is where the Mediterranean diet comes from. While there were some changes in the foods, most other surrounding countries base their diets on the same food groups and calories, and most include olive oil as a main source of fat.

The Mediterranean diet consists of the following guidelines:

* 70% of total carbohydrates from grains, fruits and vegetables

This includes wheat rice, vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and, wheat.

* Use of red meat, fish and poultry

The average adult Mediterranean consumes about 20 ounces of red meat and poultry per week. Around 10-15 ounces of fish per week. This accounts for the bulk of their protein intake. A typical American diet may include a 1 pound meat for supper one night and 1/2 pound chicken the next night.

* Olive Oil

Remember that olive oil is not a cure for weight loss. It is, however a monounsaturated fat. Good Fats! Monounsaturated fats help lower cholesterol. Most Mediterranean lifestyle are active. The typical Mediterranean day might include walking rather than driving, physical activity with others. All the diets in the world are not worth the time or energy if you don't exercise. Physical activity and exercise are vital in helping the body to get the weight loss you're looking for.

There is not great miracle to losing weight. With the Mediterranean diet you base your meals on healthy carbohydrates, green vegetables, whole grains and meats. Use meat lightly - no more than 5 ounces per day. Derive dietary fat from vegetable sources - or from fish oil. Always exercise often with a routine that is targeted to weight loss. Remember that the Mediterranean diet is not weight loss program. It's a new way of eating that may help you get that weight loss you've been dreaming about.



About the author:

Copyright Troy Francis. Troy is a writer and Personal Trainer for Exercise-Diet. Please, feel free to republish this article. We only ask that you leave the resource box and link. You can see more great articles on Weight Loss, Diet, Exercise, Health and much more by going to: http://www.Exercise-Diet.com/

| Article Keywords: Healthy Diets

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Healthy Diets... What is the Zone Diet? Copyright 2006 Adam Waxler Dr. Barry Sears, a former researcher at MIT, originally developed the Zone Diet. The Zone Diet is based on maintaining insulin levels by striking a balance between carbohydrates and proteins at each meal Barry Sears contends that most diets currently recommended are high in carbohydrates and low in fats. Sears argues that this is a combination that contributes to the production of too much insulin. And, according to Barry Sears, the major cause of obesity is an imbalance of insulin in the body. The Zone Diet is based on the concept of achieving a balance between insulin and eicosanoids. By controlling the balance of insulin and eicosanoids with the Zone Diet, you increase the loss of fat (weight loss), increase blood flow, increase your physical and mental stamina, and decrease the likelihood of heart disease and diabetes. The Zone Diet advises a moderate intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in order to control insulin. The Zone Diet is designed to balance your intake of protein and carbohydrates at 1 part protein to 4 parts carbohydrates. The Zone Diet prescribes a maximum amount of low-fat protein to one meal at 3-4 ounces, which is nearly exactly the recommendation of the USDA and the FDA. The majority of carbohydrates on the Zone Diet come from vegetables and fruits, with limited amounts of bread, rice, potatoes and grains. Most of the fat intake with the Zone Diet should come from monounsaturated fats like olive oil, safflower oil, and other 'heart healthy' oils. Many people believe the Zone Diet sounds much like the Atkins diet due to the restricting of carbohydrates. However, the differences between the Zone Diet and the Atkins diet are quite clear. Atkins recommends a diet high in...