The food that we eat is one of the most important choices we can make to affect our health. We know that we must eat healthy to live our healthiest life.
But where do we start? Which of the many diets do we follow? Does this reduce us to a life of eating quinoa and steamed kale every day? Do we have to become reclusive in our eating habits and give up the joy of eating?
If we listen to research and generations of culture, the answer is a resounding NO!
Eating is one of the joys of life! Food should be delicious and bring people together for a delightful experience. It is an important aspect of our quality of life, our social health and our happiness. Our food should be healthy and nourishing, a sustainable pleasure that builds our daily wellness. Who has been achieving this for generations?
The Mediterranean Diet is famously known to promote health and prevent disease. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that Americans follow the Mediterranean Diet and it has won the gold medal as 2019’s best overall diet by US News and World Report. The diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and extra virgin olive oil. It is high in fiber, lignans, flavonoids (including health-promoting polyphenols) and healthy fats. It has many health benefits including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases and cancer.
In one important clinical trial, the Mediterranean Diet was shown to decrease the risk of having a cardiovascular event by 30%, of developing diabetes by 52% and of developing breast cancer by 68% compared to those following a general low-fat diet.
In addition to being delicious and healthy, the Mediterranean Diet is simple, easy to learn and incorporate into our lives and the lives of our families.
The Mediterranean lifestyle complements our eating habits to nurture contentment, a sense of well-being and vigorous health. The principle tenets of the Mediterranean lifestyle are to be physically active, having regular social interaction and periods of rest.
Where can we learn this simple diet and lifestyle? Why not go to the source?
Join naturopathic medicine doctor and international speaker on the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle Dr. Michelle Qaqundah for a week of Mediterranean living, Tuscan excursions and a hands-on culinary experience!
A place at the table is set and waiting for you!
For more information regarding the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, please read Dr. Qaqundah's review article in the Natural Medicine Journal "Mediterranean Diet for Cancer Prevention" or follow her Blog and Facebook page for articles, pictures and more!