Go Greek!

Don't worry: I am not here to recruit you into a fist-pumping, binge drinking, toga-wearing lifestyle.
I'm referring to the Mediterranean Food Pyramid.


You may [or may not] have noticed the recent changes in the American Food Pyramid: like the fact that its no longer a pyramid, perhaps? Our American government decided to give our dietary guidelines a make-over. We in America now have the "Choose My Plate" format, where vegetables and grains are the dominant portions on the plate, fruits and proteins look almost identical, and dairy is segregated into a corner. While this format looks trendy and [let's face it], like a dumbed-down version to help the everyday Joe and Jill Schmoe get the picture, it leaves something to be desired. So, my nutrition and food lovers, I urge you to Go Greek; [or to be more politically correct when it comes to the pyramid], MEDITERRANEAN.

As you can see, the Mediterranean Food Pyramid [let's call it the MFP], stresses daily physical activity as the foundation of a healthy diet. However, these days I myself am lucky if I have time to get to the gym. Aside from that, notice how it's separated into daily, weekly and monthly increments? BRILLIANT! It's easy to use and comprehend [like the Choose My Plate], but unlike C.M.P., it actually shows you a breakdown of foods instead of a colored-in shape on a plate.


The MFP sheds light onto what creates a healthy diet: Mostly grains, a fair amount of fruits and vegetables, plant proteins, healthy fats, water, and a glass of red wine a few times a week. [It's good for heart health and has some antioxidants] Notice how meat should only be eaten monthly, and not daily? It seems blasphemous for most Americans, but, I hate to break it to you: while red meats have great components such as protein and iron, they also contain carcinogens [cancer causing agents],  fat, cholesterol and more often than not, hormones and antibiotics. [Unless you eat organic]. You'll see how fish is the primary carnivorous source of protein, and for good reason. Fish is low fat, high in protein and contains Omega-3 fatty acids [the component that keeps our hearts and brains healthy. Fish is also a great source of minerals and the elusive Vitamin D.


I was first introduced to the MFP my sophomore year at Johnson & Wales during my lifespan nutrition course. Maybe it was the guilt of my freshman 15 talking in my brain, but the M.P. just made sense. When you follow the MFP, you feel good about what you're eating; but you have to do it right. French-fries do not count as potatoes! You don't need to "Go Greek" religiously, but I recommend you try it. If you need some test-trial  reassurance, find your nearest [authentic] Mediterranean restaurant, and order a vegetarian entree, or a seafood entree. The Mediterranean cuisine is full of fresh flavors and food that you'll actually feel good about after eating it. But remember: following the MFP doesn't mean you have to make Mediterranean foods. You can follow the MFP for practically any cuisine you crave.


Hungry for more information? Check out the links below.


The Old Ways
Mediterranean Diet Info
Eating Well Mediterranean Recipes