Club med
The Mediterranean diet isn’t a trend, fad or set of food rules. It’s a real food approach to healthy eating that embraces variety, flavour and nutrient-rich foods. The diet is backed by plenty of scientific evidence showing that people who eat a Mediterranean diet tend to live long and healthy lives.
The Mediterranean diet is centred on real, minimally processed foods such as wholegrains, plenty of plant foods such as fruit and vegetables, as well as seafood and fish, yoghurt, pulses, seeds and nuts.
Healthy fats including extra virgin olive oil, nuts and seeds, oily fish and dairy foods like yoghurt are all included on the Mediterranean menu. Extra virgin olive oil features as the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet – and not just because it tastes great.
Seafood and fish also feature heavily in the Mediterranean kitchen, offering a healthier and more sustainable alternative to red meat.
While small amounts of meat can be eaten in the diet, seafood and fish are at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, along with plant-based sources of protein such as pulses, nuts and seeds.
The Mediterranean diet also features plenty of unrefined wholegrains and other fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and fruit. This plant-based focus is a great way to get lots of fibre into your diet, fueling your body with naturally slow burning energy sources.
Lyndi Cohen ,The Nude Nutritionist Accredited Practising Dietitian & Nutritionist www lyndicohen com
THE SPANISH LIFESTYLE
Olive oil
Used liberally as a cooking medium and splashed over final dishes just before serving.
Water & wine
Most meals are consumed with wine – but usually only a glass or two, and drunk
