The Mediterranean Diet
What Is It
The Mediterranean Diet places a large emphasis on fiber, then vegetables and fruits. After those, the next greatest emphasis is on fish, not animal meat. The diet also consider nuts and legumes of some importance. Finally, the diet allows people to consume wine once a month or so. The diet is based off those who are considered Mediterranean, where fish and whole grains are easily accessible. This makes sense since the diet stresses the same foods. Another distinction with the Mediterranean Diet is there are obligatory foods within the Diet, allowing some freedom of choice for those that wish to follow it. In fact, it is listed as one of the best diets in 2018.
Why It's So Effective
The Mediterranean Diet is deemed one of the "best" diets for one main reason: its adherence. One can easily follow the Mediterranean Diet because its "rules" are more of guidelines. The diet stresses high fiber and fish, but isn't specific on what foods that are high in these to eat. It simply states to eat foods high in fiber, fish-based protein, and other foods. It also allows for some wine and other alcoholic beverages, thereby allowing you to not feel restrained to eating "healthy".
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The Mediterranean Diet is also effective because of what it stresses. By emphasizing high fiber foods, whole grains, nuts, and a large variety of fruits and vegetables are eaten. High fiber is very beneficial for the body, helping to combat metabolic syndrome and its counterparts, like high cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. Fish-based protein ensures that, when ingesting high protein foods, you aren't consuming large amounts of fats and carbohydrates, especially from red meat. So, the Mediterranean Diet is effective because it isn't restrictive and stresses the most important factors in nutrition.
Following the Mediterranean Diet
As a college student, you'll find this as one of the easiest diets to follow. It doesn't restrict you on what foods to eat, as well as allow some freedom in choosing more "feel good" foods. Although Metz doesn't always serve fish on the main lines, it can usually be found at the Deli. This can also let you eat more vegetables and fruits because you can combine the foods into a sandwich. There are also fruits and vegetables at the salad bar and fruit section, so you can get a large quantity of fiber there. The smoothie station also has whey protein and other protein powder that you can use if you cannot find any fish to consume. This will ensure that you still consume adequate amounts of protein on a daily basis. Chia Seeds are also at the protein station, so you can get even more fiber.
