Description
Product Description More than 100 fresh, nutritious Mediterranean-style recipes and tips on how to set aside time to mindfully savor each meal, combining healthy food and a healthy lifestyle.Satisfying both chefs and nutritionists alike, the Mediterranean diet is the rare healthy eating plan that not only tastes good but also feels good. From seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains to garlic, herbs, and olive oil, these foundational ingredients inspire simple fresh dishes with endless combinations of flavors and textures—and don’t forget the wine. Your doctor will be pleased to know that following a Mediterranean diet is proven to lower bad cholesterol, dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease, and may even protect brain function as you age. And with tasty recipes like Greek Stuffed Tomatoes, Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce, and Orange-Hazelnut Olive Oil Cookies for dessert, it won’t be hard!Beyond just the diet, however, the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages mindfulness with every meal. Permitting yourself to slow down, enjoy food with friends and family, and relish each bite not only improves digestion but also allows you to gain the perspective to better understand your own eating habits and avoid overeating. About the Author Preventiondelivers trusted, authoritative information, breaking news, and authentic lifestyle advice in an advertising free environment that inspires, challenges, and leads readers to love their whole life. Jennifer McDaniel MS, RDN, CSSD, LD is the owner of McDaniel Nutrition Therapy and a current national media spokesperson for The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She writes frequently for Prevention and St. Louis magazine, and is a regular on-air contributor for KTVI Fox 2 News. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. INTRODUCTIONWelcome to the Table!If you’ve been searching for a fresh, uncomplicated style of eating that nourishes your body, your heart, and your soul, you’ve come to the right place. The countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea have long been known for their simple, deeply satisfying cuisine and their relaxed, family-oriented approach to mealtime. The Mediterranean diet isn’t just delicious—it’s a warm, inviting change of pace from the nonstop chaos that many of us are used to. That alone might be enough to have you saying, “Pass the olive oil!” but there’s more— and it’s important. Following a Mediterranean diet just might be one of the very best things that you can do for your health. Countless studies that have collectively researched and surveyed thousands of people show that eating Mediterranean-style could significantly lower your risk for chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. This diet can also help you reach or maintain a healthy weight without counting calories, cutting out entire food groups, or following complicated rules. To be clear, the Mediterranean diet isn’t a diet in the self-denying, sacrificing sense of the word. Instead, it’s a lifestyle approach to eating rooted in a centuries-old tradition of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make home-cooked meals that are shared in the company of family and friends. The word diet itself actually stems from the Greek word diaita, which has been translated as “way of living” or “habits and customs of the body.”1) Just look at the millions of people in Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Morocco, and the other countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea who continue to eat in this simple and rewarding way, even as America’s fast-food, drive-thru lifestyle has taken hold. The Mediterranean diet’s staying power is a testament to its inherent value—and the science-backed benefits have never been clearer. So grab a seat, and make yourself comfortable. In this book, you’ll discover the latest research on how the Mediterranean diet can transform your health and well-being. You’ ll also learn what it truly means to