If you have picked up this book due to curiosity on the Mediterranean diet, then we hope this book will answer all your questions! We have laid out a careful argument for the Mediterranean diet based on scientific research and all the health benefits a person can gain. There may be a few disadvantages as newcomers struggle to adjust, but the health benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. This diet is so easy to follow and allows a large variety of items to be included on the menu. That means more delicious dishes you can make so you don't get bored! The more information you have about the Mediterranean Food Pyramid and what you can and cannot eat, the more you confident you can be when buying ingredients and preparing your meals. It's all about having the knowledge to succeed on this diet and knowing the research studies that will motivate you to continue on this path. Not only will you lose excess weight, but you can improve your overall health and even increase your lifespan to live a more active life! After all, this diet is modeled after the people in the Mediterranean region who tended to eat a plant-based diet, lots of seafood for their protein source, and incorporate physical activity into their day. With the Mediterranean diet, you're following their diet and hoping to gain the many health benefits!

In this book you will find:

• the history of the Mediterranean diet and how the connection regarding the people of the region and their diet was made
• what type of diet and exercise the people of the Mediterranean lived by in order to see the health benefits
• a 7 day sample meal plan with easy recipes you can make for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• a breakdown of what you should eat often, what you should eat rarely, and what you should try to avoid to follow this diet
• the important qualities of extra virgin olive oil which makes it so heart healthy
• why omega 3 fatty acids are so important for the body and how the Mediterranean diet is full of them
• the history of the Mediterranean Food Pyramid that was created in part with the Harvard School of Public Health
• the breakdown of the things you should eat and drink to follow the Mediterranean way of life
• why it's important to moderate the amount of dairy products you're consuming
• how red wine is included in the Mediterranean diet but the warnings that come with it
• what you can expect on the Mediterranean diet so you know what to prepare for as you make the changes
• the many health benefits research has found to be associated with the Mediterranean diet
• how the diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease while increasing the signs of having a healthy heart
• how the Mediterranean diet is believed to set the body with an environment high in antioxidants to fight cancer
• the agility this diet gives you as you age to help you remain physically active without a loss in bone mass or muscle density
• how the Mediterranean may reduce the risk of adult acne and give you younger looking and more firm skin
• disadvantages of the diet in case you are looking for a more strict calorie counting program instead of a general guide on what to eat and not eat
• how to ensure you are not overeating and watching your portion sizes
• how to slowly adjust your diet if you are an avid meat-lover but incorporating more seafood and fish dishes
• what should be included on your Mediterranean diet shopping list including things like whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables, seafood, and fish, beans and legumes
• what you should avoid bringing home from the grocery store such as trans fats, processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined grains and oils
• what factors make the Mediterranean diet so easy to follow and appealing to people looking for a dietary change
• how exercise plays a role in helping yo