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Is the Mediterranean Diet Italian?
by Elizabeth Trementozzi Just hearing the simple words, Mediterranean diet, conjure up images of bright, colorful, flavorful and delicious recipes served somewhere along the Mediterranean Sea. One country which is very familiar to the Mediterranean diet is Italy. But is the Mediterranean Diet Italian? The answer is, in a way yes and no. This diet is more about eating principles not specific rules. The Italians happen to eat like this anyway and offer us a good blueprint to follow. This article will address the basic principles of this popular diet. The Mediterranean diet is not about counting calories. It's not about having a food chart on your refrigerator. It's not even a diet that says you can't eat what doesn't taste good, or require you to follow rules of deprivation. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy diet. It is also a well balanced diet. When you think Italian, or even Mediterranean, images of people who love food should be what comes to your mind. So how difficult can it be to follow their lead? Let's start by following a few principles:
Red Meat
If you tend to eat a lot of red meat, even just three hamburgers a day, you will need to cut this back to no more than one time a week. Don't worry, this is probably the hardest part for those following the diet who love meat.
Beans
Beans can be easily incorporated into your recipes by adding them the pasta dishes, pasta salads, stews, soups, and salads.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Keep in mind you can freeze summer vegetables to use in the wintertime, such as zucchini, squash, blueberries, and strawberries. You can also freeze herbs such as basil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, among others.
Grains
Seafood
Low Amounts of Dairy
Following some of these basic principles you will be well on your way to following a Mediterranean diet without feeling like you are on a diet. For all you know, you just may be following a Mediterranean diet without even realizing it. Perhaps you just simply need to make a few tweaks to what and how much you are already consuming. Either way, this is one diet which everyone can enjoy.
About the author: This article was contributed by SimpleItalianCooking an Italian cooking website featuring recipes and reviews on Italian products like the Delonghi gelato machine and the Cuisinart dough mixer.
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