the mediterranean diet

Sure, the Mediterranean is home to amazing vacation destinations and stunning works of art, but it also happens to be where you’ll find one of the world’s healthiest diets. “There’s such a different approach to food there,” says Conner Middelmann-Whitney, a Boulder, Colorado–based nutrition coach and founder of Modern Mediterranean. “It’s all about fresh, locally grown, seasonal food, cooked deliciously. And there also happens to be lots of research proving it’s incredibly healthy.” Sounds pretty good, right? Here’s the cherry on top: Following a Mediterranean diet can also be the key to getting into better shape before your wedding day.

back to basics

Most people hear the word “diet” and automatically assume there’s a list of approved and banned foods they’re going to need to memorize, but the Mediterranean diet is surprisingly simple. It’s made up of foods naturally found in that region, like fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, whole grains and olive oil.

These are the real stars of the Mediterranean diet and should be the central component of most of your meals. Don’t read “fruit” and think “juice” though. Keep your apples, oranges, berries