Obesity is becoming an increasingly common problem across the world. Our modern sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits are to blame for this situation. There is, however, one part of the world where the problem of being obese and consequently unhealthy, is less prevalent. That is the Mediterranean region. It is not that the people here are metabolically different from others or that they are more active. The key difference is the healthiness of the diet which is delicious and at the same time helps control body weight.

One of the most difficult parts of dieting to lose weight is having to give up on flavor, eating very small portions and not eating the food you have grown up with. If this describes your situation, there is an easy way around this weight loss obstacle. Switch to a Mediterranean diet, or if that is too extreme, add Mediterranean dishes to your food plan. You will find that this tasty and healthy diet is also great for weight loss.

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Also Read: Hummus Is Great for Your Health

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Fresh and Whole Foods

What makes the Mediterranean diet so good is the way it is based on the use of whole grains, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and low-cholesterol oils along with healthy cooking techniques like baking, roasting and grilling. All nutritionists agree that this is a healthy way to eat. The people of the Mediterranean region, for whom this is a natural way of eating, are among the healthiest people on the planet. From the famous traditional tabbouleh to the best kebabs, this food is where flavor meets health.

Besides its effectiveness in weight loss, the other major selling point of this diet is that it is low-stress and sustainable. That means that living on this type of food does not leave you feeling hungry and dissatisfied so continuing with it is not an issue and there is rarely a desire to return to previous unhealthy eating habits. Mediterranean food satisfies most food cravings. Moderate amounts of red wine can be consumed along with a Mediterranean meal without any adverse effects.

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Also Read: Great Food that’s Also Very Healthy

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Scientific Proof

U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the Mediterranean diet as being the best overall diet and among the top weight loss diets. Few, if any other diets, can claim this status. The respected journal Nutrition and Diabetes conducted a huge study involving over 30,000 participants over 12 years and found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of being overweight or obese as compared to others who did not. Another study by the American Journal of Medicine found that the Mediterranean diet with its manifold benefits produced similar results to diets that focused specifically on weight loss at the expense of flavor, quantity and variety. 

The Mediterranean diet is a great way to lose weight while ensuring satiety. The healthy ingredients, preparation techniques and the use of lots of fish, vegetables, fruits, olives, nuts and more ensure great taste. This is not a miracle diet (they do not exist) and it requires eating sensibly and getting enough exercise. That said, this cuisine is a highly effective way to lose weight without stress and to keep off unwanted weight in the future. Mediterranean food is easy to prepare at home. All the ingredients you may need are available at specialty Mediterranean grocery stores and delis like Aladdin Gourmet in the Bay Area.

Kunafeh | The delicious middle eastern dessert 

 

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