Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2009)

Sometimes life is just unfair. Not only do Mediterraneans boast some of the world’s richest cultures, loveliest weather and most spectacular landscapes, but researchers also tell us this region has possibly the healthiest cuisine. It’s known as the Mediterranean diet.

Fortunately, even those living a world away can embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle by consuming foods in the tradition of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, particularly Greece, Italy and Spain.

“Here in Colorado we can enjoy a Mediterranean style of eating while emphasizing our own unique local foods,” says Dianne Moeller, registered dietitian at the Health District of Northern Larimer County.

The Mediterranean diet is indeed characterized by healthy, locally grown foods — particularly fruits, vegetables, grains and olive oil — as well as “a way of eating that encompasses a love of eating.” For many Mediterraneans, eating is more than simply consuming food — it’s part of a complete lifestyle infused with ample amounts of social and physical activity.
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“One of the things many of us love about Colorado is the opportunity for an active outdoor lifestyle, which fits perfectly with this concept,” Moeller says.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes consumption of foods from plant sources, including fruits, vegetables, grains, olives and olive oil, beans, nuts, seeds, legumes, herbs and spices. Other integral though less emphasized components of the diet are fish and seafood; poultry and eggs; and cheese and yogurt. Meats and sweets are sparingly included, and the diet also emphasizes drinking plenty of water as well as modest amounts of red wine for adults. Fats come primarily from healthy oils such as olive oil, canola oil and fish oil.

Research has shown that people who follow the Mediterranean diet can experience more ideal body weight, blood pressure and levels of blood fats, blood sugar and insulin — health benefits associated with a longer life expectancy. Research is also being done on the Mediterranean diet’s potential benefit to brain health.

For more information on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, go online to Oldways, www.oldwayspt.org, publisher of a fascinating “Mediterranean Diet Pyramid.” Or visit your local library for a great selection of magazines and cookbooks featuring articles and recipes for the Mediterranean diet