Want to Stick to a Healthy Diet? Try Mediterranean

Are you motivated to make some changes to the way you eat so you can live a healthier, longer life? The Mediterranean diet is a top pick from most health experts and doctors. It can promote heart health, regulate blood sugar levels and even help brain function. Not to mention you might feel healthier and even lose some weight.

“Changing the way you eat can be hard. Expensive or extreme diet programs can be effective, but usually not long-lasting,” said Dr. Christine Nguyen, a primary care doctor at Natividad Medical Group Prunedale. “The great thing about the Mediterranean diet is that there aren’t hard and fast rules to follow. Instead, the diet gives guidelines for eating healthfully. That makes it easier to eat better every day — and the diet you’re more likely to stick to is the best one.”

3 Tips for Mediterranean-Style Eating

• EAT: vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, potatoes, whole grains, herbs, spices, fish, seafood and extra virgin olive oil
• EAT IN MODERATION: poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt
• EAT RARELY: red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils and other highly processed foods