The Food
Why is the Mediterranean diet so effective?
Why is the Mediterranean diet so effective?
Research shows that a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean-Style Diet has unique power not just to restore your body’s ability to reach its ideal weight and stay there, but also to cut your risk of serious disease. As one of the most studied and healthiest diets in the world – it is at the heart of all we do.
All of the recipes included in The Fast 800 online programme are based around the Mediterranean Style diet.
The Mediterranean-style low carb approach is a low sugar diet, low in starchy, easily digestible carbs, but packed full of disease-fighting vitamins and flavonoids. It is rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, fruit and vegetables, and it also contains lots of delicious foods that over the years we have been told not to eat, such as full fat yoghurt and eggs. Avoiding sugary and starchy carbs helps control your blood sugar levels, and eating adequate amounts of protein and healthy fats will keep you feeling fuller for longer. No longer is healthy eating about starvation.
Although it is derived from the eating habits of people living in Mediterranean countries, you can apply the principles of Med-style eating to a wide range of different cuisines, from Chinese or Indian through to Mexican or Scandanavian.
The Mediterranean Style Diet succeeds where other diets fail because it isn’t just about eating less of the wrong foods – it’s about eating more of the right foods. Not only will these foods keep you feeling full, they offer important nutrients and vitamins and taste delicious.
However, there are certain foods to look out for as well:
There is extensive evidence for the benefit of the Mediterranean style low carb diet, including cutting your risk of heart disease and diabetes. It has even been found to reduce risk the risk of breast cancer, compared with those on a low-fat diet. Consuming extra virgin olive oil (the fresh squeezed juice of olives) seems to be particularly beneficial when it comes to cancer, perhaps because it contains compounds such as polyphenols which are known to be anti-inflammatory.