According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average adult in this country feels sleepy thrice a week during the day. There could be many reasons for this and it is a matter that should not be ignored if you are among those who feel sleepy during the day. While insomnia is a major cause along with stress and lack of exercise, improper diet is a factor that is often overlooked. You can eat the foods you love, feel full and still not be getting the nutrition you need to stay active all day. No matter what stage of life you are in, having the energy to do all the things you want to do is a key component for a great quality of life.

Where the Energy Comes From

Unbalanced diets that are high fat – low carb, or the reverse, can leave you feeling tired and restless. A diet that addresses nutritional deficiencies will help you fight fatigue and keep your energy levels high all day. It is universally accepted that the food eaten in the Mediterranean region is the healthiest in the world. It is based on the use of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, lean meats and unsaturated fats. The key components of the cuisine include:

• Lentils
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Whole grains
• Beans
• Whole wheat pasta and bread
• Vegetables and fruits
• Seeds and nuts
• Herbs
• Olive oil and unsaturated fats in place of butter
• Occasional red meat

Eating these foods is not a magical cure-all for all diet-related health issues – no cuisine is. That said, the health benefits that this style of food offers cannot be ignored. Cookbooks and the internet are full of recipes and Mediterranean meal ideas. One of the best things about the cuisine is that the food is so delicious.

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Also Read: Discover the Abundance of Superfoods in the Mediterranean Diet

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Snacking is one of the unhealthiest eating habits in America. Now that it's so ingrained in our food culture, trying to stop it completely is next to impossible. However, Mediterranean food has snacking options that are both tasty and healthy. For example, what about veggie sticks dipped in hummus, falafel wraps, whole-grain crackers with cheese slices, or a trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit to munch on while watching TV?

Adding Mediterranean cuisine to your diet is not hard. The food is easy to prepare and does not involve the use of exotic, costly or hard-to-obtain ingredients. You can begin by searching online for Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine/recipes. Once you find the dishes your family will love, go to a Middle Eastern grocery store where you will be able to find all that you need to dish up great, healthy and delicious food. If you live in or near San Mateo CA, Aladdin Gourmet is the place for you. This is a specialized Middle Eastern/Mediterranean grocery where you will find what you are looking for and you can interact with helpful and knowledgeable staff who can give you the help and guidance you may require to get what you want. There is also a deli from where you can pick up what you need for either a whole meal or just a few dishes to supplement your Mediterranean deli menu. Ordering online is another option available.

Until you have tried Mediterranean cuisine, you won’t know what you are missing.

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