Last week at our Heart Healthy Cooking Class we were introduced to the Mediterranean Diet by Toni our dietitian. I have been trying to get in my four vegetables and four fruits a day. I'm more conscious of eating them because of this new plan. I love vegetables but usually don't eat enough fruit. I'm trying to get in on the end of the year melon before it's not good any more.

Toni told us that the largest part of this food pyramid is Fruits, Vegetables, and Grains. The Grains should be mostly whole grain, Olive oil, Beans, Nuts, Legumes and Seeds, Herbs and Spices. Bread in this region is usually eaten without butter or margarine. We are supposed to base every meal on these foods.

The next largest part is fish and seafood. These people eat a lot more fish than we do. We need to eat fish at least two times per week.

The next part is Poultry and Eggs use moderate portions, every two days or weekly. The same part is Cheese and Yogurt: use moderate portions daily to weekly.

The tip of the pyramid is Meats and Sweets. We need to eat these less often.

Toni told us to basically have a grain, a fruit, and a protein for Breakfast. For Lunch and Dinner you should have a Protein, Grain/Starch, Vegetable, Salad , Fruit.

I've been trying Garlic Hummus for lunch with TLC crackers and fruit some days. I like hummus.

Toni also said the people are also very physically active. They walk to most places to shop, meet friends, etc.

Toni also gave us the 5 P's of changing eating habits. Pain, Patience, Progress, Persevere, and last but not least Pleasure. It takes alto of patience to get to Pleasure.

I wish the Mediterranean Diet would take me away to an island with a beach. Maybe I'll be in good enough shape to wear a great swimsuit by then.
Thanks, Toni

Blessings,
Laurie