A dietitian visiting Greece found inspiration in the Mediterranean diet. This diet is known for its health benefits and tasty fresh foods, focusing on lean proteins, seafood, vegetables, and whole grains. It aims to reduce the intake of highly processed foods.
Living in the US, especially in the South, makes it challenging to fully adopt this diet due to different food cultures. In Greece, the diet is part of daily life. On a visit, the dietitian enjoyed fresh dishes with olive oil and wine.
This experience led to some new habits. Now, the dietitian includes salads at breakfast, contributing to the recommended intake of vegetables and fiber. Honey, though an added sugar, is used modestly to make nutritious dishes more appealing, as it provides some nutrients.
Grilled sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury, have also become a favorite. In Greece, they are prepared with herbs and lemon, offering a flavorful alternative to canned sardines.
A small glass of wine with dinner is now a little luxury, promoting social dining and fitting well within the Mediterranean diet’s guidelines. Finally, grilled calamari is a new addition, providing lean protein and omega-3s. This method is healthier and tastier than fried versions. The dietitian finds these changes easy to include in their life back in the US.
