The Mediterranean diet has been trending for years. But it’s no fly-by-night fad. The Mediterranean diet isn’t just a social media phenomenon — it’s topped the list of expert-recommended food plans for decades. That’s because eating a Mediterranean diet isn’t based on short-term weight loss results — it’s a way of eating that can shift your relationship to food entirely.
That being said, there is substantial evidence that the Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight. One study found that individuals who followed the Mediterranean diet for five years had lower abdominal fat and were less likely to gain weight than those who did not. But that doesn’t meant that you have to wait five years to see a difference! Another study found that people who followed the Mediterranean diet for a year lost as much as twice the weight as people who followed a low-carb diet.
For a lot of people, though, the Mediterranean diet isn’t an eating plan so much as it is a way of life. In fact, this style of eating really is a way of life in the places that border the Mediterranean Sea — like Greece. Since these locales are lush and tropical — great for agriculture — most of the foods included in the Mediterranean diet are plant-based foods.
The Mediterranean diet is packed with vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Many Mediterranean meals include some pasta and a healthy glug of extra virgin olive oil. Although it isn’t intended to be a weight-loss plan, following the Mediterranean diet can be an accessible and sustainable way to lose weight. Here’s how to use the Mediterranean diet to lose weight and why it works.
Why the Mediterranean diet may help you lose weight
The types of foods included on the Mediterranean diet are both healthful and beneficial for weight loss. Since it’s a plant-centered diet, it’s high in fiber, and studies suggest that eating plenty of fiber may aid in weight loss and help you stick to your diet. A review of findings from…
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