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3 Unbelievably Easy Ways to Start Eating the Mediterranean Diet

04/04/2018 - 06:59 AM

The Mediterranean diet [1] is without question one of the healthiest ways to eat [2]; it's one of the best diets for weight loss [3], and it might help you live longer [4]! But before you overhaul your entire diet, we have some quick tips to get you started. Maggie Moon, MS, RDN [5] at Pom Wonderful [6], shared three of the simplest ways you can eat more Mediterranean — almost zero effort required.

Swap Rice and Quinoa For Farro

Have you tried farro [7] yet? Moon refers to it as "10-minute farro." According to the dietitian, "It's a quick and easy gateway to this Italian whole grain. Like the name suggests, it cooks up in 10 minutes and can be tossed with chopped dates, pistachios, pomegranate arils, red onions, cooked chicken, and mint or parsley for a complete one-dish meal." YUM.

Stock Up on Grab-n-Go Mediterranean Snacks

Keep healthy Mediterranean foods on hand that are easy to grab, and you'll have one less thing to think about as you clean up your diet. Consider fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and other whole, plant-based foods. "Stock your fridge and pantry with Mediterranean staples like pistachios and 100 percent pomegranate juice [8]," says Moon. "They happen to make a simple, healthy, and great-tasting snack pairing that also boasts plant protein, healthy fats, and polyphenol antioxidants."

Cook With Olive Oil

While coconut oil remains a tad controversial [9], heart-healthy EVOO [10] has been a healthy Mediterranean staple for centuries. "Make olive oil your main cooking oil," suggests Moon. "A favourite breakfast in Spain is pan con tomate, which you can approximate at home with good-quality whole-grain bread, ripe tomatoes, and olive oil seasoned with salt and pepper or your favourite herbs." Sounds like an ideal toast breakfast, honestly.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/Mediterranean-Diet-Tips-44720795