So, at the hospital I was reminded much more than I ever thought I could be reminded about healthy eating, watching what foods I eat, that sodium and sugar were not a friend to my health, I should watch what I drink including drinks with alcohol, and that I should look at the Mediterranean Diet. I have heard of this diet but never really dove into what it is. Well that has changed now. I began my research into this diet to learn more about how I could adapt the essence of this diet into my now healthy eating adventure. Many of the websites I looked at were trying to sell menu plans and recipes, or other things Mediterranean. I was not interested in making a purchase, I just wanted to learn more about why this diet was being promoted so heavily to cardiac patients, and probably other patients with other health issues too.
As my research deepened, I found a website that looked like one that was very interesting and informative. This website even noted that the diet is more than just healthy eating. This website presented the Mediterranean Diet not only for tasty and healthy food options, it also included references to cooking methodologies, celebratory occasions and gatherings, cultural traditions, and other activities that need to be incorporated with healthy living. In practice, the Mediterranean Diet is a lifestyle which is important to your health. I have always been a foodie and I like to entertain when the opportunity arises, so this website really intrigued me.
The Mediterranean Diet, for me through finding this website, was now more than just a diet for healthy eating, it was becoming clear that activities and celebrations were also a part of this diet. The idea of celebrating life with family and friends while enjoying tasty eating and drinking some spirits were just what I was looking for. I began to wonder if the doctors, nurses, and specialists were aware of all this diet has to offer beyond what they were telling me. The pyramid of the Mediterranean Diet on this website was also the best one I have found. Graphically, it was right on. I even learned a new word: “Conviviality”. I am going to now share this website in hopes that those reading my story can find a new resource for their healthy eating and potentially new lifestyle changes.
The website is https://dietamediterranea.com/en/ and the website search name is FUNDACION DIETA MEDITERRANEA. The site is also in English. I will also add this link in my Quick Links section. Check it out when you have a chance. I do think it is a good one for healthy lifestyle information.
Also, I was surprised to see that many of the ingredients noted in their recipes were ingredients that I already eat. The downside is that many of the ingredients in this diet my kids will not eat, and my wife prefers a very specific group of fruits and vegetables for her healthy eating journey. My challenge now is to figure out how to eat healthy and satisfy everyone’s very different food requests. The girls want very different menu items so some nights when I am cooking in the kitchen, actually on many nights, I feel like a short order cook on those nights. I look forward to the day when my daughters will explore more healthy food options so I can truly prepare a daily menu that everyone will enjoy.
“If you are practicing any part of the Mediterranean Diet Lifestyle, please share with me in the comments box or by email. I am looking for ideas and encouragement.”